Garlic Butter Baked Lobster Tails

If you’re craving a restaurant-quality dish that’s as decadent as it is delicious, Garlic Butter Baked Lobster Tails should be your next culinary adventure. Picture this: succulent lobster meat bathed in a rich, garlicky butter sauce, baked to golden perfection. It’s a dish that screams luxury but is surprisingly simple to prepare at home. Whether it’s a special occasion or you just want to treat yourself, these lobster tails are guaranteed to impress!

Trust me, once you sink your fork into the buttery, tender lobster meat, you’ll be hooked. The garlic butter adds so much depth to the natural sweetness of the lobster, creating a mouthwatering bite with every forkful. It’s the kind of dish that’ll make you feel fancy while keeping the prep time short and sweet.

Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Baked Lobster Tails

Restaurant-Quality at Home
You don’t need to book a reservation at an expensive seafood restaurant to enjoy lobster this good. This recipe brings that luxurious experience right into your kitchen, and it’s way easier than you think.

Rich and Flavorful
The garlic butter sauce is the perfect pairing with the sweet, tender lobster. The blend of garlic, lemon, and parsley makes each bite burst with flavor. You’re going to want to dip every last bite in that luscious sauce!

Quick and Easy
This is a great meal for when you want something elegant but don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen. The whole recipe takes less than 30 minutes to make, and it’s so straightforward that even beginners can master it.

Versatile
Serve it as a stand-alone main dish, or pair it with a fresh salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. You can even turn it into a seafood feast with sides like mashed potatoes or rice pilaf.

Impressive
Let’s be real—lobster tails look amazing on the plate! When you serve these garlic butter lobster tails, you’ll definitely get some “wow” reactions from your guests.

Ingredients in Garlic Butter Baked Lobster Tails

Here’s what you’ll need to make these buttery, garlicky lobster tails:

Lobster Tails
The main attraction! Choose fresh, high-quality lobster tails for the best flavor. You can find them frozen or fresh at your local seafood market or grocery store.

Butter
Unsalted butter is best here, so you can control the amount of salt. It adds richness and helps infuse the garlic and herbs into the lobster meat.

Garlic
Fresh garlic provides the perfect aromatic flavor that complements the lobster. You can’t go wrong with garlic when making seafood!

Lemon
Fresh lemon juice gives the dish a nice tang and brightness, balancing the richness of the butter. Plus, a few lemon wedges for serving make everything feel extra fresh.

Parsley
Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a mild, fresh flavor that ties everything together. It’s the finishing touch that elevates the dish.

Paprika
A light dusting of paprika not only gives the lobster a subtle smoky flavor but also adds a gorgeous color to the finished dish.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Here’s how to make these Garlic Butter Baked Lobster Tails:

Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). A hot oven will help ensure that your lobster tails cook quickly and evenly.

Prepare the Lobster Tails

Using kitchen shears, carefully cut down the top of the lobster tail shell, starting from the base and working toward the end. Be sure not to cut all the way through. Gently pull the lobster meat out of the shell, leaving it attached at the base. Lay the meat on top of the shell, forming a slight “fan.”

Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In a small bowl, melt the butter in the microwave or over low heat on the stove. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic, lemon juice, and parsley. Add a pinch of paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. This sauce will infuse the lobster with rich, buttery flavor.

Coat the Lobster with Garlic Butter

Place the lobster tails on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Spoon the garlic butter mixture over each lobster tail, making sure to cover the meat completely. Reserve a little extra garlic butter for serving.

Bake the Lobster Tails

Bake the lobster tails in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the meat is opaque and the lobster is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C). Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking!

Serve with Extra Garlic Butter

Remove the lobster tails from the oven and drizzle with any remaining garlic butter. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a pop of color and a zesty finishing touch.

Serve and Enjoy!

Serve these Garlic Butter Baked Lobster Tails with your favorite sides. You can’t go wrong with a side of garlic bread, a crisp salad, or roasted vegetables.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 280
Total Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 85mg
Sodium: 450mg
Total Carbohydrates: 2g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 1g
Protein: 27g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Garlic Butter Baked Lobster Tails

These lobster tails are incredibly versatile, so you can pair them with a variety of sides:

• Garlic Bread: A crunchy, buttery slice of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up all the extra garlic butter.
• Salads: A light, fresh salad, such as a Caesar salad or a simple green salad, is a great way to balance the richness of the lobster.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or baby carrots make for a delightful vegetable side dish that pairs perfectly with lobster.
• Rice or Quinoa: A serving of fluffy rice or quinoa is the perfect base to soak up all the delicious juices from the lobster.

Additional Tips

• How to Thaw Frozen Lobster Tails: If you’re using frozen lobster tails, be sure to thaw them in the fridge overnight. You can also thaw them quickly by placing them in a bowl of cold water for 30-60 minutes.
• Don’t Overcook: The key to perfectly baked lobster is to avoid overcooking. Keep an eye on the lobster tails as they bake, and remove them from the oven as soon as they turn opaque and reach 140°F internally.
• Broil for a Crispier Finish: For an extra crispy top, you can switch your oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Just be sure to watch closely to prevent burning.

FAQ

Q1: Can I use frozen lobster tails?
A1: Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge or place them in cold water for about an hour.

Q2: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A2: While butter gives the best flavor, you can substitute margarine if you prefer. However, keep in mind the flavor and richness may not be the same.

Q3: How can I tell when the lobster is cooked through?
A3: The lobster meat should be opaque and firm to the touch. The internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C). Be careful not to overcook, or it could become tough.

Q4: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A4: It’s best to prepare lobster tails fresh, but you can prep the garlic butter sauce in advance and refrigerate it. When ready, just assemble and bake the lobster tails.

Q5: Can I use lobster tails that are already cooked?
A5: Yes, if the lobster tails are already cooked, you can bake them for just 5-7 minutes to warm them through and add the garlic butter for flavor.

Q6: Can I add other seasonings to the garlic butter?
A6: Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite seasonings, such as smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or Old Bay seasoning, for an extra flavor kick.

Q7: How do I store leftovers?
A7: Store any leftover lobster tails in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them gently in the oven or microwave to prevent them from drying out.

Q8: Can I make this recipe without garlic?
A8: While garlic is a key component in this recipe, you can try substituting it with shallots or a bit of lemon zest for a milder, different flavor.

Q9: What’s the best way to serve lobster tails at a party?
A9: You can serve the lobster tails on a platter with extra lemon wedges and garlic butter for dipping. They make a stunning appetizer or main dish for a dinner party!

Q10: Can I use a grill to cook lobster tails?
A10: Yes, grilling lobster tails is a great option! Simply brush them with the garlic butter and grill over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Conclusion

These Garlic Butter Baked Lobster Tails are an absolute treat and will make you feel like you’re dining in a five-star restaurant. With rich, garlicky butter and tender lobster, this recipe is as indulgent as it gets. Perfect for a special occasion or just because, it’s a dish that’ll have everyone at the table begging for more. So go ahead, treat yourself to something luxurious and totally delicious!

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