Hey y’all! If you’re craving an elegant seafood dinner that’s surprisingly easy to pull off, this Baked Lobster Tails Recipe is your new go-to. Buttery, tender, and packed with flavor, these lobster tails make any dinner feel like a special occasion—whether it’s date night, the holidays, or just because you deserve a treat. They’re quick to prep, look fancy on the plate, and taste absolutely divine. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This
- Restaurant-quality lobster at home—no chef skills required!
- Ready in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights or last-minute entertaining.
- The rich garlic-butter topping melts into every bite for irresistible flavor.
- Pairs perfectly with your favorite sides or as an impressive surf-and-turf addition.
- Simple ingredient list and easy-to-follow steps eliminate any intimidation about cooking lobster!
Ingredients
- 2 lobster tails (5-6 ounces each)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Directions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Butterfly the Lobster Tails
- Using kitchen scissors, cut down the center of each lobster shell lengthwise, stopping just before the tail fan. Carefully spread the shell open and gently lift the lobster meat over the shell, leaving the base attached. Rest the meat on top of the shell.
Step 3: Make Garlic Butter
- In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and chopped parsley.
Step 4: Brush & Bake
- Place the prepared lobster tails on the baking sheet. Brush generously with the garlic butter mixture, making sure to coat all exposed meat. Reserve a little sauce for serving.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the meat is opaque and the edges begin to brown lightly. For extra color, broil for the last 1-2 minutes—but keep a close eye so they don’t overcook.
Step 5: Serve
- Remove from the oven, drizzle with remaining garlic butter, and garnish with extra parsley and lemon wedges. Serve immediately!
Notes
- Opt for fresh or high-quality frozen lobster tails for best taste and texture.
- If lobster tails are frozen, thaw completely overnight in the fridge before preparing.
- Don’t overbake—the lobster is done as soon as it’s opaque and slightly firm to the touch.
Variations
- Spicy Cajun: Add 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning to the butter mixture.
- Herb & Citrus: Mix in a teaspoon of finely chopped chives and zest of one lemon.
- Parmesan Crust: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese over the lobster before baking.
Required Equipment
- Kitchen scissors
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or foil
- Small mixing bowl
- Basting brush
Storage Instructions
- Store leftover baked lobster tails in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- To reheat, cover and gently warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven until just heated through—avoid microwaving to prevent rubbery texture.
Serving Recommendations
- Serve with garlic butter rice, roasted asparagus, or crisp green salad.
- For a surf-and-turf meal, pair with grilled steak and a glass of chilled white wine or champagne.
Pro Tips
- Use a sharp pair of kitchen scissors to avoid cracking the shell unevenly.
- Let the lobster tails sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before baking for more even cooking.
- Add a splash of white wine under the lobster tails on the baking sheet for extra moisture and flavor.
FAQ
How do I know when baked lobster tails are done?
The meat will turn opaque and firm, and the internal temperature should be 140–145°F (60–63°C).
Can I bake lobster tails from frozen?
It’s best to fully thaw lobster tails before baking for even cooking and optimal texture.
How big should lobster tails be for this recipe?
5–6 ounce tails work perfectly, but adjust baking time slightly for larger or smaller tails.
Ingredients
- 2 lobster tails (5-6 ounces each)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
-
1Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
-
2Using kitchen scissors, cut down the center of each lobster shell lengthwise, stopping just before the tail fan. Carefully spread the shell open and gently lift the lobster meat over the shell, leaving the base attached. Rest the meat on top of the shell.
-
3In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and chopped parsley.
-
4Place the prepared lobster tails on the baking sheet. Brush generously with the garlic butter mixture, making sure to coat all exposed meat. Reserve a little sauce for serving.
-
5Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the meat is opaque and the edges begin to brown lightly. For extra color, broil for the last 1-2 minutes—but keep a close eye so they don’t overcook.
-
6Remove from the oven, drizzle with remaining garlic butter, and garnish with extra parsley and lemon wedges. Serve immediately!
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
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Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
350 caloriescal
Protein:
32gg
Fat:
23gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
3gg
Fiber:
0g
Sugar:
0g
Net Carbs:
0g
Vitamin A:
0
Vitamin C:
0mg
Calcium:
0mg
Iron:
0mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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