Baked Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter

Baked Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter is a luxurious yet simple dish that brings restaurant-quality elegance to your dinner table. Tender, juicy lobster meat is baked to perfection and drizzled with a rich, buttery garlic sauce—ideal for special occasions or a romantic dinner at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is impressively elegant yet surprisingly easy to make. The garlic butter enhances the sweet, delicate flavor of the lobster without overwhelming it. It’s perfect for celebrations like Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, holidays, or anytime you want to treat yourself or someone special. Plus, it takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Lobster tails
• Unsalted butter
• Garlic (minced)
• Lemon juice
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

directions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Using kitchen shears, cut the top of the lobster shell down the center and pull the meat out, resting it on top of the shell for presentation.
3. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Place the prepared lobster tails in a baking dish and brush generously with the garlic butter mixture.
5. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the lobster meat is opaque and slightly firm to the touch.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 2–4 servings, depending on the size of the tails.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 12–15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the butter for a spicy kick.
• Substitute clarified butter (ghee) for a more intense buttery flavor.
• Add grated Parmesan to the butter sauce for a richer taste.
• Use herb-infused butter with thyme or rosemary for an aromatic twist.
• Serve over pasta, rice, or alongside a filet mignon for surf and turf.

storage/reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
To reheat, place the lobster tails in a baking dish with a bit of butter or broth, cover with foil, and warm in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the meat rubbery.

FAQs

How do I know when lobster is done baking?

The lobster meat should be opaque and firm, with an internal temperature of 140–145°F.

Can I use frozen lobster tails?

Yes, but be sure to fully thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.

Do I have to butterfly the lobster tails?

Butterflying helps the meat cook evenly and makes for a beautiful presentation, but it’s not required.

What should I serve with baked lobster tails?

They pair well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, pasta, or a crisp salad.

Can I grill instead of bake?

Yes, lobster tails can be grilled for 8–10 minutes over medium heat, brushing with garlic butter as they cook.

Can I use pre-cooked lobster tails?

It’s best to use raw tails, but if using pre-cooked, reduce baking time to 5–6 minutes to avoid overcooking.

How do I make the garlic butter ahead of time?

You can make the garlic butter up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently before use.

What kind of butter is best?

Use high-quality unsalted butter for the best flavor control.

Can I add white wine to the garlic butter?

Yes, a splash of white wine adds depth to the sauce—just simmer for a minute to cook off the alcohol.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free as long as no flour-based sides are added.

Conclusion

Baked Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter is an easy yet elegant dish that delivers indulgent flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re celebrating something special or simply indulging in a gourmet meal at home, this recipe makes lobster approachable and absolutely unforgettable.

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