Here’s a full, detailed recipe for Baked Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter—easy to follow and restaurant-style, but made at home 🦞✨
Baked Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter
🕒 Time
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Prep: 10–15 minutes
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Cook: 12–15 minutes
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Total: ~25–30 minutes
🍽 Servings
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2 lobster tails (serves 2)
🧾 Ingredients
For the lobster
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2 lobster tails (4–6 oz each)
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
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3 cloves garlic, finely minced
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1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
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1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional but recommended)
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1 teaspoon paprika (regular or smoked)
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Salt, to taste
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Black pepper, to taste
Optional garnish
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Fresh parsley, finely chopped
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Lemon wedges (for serving)
🔪 Equipment Needed
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Kitchen shears
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Small bowl
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Baking sheet
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Aluminum foil or parchment paper
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Basting brush or spoon
👩🍳 Directions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Lobster Tails
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Using kitchen shears, cut down the center of the lobster shell lengthwise, stopping at the tail fin.
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Gently spread the shell open.
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Carefully lift the lobster meat and pull it up, resting it on top of the shell (keep it attached at the base).
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Place the prepared lobster tails on the baking sheet.
3. Make the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, mix together:
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Melted butter
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Minced garlic
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Lemon juice
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Lemon zest (if using)
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Paprika
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A pinch of salt and black pepper
Stir well until fully combined.
4. Season the Lobster
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Brush or spoon the garlic butter generously over the lobster meat.
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Make sure some butter drips into the shell for extra flavor.
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Sprinkle lightly with additional paprika if desired.
5. Bake
Place the lobster tails in the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, depending on size.
✔ Lobster is done when:
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Meat is opaque and white
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Internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C)
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Meat feels firm but still juicy
⚠️ Do not overcook, or the lobster will become tough.
6. Garnish & Serve
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Remove from oven and brush with any remaining garlic butter.
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Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
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Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
Pair your lobster tails with:
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Mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes
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Steamed asparagus or green beans
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Rice or buttered noodles
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A simple salad
💡 Tips for Best Results
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Use thawed lobster tails if frozen (thaw overnight in the fridge).
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For extra richness, add a pinch of Italian seasoning or thyme to the butter.
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If tops brown too fast, loosely tent with foil.