Baked Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter
Elegant, Juicy & Surprisingly Easy
Introduction
Few dishes feel as luxurious and impressive as Baked Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter, yet this recipe proves that gourmet seafood doesn’t have to be complicated. With tender lobster meat, rich melted butter, fresh garlic, and a hint of lemon, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes.
Perfect for special occasions, romantic dinners, holidays, or celebrations, baked lobster tails are simple enough for beginners and elegant enough to wow guests. The garlic butter seeps into every bite, keeping the lobster juicy, flavorful, and irresistibly rich.
If you’ve ever felt intimidated by cooking lobster at home, this recipe will change that forever.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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✔ Ready in under 30 minutes
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✔ Simple ingredients, big flavor
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✔ Juicy, tender lobster every time
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✔ No boiling required
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✔ Elegant yet beginner-friendly
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✔ Perfect for special occasions
What Are Lobster Tails?
Lobster tails are the most tender and meaty part of the lobster. Baking them allows the meat to cook evenly, stay juicy, and absorb flavors like garlic butter and lemon without becoming rubbery.
Ingredients Overview
This recipe focuses on fresh, high-quality ingredients that enhance the natural sweetness of lobster.
Ingredients for Baked Lobster Tails
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4 lobster tails (4–6 oz each)
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½ cup unsalted butter, melted
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4–5 garlic cloves, finely minced
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1 tablespoon lemon juice (fresh)
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1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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½ teaspoon paprika (for color and mild warmth)
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1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Optional Add-Ins
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Pinch of cayenne pepper (for heat)
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Parmesan cheese (light sprinkle before baking)
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Italian seasoning
Kitchen Tools Needed
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Kitchen shears
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Baking dish
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Small bowl
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Basting brush or spoon
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Aluminum foil
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
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Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F)
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Lightly grease a baking dish or line with foil
Step 2: Prepare the Lobster Tails
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Using kitchen shears, cut through the top shell lengthwise, stopping before the tail fin
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Gently loosen the meat from the shell
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Lift the meat and rest it on top of the shell (but keep it attached at the base)
This presentation helps the lobster cook evenly and look beautiful.
Step 3: Make Garlic Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, mix:
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Melted butter
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Minced garlic
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Lemon juice
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Lemon zest
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Salt
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Black pepper
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Paprika
Stir until well combined.
Step 4: Season the Lobster
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Place lobster tails in baking dish
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Spoon or brush garlic butter generously over the meat
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Reserve some butter for basting halfway through baking
Step 5: Bake the Lobster Tails
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Bake uncovered for 12–15 minutes
Lobster is done when:
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Meat turns opaque white
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Internal temperature reaches 63°C (145°F)
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Meat is firm but still tender
Step 6: Final Touch
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Remove from oven
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Brush with remaining garlic butter
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Sprinkle with fresh parsley
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Serve immediately with lemon wedges
Texture & Flavor Profile
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Texture: Juicy, tender, buttery
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Flavor: Sweet lobster, rich garlic butter, bright lemon
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Finish: Elegant, rich, and satisfying
Serving Suggestions
Serve Baked Lobster Tails with:
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Garlic mashed potatoes
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Steamed asparagus or broccoli
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Buttered rice
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Fresh salad
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Crusty bread to soak up butter
Recipe Variations
Cheesy Garlic Lobster Tails
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Sprinkle Parmesan or mozzarella before baking
Spicy Garlic Lobster
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Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to butter
Herb Butter Lobster
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Add thyme, rosemary, or dill
Air Fryer Lobster Tails
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Air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 7–9 minutes
Pro Tips for Perfect Lobster
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Don’t overcook—lobster becomes rubbery
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Use fresh garlic, not garlic powder
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Always use melted butter, not margarine
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Larger tails need slightly longer cooking time
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Overbaking lobster
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Skipping shell cutting (uneven cooking)
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Using cold butter sauce
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Baking at low temperature
Storage & Reheating
Storage
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Refrigerate leftovers in airtight container
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Best consumed within 1–2 days
Reheating
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Reheat gently in oven at 160°C (325°F)
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Add extra butter to prevent drying
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
Per lobster tail:
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Calories: 280
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Protein: 22g
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Fat: 21g
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Carbohydrates: 2g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen lobster tails?
Yes, thaw completely in the refrigerator before cooking.
How do I know lobster is done?
Meat turns white and opaque and feels firm.
Can I broil instead of bake?
Yes—broil for 8–10 minutes, watching closely.
Is lobster healthy?
Yes—high in protein and low in carbs.
SEO Keywords (Naturally Used)
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Final Thoughts
Baked Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter are the definition of simple luxury. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this dish turns any meal into a celebration. Whether it’s a holiday, anniversary, or just a night you want to treat yourself, this recipe never disappoints.
