1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. If using live lobsters, carefully place them into the boiling water and cook for 8-10 minutes until bright red and cooked through. Remove and set aside to cool slightly. (If using pre-cooked lobster meat, skip this step.)
2. Once cool enough to handle, remove lobster meat from shells, keeping it in large chunks where possible. This is one of my favourite parts—it feels a bit like unveiling a treasure every time.
3. In a small bowl, mix together smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, black pepper, and sugar if using. This spice blend is the heart of the recipe—aromatic and full of personality, much like the kitchens I grew up in.
4. Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until melted and shimmering.
5. Add the spice blend to the butter and oil, stirring constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant. You’ll want to watch closely here—too long and the spices can burn, but just right, and your kitchen will smell like a cosy corner of the bayou.
6. Gently fold in the lobster meat, coating it evenly with the spiced butter mixture. Cook for 3-4 minutes, just until heated through and the lobster is glossy and tender. Keep the heat moderate to avoid toughening the delicate meat.
7. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. This final touch brightens the dish, much like a warm Devon summer morning after a night of rain.
8. Serve immediately, spooning the lobster and buttery sauce over your chosen side or simply with crusty bread to soak up every last drop.

One of my fondest kitchen memories is the first time I made this dish for a small gathering of friends. The laughter, the clinking of glasses, and the way everyone leaned in to taste the lobster made the whole room feel like a little sanctuary. That’s the magic I hope you find with this recipe.