Description
This Garlic Butter Baked Lobster Tails recipe offers a decadent and easy way to enjoy tender, juicy lobster with a rich garlic butter sauce. Perfectly baked to a delicate finish, this dish features fresh lemon zest and juice, fragrant garlic, and a hint of paprika for a flavorful seafood meal that can be prepared in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Lobster Tails
- 4 lobster tails (6–8 oz each)
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil to prevent sticking and for easier cleanup.
- Prepare Lobster Tails: Using kitchen shears, carefully cut the top shell of each lobster tail lengthwise, stopping just before the tail fin. Gently pull the meat out of the shell and lay it on top of the shell while keeping the base attached, a technique known as ‘piggybacking’ the lobster tail which allows even cooking and a beautiful presentation.
- Arrange Lobster on Baking Sheet: Place the prepared lobster tails on the baking sheet with the shell side down to keep the meat elevated and ensure it cooks evenly.
- Make Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined to create a flavorful basting sauce.
- Coat Lobster Meat: Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the lobster meat, making sure each tail is well coated to infuse every bite with rich garlicky flavor.
- Bake Lobster Tails: Bake the lobster tails in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the meat is opaque and the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). The lobster meat should be firm yet tender and juicy to the touch.
- Garnish and Finish: Once baked, remove the lobster tails from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Serve: Serve immediately, accompanied by lemon wedges to add a bright, fresh burst of citrus that complements the richness of the garlic butter.
Notes
- Ensure not to overcook lobster tails as they can become tough and rubbery; watch closely during the last few minutes of baking.
- ‘Piggybacking’ lobster tails makes a beautiful presentation and helps the meat cook more evenly.
- Optional Parmesan cheese adds a savory touch but can be omitted for a dairy-free version.
- Use fresh garlic and lemon juice for the best flavor intensity in the garlic butter sauce.
- Leftover garlic butter can be saved and used as a dipping sauce or for sautéing vegetables.
