Baked Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter

Here’s a full, detailed recipe for Baked Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter, written step-by-step so it’s easy to follow even if it’s your first time cooking lobster.

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🦞 Baked Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter

⏱ Time

• Prep: 10–15 minutes

• Cook: 12–15 minutes

• Total: ~30 minutes

🍽 Serves

• 2–4 people (1 tail per person)

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🛒 Ingredients

For the Lobster

• 2–4 lobster tails (4–6 oz each), thawed if frozen

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• Paprika, for garnish (optional)

• Fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional garnish)

• Lemon wedges, for serving

For the Garlic Butter

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (fresh is best)

• ½ teaspoon paprika (smoked or regular)

• ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried parsley

• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

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🔪 Preparation Steps

1. Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

• Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with foil.

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2. Prepare the Lobster Tails

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

2. Gently spread the shell open.

3. Carefully lift the lobster meat out of the shell, keeping it attached at the base.

4. Place the meat on top of the shell (this is called “butterflying”).

5. Pat the lobster meat dry with a paper towel.

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🧄 Make the Garlic Butter

In a small bowl, mix together:

• Melted butter

• Minced garlic

• Lemon juice

• Paprika

• Italian seasoning

• Cayenne (if using)

Stir well until combined.

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🧈 Assemble

1. Place the lobster tails in the prepared baking dish.

2. Season the meat lightly with salt and pepper.

3. Spoon the garlic butter generously over each lobster tail, making sure it coats the meat well.

4. Sprinkle lightly with paprika for color (optional).

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🔥 Bake

• Bake uncovered for 12–15 minutes.

• Lobster is done when:

  • The meat is opaque and white

  • Internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C)

  • Meat feels firm but not rubbery

⚠️ Do not overcook—lobster gets tough quickly.

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🌿 Finish & Serve

• Remove from oven and spoon extra butter from the pan over the lobster.

• Garnish with chopped parsley.

• Serve immediately with lemon wedges.

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🍽 Serving Ideas

• Garlic mashed potatoes

• Steamed asparagus or green beans

• Rice pilaf

• Simple salad and crusty bread

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✅ Tips for Best Results

• If lobster tails are large (8 oz+), add 2–3 extra minutes of baking time.

• For extra flavor, brush with butter halfway through baking.

• You can broil for the last 1–2 minutes for a golden top—watch closely.

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