Baked Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter

Here’s a full, detailed recipe for Baked Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter, written clearly with step-by-step directions. This is a classic, restaurant-style preparation that’s still easy to make at home.

🦞 Baked Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter

⏱ Time

• Prep: 10–15 minutes

• Cook: 12–15 minutes

• Total: ~30 minutes

🍽 Servings

• 2 lobster tails (adjust ingredients as needed)

🧾 Ingredients

For the lobster:

• 2 lobster tails (4–6 oz each)

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)

• 2 cloves garlic (finely minced)

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, but recommended)

• ½ teaspoon paprika (for color)

• Salt, to taste

• Black pepper, to taste

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (finely chopped, for garnish)

• Lemon wedges (for serving)

🔪 Preparation

1. Preheat the oven
   Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with foil.

2. Prepare the lobster tails

   • Using kitchen scissors, carefully cut down the center of the top shell, stopping just before the tail fin.

   • Gently pull the shell apart and lift the lobster meat up, resting it on top of the shell (this is called “butterflying”).

   • Keep the meat attached at the base—do not remove it completely.

3. Season the lobster meat
   Pat the lobster meat dry with a paper towel. Lightly season with salt and black pepper.

🧈 Garlic Butter Sauce

4. Make the garlic butter
   In a small bowl, mix together:

   • Melted butter

   • Minced garlic

   • Lemon juice

   • Lemon zest

   • Paprika

   Stir well until fully combined.

🔥 Baking Instructions

5. Brush the lobster tails
   Place the lobster tails in the prepared baking dish. Generously brush the garlic butter mixture over the lobster meat, making sure it’s well coated.

6. Bake
   Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, depending on size.

   • Lobster is done when:

     • The meat is opaque and white

     • Internal temperature reaches 140–145°F (60–63°C)

     • Meat feels firm but not rubbery

7. Optional broil (for extra color)
   For a golden finish, broil on high for 1–2 minutes at the end. Watch closely to avoid burning.

🌿 Finishing Touches

8. Garnish and serve
   Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges and any remaining garlic butter on the side.

🍴 Serving Suggestions

• Steamed asparagus or green beans

• Garlic mashed potatoes

• Rice pilaf

• Fresh salad

• Crusty bread to soak up the butter