Here’s a Baked Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter recipe that’s elegant, flavorful, and perfect for any special occasion—or even just a treat at home!
Ingredients:
- 4 lobster tails (frozen or fresh)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (or juice from 1/2 lemon)
- 1 tsp lemon zest (optional for extra zing)
- 1 tsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1/2 tsp dried parsley)
- 1/4 tsp paprika (for color and a touch of flavor)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Lobster Tails:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- If your lobster tails are frozen, thaw them in the refrigerator for several hours, or you can place them under cold running water for quicker thawing.
- To prepare the lobster tails, use kitchen scissors to cut down the top of the shell, starting from the base and working your way to the tip. You should expose the meat without cutting all the way through the tail.
- Gently pull apart the shell, then lift the lobster meat slightly so that it rests on top of the shell (this will make it easier to baste with the garlic butter and allows it to cook evenly).
- If there’s any “vein” or dark line (this is the digestive tract), remove it carefully.
2. Make the Garlic Butter:
- In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant (be careful not to burn the garlic).
- Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest (if using), parsley, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. If you like a little heat, add the red pepper flakes as well.
- Remove from heat.
3. Bake the Lobster Tails:
- Arrange the prepared lobster tails in a baking dish, shell side down, so the meat is exposed.
- Spoon some of the garlic butter over the lobster meat, making sure to coat it generously. You can also pour the remaining butter into the bottom of the dish for extra flavor.
- Bake the lobster tails for 12-15 minutes, or until the meat is opaque and firm to the touch. The lobster will be cooked when the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
- Keep an eye on the lobster tails, as they can overcook quickly. It’s best to remove them as soon as they’re done.
4. Serve:
- Once baked, remove from the oven and give them one more drizzle of the garlic butter.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges and your favorite sides—perhaps a light salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of buttery rice.
Tips:
- For Extra Flavor: You can add a little bit of white wine or chicken broth to the bottom of the baking dish for a little extra depth of flavor in the cooking liquid.
- Grill Option: If you prefer grilling, you can grill the lobster tails instead. Simply preheat the grill, brush the tails with the garlic butter, and grill them over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until the meat is opaque.
- Herb Variation: You can mix up the herbs by using fresh thyme, tarragon, or rosemary in place of or alongside parsley for different flavor notes.
These Baked Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter are a great way to treat yourself or impress guests with a rich, flavorful dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. Enjoy your lobster feast!
