Baked Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter

Here’s a full, detailed recipe for Baked Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter, written clearly step by step and easy to follow.

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🦞 Baked Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter

⏱ Time

• Prep: 10–15 minutes

• Cook: 12–15 minutes

• Total: ~25–30 minutes

🍽 Servings

• 2 lobster tails (can easily scale up)

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🧾 Ingredients

For the Lobster Tails

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

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)

• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (fresh is best)

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, but adds flavor)

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon paprika (adds color and mild flavor)

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (finely chopped, optional)

Optional for serving

• Lemon wedges

• Extra melted butter

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🔪 Preparation

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. Place a lobster tail shell-side down on a cutting board.

2. Using kitchen scissors, cut down the center of the shell lengthwise, stopping at the tail fin.

3. Gently spread the shell apart.

4. Carefully lift the lobster meat and pull it up so it rests on top of the shell (do not remove it completely).

5. Repeat with the second tail.

6. Place the prepared tails in the baking dish.

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3. Make the Garlic Butter

In a small bowl, mix together:

• Melted butter

• Minced garlic

• Lemon juice

• Lemon zest (if using)

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Paprika

Stir until well combined.

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4. Season the Lobster

• Spoon the garlic butter generously over the lobster meat.

• Make sure the meat is well coated.

• Sprinkle parsley on top if using.

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🔥 Baking Instructions

1. Place the baking dish on the middle oven rack.

2. Bake uncovered for 12–15 minutes, depending on size.

3. The lobster is done when:

   • The meat turns opaque and white

   • Internal temperature reaches 140–145°F (60–63°C) if using a thermometer

   • The meat feels firm but not rubbery

⚠️ Do not overcook — lobster becomes tough quickly.

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🍋 Serving

• Remove from the oven and let rest for 1–2 minutes.

• Serve immediately with:

  • Lemon wedges

  • Extra melted garlic butter

  • Side dishes like rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables

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⭐ Tips for Best Results

• If lobster tails are frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge or place in cold water for 30–45 minutes.

• For extra flavor, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end for a lightly golden top (watch closely).

• You can add a pinch of chili flakes if you like mild heat.

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