Name: Garlic Butter Baked Lobster Tails Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 lobster tails (4–6 oz each); 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; lemon wedges

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If you’re looking to add a little luxury to your dinner table with minimal fuss, Garlic Butter Baked Lobster Tails are exactly what you need. With tender lobster meat bathing in a fragrant pool of garlicky, lemony butter, this dish looks and tastes like a restaurant masterpiece—yet it’s astonishingly easy to pull off at home. Each bite is a perfect harmony of sweetness and savory depth, set off by bright herbs and just the right hint of citrus. Whether you’re celebrating something special or simply want to treat yourself, this dish brings impressive flavor and a bit of drama to any meal.

Garlic Butter Baked Lobster Tails Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Part of the charm of these Garlic Butter Baked Lobster Tails is their simplicity: every ingredient shines and elevates the lobster without overpowering it. Here’s what you’ll need, with a few tips to make sure every flavor pops:

Lobster tails (4, 4–6 oz each): Choose fresh or fully thawed lobster tails for the most succulent texture and flavor.
Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, melted): Butter is the backbone of the sauce, giving everything an opulent richness.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic brings bold flavor—don’t skimp, as it’s what makes the butter unforgettable.
Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Just-squeezed lemon adds tang and brightness that balances the rich butter.
Lemon zest (1 teaspoon): Zest infuses every bite with a punchy citrus aroma you just can’t get from juice alone.
Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds color and a subtle smoky undertone that makes the lobster even more mouthwatering.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Brings all the flavors together—use sea salt if you have it for a little extra burst.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A gentle kick that awakens your palate.
Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Finishes the dish with freshness and a pop of color.
Lemon wedges (for serving): A final squeeze right before eating brightens everything up beautifully.

How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Lobster Tails

Step 1: Prep the Lobster Tails

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C), then line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Using sharp kitchen shears, carefully slice down the top of each lobster tail shell, stopping just before you reach the tail fin. Gently pull the meat up and out, letting it rest on top of the shell while keeping it attached at the end—this gives the classic presentation everyone loves and lets the flavors soak in.

Step 2: Mix the Garlic Butter Sauce

In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This heady mixture is where the magic happens! Every swirl brings out aromas that’ll have you swooning before the lobster even hits the oven.

Step 3: Brush and Bake

Generously brush the garlic butter sauce all over the exposed lobster meat, making sure each nook gets coated. Arrange the prepped tails on your baking sheet. Pop the tray into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the lobster is opaque and just firm. For a little extra golden color, switch on the broiler for the final 1 to 2 minutes—just keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Once the lobster tails are out of the oven, give them a final brush with any remaining melted butter. Sprinkle with plenty of fresh parsley for a dash of green. Serve your Garlic Butter Baked Lobster Tails straight away, paired with bright lemon wedges for that irresistible finishing touch.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Baked Lobster Tails

Garnishes

A generous shower of freshly chopped parsley not only looks stunning against the ruby and white lobster meat but also wakes up each bite with fresh flavor. Don’t forget the lemon wedges—your guests will love being able to drizzle a little extra citrus over their tails just before eating.

Side Dishes

Creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice pilaf, or buttery pasta are classic partners for Garlic Butter Baked Lobster Tails, soaking up all that sumptuous sauce. For something lighter, opt for a crisp green salad or steamed asparagus; their freshness makes the lobster the true star of your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

You can elevate your lobster tails by serving them individually on slate boards, nestled atop a bed of microgreens, or surrounded by colorful roasted vegetables for a festive presentation. For a party, arrange the lobster tails on a large platter with extra lemon wedges and small bowls of the garlic butter sauce for dipping—it’s guaranteed to impress!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Garlic Butter Baked Lobster Tails (lucky you!), let them cool, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep their flavor for up to two days, making for a decadent lunch or addition to a salad.

Freezing

For the best texture, try to enjoy your lobster tails fresh. If you must freeze leftovers, wrap the cooked meat tightly in plastic wrap then seal in a freezer bag. Use within a month for best results, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

To preserve the tenderness of your Garlic Butter Baked Lobster Tails, reheat them in a 325°F oven, covered loosely with foil, until warmed through (about 7–10 minutes). For added moisture, drizzle a little extra melted butter over the tails before reheating.

FAQs

Can I prepare the garlic butter mixture in advance?

Absolutely! You can mix up the garlic butter a day ahead and keep it in the fridge. Just let it come to room temperature before brushing onto the lobster tails so it spreads easily.

Should I use fresh or frozen lobster tails for this recipe?

Both work beautifully! Frozen lobster tails should be thawed overnight in the fridge before you start. Fresh, high-quality tails will always have the sweetest flavor, but frozen can be just as delicious when prepared with care.

How do I know when my lobster tails are cooked through?

Your lobster is ready when the meat is opaque and no longer translucent, and it feels firm to the touch. Overcooking turns lobster chewy, so start checking at the 12-minute mark.

Is it possible to double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! The recipe scales up easily for more guests. Just be sure not to crowd the baking sheet so each tail cooks evenly, and feel free to double the garlic butter mixture for extra dipping sauce.

What if I don’t have paprika—can I substitute it?

Yes! Smoked paprika brings a subtle depth, but you could use regular paprika for color, or even a pinch of chili powder if you enjoy a gentle heat. The lobster will still be wonderful.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about setting out a platter of Garlic Butter Baked Lobster Tails and watching everyone’s eyes light up. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll create a dish that’s both unfussy and deeply impressive—perfect for celebrations or any night you want to make a memory at home. Give it a try and savor the magic that happens when lobster meets garlic butter. Enjoy every blissful bite!

Garlic Butter Baked Lobster Tails Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich flavors of Garlic Butter Baked Lobster Tails with this easy-to-follow recipe. Perfectly tender lobster tails basted with a savory garlic butter mixture, baked to perfection, and garnished with fresh parsley. A delightful seafood dish that is sure to impress!

Ingredients

Scale

Lobster Tails:

4 lobster tails (4–6 oz each)

Garlic Butter Mixture:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

For Serving:

lemon wedges

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
Prepare Lobster Tails: Using kitchen shears, cut down the top of each lobster tail shell lengthwise to the base. Gently lift the meat and rest it on top of the shell.
Make Garlic Butter Mixture: In a bowl, mix melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, salt, and pepper. Brush this mixture over the lobster meat.
Bake: Place the tails on the baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes until the meat is opaque and firm.
Broil: Broil for 1–2 minutes for a golden top.
Finish and Serve: Brush with more melted butter, sprinkle parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.