Hey y’all! If you’re looking to make a stunning dinner that feels downright luxurious but is totally doable at home, this Lobster Tail Recipe is just what you need. Juicy, succulent lobster tails with a melt-in-your-mouth, buttery finish are perfect for special occasions, dinner parties, or adding a splash of elegance to any meal. It’s easier than you might think, and the result is sure to wow your family or guests. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Lobster Tail Recipe
- Ready in just 30 minutes for quick weeknight or celebration dinners.
- No fancy tools needed—just simple ingredients for gourmet results.
- Rich, sweet lobster meat paired with savory garlic butter sauce.
- Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to something special.
- Versatile enough for holidays, at-home date nights, or backyard feasts.
Ingredients for Lobster Tail Recipe
- 2 lobster tails (5-6 oz each, thawed if frozen)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Directions: Step-by-Step Lobster Tail Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Lobster Tails
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Place the oven rack in the center position. (Reference for prepping lobster tails)
- Using kitchen shears, cut the top side of each lobster shell lengthwise down the middle, starting at the thick end and stopping just before the tail fin. Be careful not to cut the meat.
- Gently pull the shell apart to expose the lobster meat. Lift the meat out and lay it over the shell, keeping it attached at the base.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture
- In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Brush half of this buttery mixture generously over the lobster meat.
Step 3: Bake the Lobster Tails
- Place lobster tails on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the lobster meat is opaque and slightly firm to the touch (internal temperature should reach 140°F/60°C).
- After baking, brush with remaining garlic butter and broil for an additional 1-2 minutes for golden tops, if desired.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
- Transfer lobster tails to plates, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes for Success in this Lobster Tail Recipe
- Pat lobster tails dry before baking for better browning and texture.
- Don’t overcook—lobster can get rubbery if baked too long. Use a thermometer for accuracy (see why here).
- Thaw frozen lobster tails overnight in the fridge for best results.
Lobster Tail Recipe Variations
- Spicy Lobster Tails: Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper to the butter mixture.
- Herb-Crusted Lobster Tails: Mix in chopped fresh thyme and basil before baking.
- Grilled Lobster Tails: Grill at medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes, brushing with garlic butter as they cook.
Required Equipment for This Lobster Tail Recipe
- Kitchen shears
- Basting brush
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil
- Instant-read thermometer (recommended)
Storage & Shelf Life: Lobster Tail Recipe
Refrigerate cooked lobster tails in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For best taste and texture, reheat gently in a covered dish at 300°F (150°C) until just warmed through. Freezing cooked lobster is not recommended, as it may turn rubbery.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings for Lobster Tail Recipe
- Serve alongside buttery mashed potatoes or roasted baby potatoes.
- Pair with crisp white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc), Champagne, or a citrusy mocktail.
- Complete the meal with a bright green salad or steamed asparagus tips.
Pro Tips for the Best Lobster Tail Recipe
- Remove lobster tails from the oven just as they turn opaque to avoid overcooking. See more expert tips here.
- If broiling, keep a close eye—lobster cooks fast under direct heat!
- For extra richness, drizzle with additional melted butter right before serving.
Lobster Tail Recipe FAQ
- Can I use frozen lobster tails for this recipe?
- Yes! Thaw them overnight in the fridge before preparing for best flavor and texture.
- How do I know when lobster tails are cooked through?
- The meat will turn white and opaque, and an instant-read thermometer should read 140°F (60°C).
- Can I double this Lobster Tail Recipe?
- Absolutely—just make sure not to crowd the baking sheet to ensure even cooking.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 lobster tails (about 6 ounces each)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
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1Preheat the broiler to high and position the oven rack 6 inches from the heat source.
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2Using kitchen shears, carefully cut the top shell of each lobster tail down the center and gently pull the meat upward, resting it on top of the shell.
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3In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
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4Generously brush the lobster meat with the seasoned butter mixture.
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5Broil the lobster tails for 10–12 minutes or until the meat is opaque and lightly browned, basting once with additional butter halfway through.
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6Serve immediately with lemon wedges and extra melted butter if desired.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
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Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
210 caloriescal
Protein:
28gg
Fat:
10gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
2gg
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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