Name: Garlic Butter Baked Lobster Tails Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 lobster tails (5–6 oz each); 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp lemon zest; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley; Lemon wedges, for serving

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There’s something irresistibly special about Garlic Butter Baked Lobster Tails. With their tender, sweet meat bathed in a luscious, garlicky butter and kissed with lemon, these lobster tails transform any dinner into a true celebration. Whether you’re making a romantic meal for two or treating your friends to a restaurant-worthy feast at home, this recipe makes it surprisingly simple to serve up an elegant seafood dish that’s bursting with flavor and sure to impress.

Garlic Butter Baked Lobster Tails Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of key ingredients, you can let the natural flavor of lobster shine while adding layers of buttery, citrusy richness. Each ingredient in these Garlic Butter Baked Lobster Tails is chosen for maximum impact—together, they create a dish that’s both simple and stunning.

Lobster Tails: Choose 5–6 oz lobster tails for the perfect single serving, and make sure they’re thawed and patted dry for best results.
Unsalted Butter: Melted butter is the base of the sauce, infusing the lobster with richness and helping the flavors cling to every bite.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings a punchy aroma and savory depth that makes this dish unforgettable.
Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon juice brightens the entire dish and balances the richness of the butter.
Lemon Zest: Zest adds a fragrant citrus note that enhances the lobster’s natural sweetness—don’t skip it!
Smoked Paprika: This subtle spice adds a smoky warmth and a beautiful color to the lobster tails.
Salt: Just enough to enhance all the flavors without overpowering the delicate seafood.
Black Pepper: A hint of pepper gives the dish a gentle kick and rounds out the seasoning.
Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness just before serving.
Lemon Wedges: Serving with extra lemon lets everyone add a final squeeze of brightness right at the table.

How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Lobster Tails

Step 1: Prep the Lobster Tails

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lining a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. Using sharp kitchen shears, carefully cut down the top of each lobster tail shell, stopping just before you reach the tail fin. Gently loosen the lobster meat from the shell and lift it out, resting it on top of the shell while keeping it attached at the base. This classic “butterfly” presentation not only looks stunning but also allows the garlic butter to soak right into the lobster as it bakes.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, minced garlic, freshly squeezed lemon juice, bright lemon zest, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This fragrant, buttery mixture is the heart of Garlic Butter Baked Lobster Tails and infuses the lobster with every drop of flavor. Take a moment to inhale that incredible aroma—you’re already halfway to an amazing dinner!

Step 3: Brush and Bake

Place the prepared lobster tails on your baking sheet, meat side up. Generously brush the lobster meat with the garlic butter mixture, making sure to coat every nook and cranny. Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, until the meat is opaque, slightly firm, and just starting to brown on top. For a little extra color and flavor, you can broil the lobster tails during the last 1–2 minutes of cooking—just keep a close eye so they don’t overcook.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Once out of the oven, brush the hot lobster meat with a little more of the garlic butter sauce for maximum richness. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness. Arrange the Garlic Butter Baked Lobster Tails on a platter, nestle in a few lemon wedges, and get ready for the oohs and ahhs when you bring them to the table.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Baked Lobster Tails

Garnishes

Finish your Garlic Butter Baked Lobster Tails with a flourish by sprinkling over plenty of fresh parsley and adding lemon wedges on the side. A final drizzle of melted butter just before serving makes each bite even more decadent. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a pinch of smoked paprika or a dusting of flaky sea salt looks gorgeous and adds a subtle kick.

Side Dishes

These lobster tails really shine alongside simple, elegant sides. Try pairing them with a light salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette, fluffy rice pilaf, roasted asparagus, or even garlic mashed potatoes. If you want to keep things low-carb, a pile of sautéed greens or a crisp cucumber salad makes a refreshing counterpoint to the rich lobster.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping presentation, arrange the lobster tails on a large platter over a bed of fresh herbs or microgreens. You can also serve each tail on individual plates with a small ramekin of melted butter and a lemon wedge. For a special occasion, consider pairing the Garlic Butter Baked Lobster Tails with a glass of chilled white wine and crusty bread to soak up every last drop of sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Garlic Butter Baked Lobster Tails (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be sure to keep any extra garlic butter sauce with the lobster to help retain moisture and flavor during storage.

Freezing

While lobster is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooked lobster tails if needed. Wrap each tail tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the lobster tails in a 300°F (150°C) oven, covered with foil, until just heated through—usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the meat tough. Brush with extra melted butter before serving to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven taste.

FAQs

Can I use frozen lobster tails for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the lobster tails completely in the refrigerator before preparing. Pat them dry with paper towels to help the garlic butter stick and ensure even cooking.

How do I know when the lobster tails are done?

The lobster meat will turn opaque and white, and should feel slightly firm to the touch. Be careful not to overcook—lobster can become rubbery if left in the oven too long. Baking for 10–12 minutes at 425°F is usually perfect for 5–6 oz tails.

Can I make Garlic Butter Baked Lobster Tails ahead of time?

While these are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, you can prep the lobster tails and garlic butter sauce a few hours ahead. Store them separately in the fridge, then assemble and bake just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Is it necessary to butterfly the lobster tails?

Butterflying helps the meat cook evenly and allows the garlic butter to really soak in. It also makes for a beautiful presentation! If you prefer, you can bake the tails without butterflying, but the results may not be quite as tender or flavorful.

What’s the best wine to pair with Garlic Butter Baked Lobster Tails?

You can’t go wrong with a crisp, citrusy white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a lightly oaked Chardonnay. These wines complement the buttery richness and bright lemon flavors in the dish without overpowering the delicate lobster.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried making Garlic Butter Baked Lobster Tails at home, now’s your chance! This recipe is easier than you might think, and the results are pure luxury on a plate. Give it a go for your next special dinner and watch everyone’s faces light up when you bring these gorgeous lobster tails to the table.

Garlic Butter Baked Lobster Tails Recipe

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4.5 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Garlic Butter Baked Lobster Tails recipe delivers succulent lobster meat brushed with a rich blend of garlic, lemon, and smoked paprika butter, baked to perfection. Ideal for an elegant seafood dinner, this dish is simple to prepare and full of flavor, perfect for holidays or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Seafood

4 lobster tails (5–6 oz each)

Butter Mixture

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Garnish

1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Lemon wedges, for serving

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Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with foil to make cleanup easy.
Cut and Expose Lobster Meat: Using kitchen shears, carefully cut down the top center of each lobster tail shell, stopping just before the tail fin. Gently lift the lobster meat through the slit and rest it on top of the shell, keeping it attached at the base to maintain shape.
Make Garlic Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Brush Lobster Meat: Generously brush the exposed lobster meat with the prepared garlic butter mixture, ensuring even coverage to infuse rich flavors.
Bake Lobster Tails: Place the lobster tails on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, until the meat is opaque and slightly firm to the touch.
Finish and Garnish: Remove from the oven, brush with any remaining garlic butter for extra flavor, and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing.

Notes

For extra flavor and a lightly browned top, broil the lobster tails for the final 1–2 minutes of cooking.
Serve lobster tails with melted butter, steamed rice, or a light green salad for a complete meal.
Handle lobster shells carefully when cutting to avoid injury.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American