Name: Garlic Butter Baked Lobster Tails Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 lobster tails (about 5–6 ounces each); 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted); 4 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 1 teaspoon paprika; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped); Salt and black pepper to taste; Lemon wedges for serving

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If you want to treat yourself or impress someone special, Garlic Butter Baked Lobster Tails are a truly memorable way to do it. Each succulent tail bursts with sweet, tender lobster meat coated in a rich, garlicky butter sauce, brightened with fresh lemon and just a sprinkle of herbs. Incredibly elegant but surprisingly easy to make, this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen. Whether it’s for a special dinner, celebration, or because you deserve a little luxury, Garlic Butter Baked Lobster Tails guarantee a show-stopping centerpiece for your table.

Garlic Butter Baked Lobster Tails Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Part of the magic of Garlic Butter Baked Lobster Tails is just how approachable the ingredients list is. Each component is thoughtfully chosen, contributing something special to the final dish, whether it’s enhancing flavor, texture, or presentation.

Lobster Tails: The star of the show! Fresh or thawed tails are best for that sweet, succulent taste.
Unsalted Butter: Melts into the meat, ensuring every bite is rich and luxurious, with just the right amount of creaminess.
Garlic (minced): Brings an aromatic punch and signature savory depth to the sauce.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and cuts through the richness for a beautifully balanced flavor.
Lemon Zest: Infuses the butter with fragrant citrus oils that sing through every bite.
Paprika: A subtle smokiness and warm color that makes your lobster tails look and taste irresistible.
Fresh Parsley (chopped): For a pop of color and a pleasant, herbal note that pairs perfectly with seafood.
Salt and Black Pepper: Simple, essential seasonings that let the natural flavors shine.
Lemon Wedges: Squeezed over just before serving for extra zing and freshness.

How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Lobster Tails

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by heating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is perfect for roasting the lobster quickly, locking in moisture and flavor. While the oven preheats, gently pat your lobster tails dry so they’ll roast up beautifully instead of steaming.

Step 2: Butterfly the Lobster Tails

Cautiously grab a pair of sturdy kitchen shears and cut down the top of each shell lengthwise, stopping just before the tail fin. Slip your thumbs underneath and gently lift the meat, resting it on top of the shell but keeping it connected at the base. It’s a small touch, but it helps the tails cook evenly and gives that classic, “fancy restaurant” presentation.

Step 3: Mix the Garlic Butter

In a small bowl, stir together your melted butter, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. You’ll notice how the aroma wakes up the kitchen instantly. This mixture is the heart of our Garlic Butter Baked Lobster Tails, blanketing every bite with irresistible flavor.

Step 4: Brush and Bake

Arrange your prepared lobster tails on a baking sheet. Use a pastry brush to lavishly coat the exposed meat with your garlic butter mixture, saving a little for post-baking. Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, depending on tail size. You’re looking for opaque, tender meat. If you love a slightly golden top, switch the oven to broil for the final 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Once baked to perfection, remove the lobster from the oven. Brush on the reserved garlic butter and bring lemon wedges to the table for spritzing. This is the moment when all the anticipation pays off. Serve while hot and watch faces light up!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Baked Lobster Tails

Garnishes

Sprinkle a few pinches of extra fresh parsley over the lobster tails just before serving. Add thin lemon wheels or wedges to the platter for an elegant touch and a customizable hint of citrus. If you want a little dramatic flair, a dusting of paprika makes your Garlic Butter Baked Lobster Tails truly restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

These lobster tails love a simple, buttery rice pilaf, angel hair pasta tossed in olive oil, or roasted seasonal vegetables. A crisp green salad works wonders for balancing out the richness, and don’t forget crusty bread to soak up every bit of garlicky butter left on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

You don’t have to be a chef to wow your guests. Plate each tail over a bed of greens, or pair two tails together with a fan of lemon slices for a dinner-party drama. For special occasions, serve Garlic Butter Baked Lobster Tails family-style, arranged on a large platter with scattered herbs and edible flowers for a vibrant, celebratory look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Garlic Butter Baked Lobster Tails, let them cool to room temperature before storing. Place in an airtight container and refrigerate. Enjoy within two days for best taste and texture—lobster is always at its prime when fresh.

Freezing

While lobster can be frozen, it’s best to freeze only the cooked meat (not in the shell) for smoother reheating. Wrap the lobster meat in parchment paper, place it in a resealable bag, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.

Reheating

To reheat, place the lobster tails (or meat) in a covered dish with a splash of melted butter or lemon juice to keep them moist. Warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 8 to 10 minutes. Take care not to overheat—gentle warming is key to keeping the meat tender.

FAQs

Can I use frozen lobster tails for Garlic Butter Baked Lobster Tails?

Absolutely. Just be sure to fully thaw them overnight in the fridge first, so they cook evenly and turn out juicy and flavorful. Pat them dry thoroughly before prepping.

How do I know when the lobster tails are fully cooked?

The meat should be opaque and white all the way through, with no translucent spots. A quick test: the internal temperature should reach 140–145°F (60–63°C) if you’re using a thermometer.

Could I make Garlic Butter Baked Lobster Tails on the grill instead?

Yes, grilling adds a gorgeous smoky edge! After preparing and butterflying the lobster, place them meat-side up on a preheated grill over medium-high heat, brushing with garlic butter, and grill for 8–10 minutes.

What can I add for extra flavor?

Try a pinch of cayenne for heat, a shake of Old Bay for classic seafood flair, or swap parsley for fresh chives for a twist. Feel free to infuse your garlic butter with a dash of white wine for another layer of complexity.

Are Garlic Butter Baked Lobster Tails gluten free?

Yes, this delightful dish is naturally gluten free, making it a wonderful option for gluten sensitive guests without any recipe adjustments needed.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever wanted to make a stunning seafood dinner that wows without hours of work, Garlic Butter Baked Lobster Tails are truly the answer. They deliver on flavor, drama, and simplicity. Don’t be surprised if you start finding reasons to bring this recipe out for both weeknights and celebrations—your table will thank you!

Garlic Butter Baked Lobster Tails Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich flavors of garlic butter baked lobster tails with this easy-to-follow recipe. Perfect for a special dinner or any time you crave a luxurious seafood dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Lobster Tails:

4 lobster tails (about 5–6 ounces each)

Garlic Butter Mixture:

1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
Salt and black pepper to taste

Serving:

Lemon wedges for serving

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Prepare Lobster Tails: Using kitchen shears, cut the top shell of each lobster tail lengthwise down the middle. Pull the meat upward and rest it on top of the shell, keeping it attached at the base.
Make Garlic Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Brush and Bake: Brush the butter mixture over the lobster meat. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until cooked through.
Final Touch: Remove from the oven, brush with more garlic butter, and serve hot with lemon wedges.