0 from 12 votes
Baked Lobster Tails Recipe
Best Baked Lobster! The garlic herb butter melts into the lobster as it bakes, infusing every bite with savory, zesty goodness. Baking at a high temperature ensures the lobster cooks quickly and stays succulent, while the smoky paprika and fresh lemon zest brighten the flavors for a perfect balance. Enjoy!
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
15 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 258 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 4 lobster tails
- ½ cup butter melted
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- zest of one lemon slice the same lemon into wedges for later use
- ½ teaspoon sweet or smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley finely chopped
- salt and pepper to taste
- Extra melted butter for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 500°F (260°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Cup of Yum
Prepare the lobster tails:
- Using a pair of kitchen shears or kitchen scissors, carefully cut through the top of the lobster shell, stopping just before the tail fin.
- Gently pull the lobster meat out of the shell, leaving the end attached. Place the meat on top of the shell, fanning it slightly for an elegant presentation.
Cup of Yum
Make the garlic herb butter:
- In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon zest, paprika, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Brush this mixture generously over the lobster meat.
Bake the lobster:
- Place the lobster tails on the prepared baking sheet. Add the lemon slices around the lobster tails for extra flavor as they bake.
- Use the middle rack of your oven. Bake for 8-10 minutes, depending on the size of the lobster tails. The lobster meat should be opaque and white, with an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). If you aren't sure, use an instant-read thermometer.
Serve:
- Remove the lobster tails from the oven and serve with extra melted butter and the baked lemon slices on the side for added citrusy flavor.
- Enjoy your buttery, succulent lobster tails with garlic herb goodness! Perfect for a special occasion or an indulgent dinner.
Notes
- Top Tips
- Use sharp kitchen scissors: When cutting the lobster shell, use sharp scissors to ensure a clean cut, making it easier to pull the meat out without damaging it.
- Room temperature lobster: Let the lobster tails sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before baking. This helps them cook more evenly.
- Pat the lobster dry: Before applying the garlic herb butter, pat the lobster tails dry with a paper towel. This helps the butter adhere better and prevents excess moisture during baking.
- Generously baste with butter: Don’t skimp on the garlic herb butter! It adds flavor and keeps the meat moist while baking.
- Monitor closely: Lobster tails cook quickly, especially at 500°F. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking and resulting in tough, rubbery meat.
- Broil for extra color: If you want a slightly browned, crispy top, broil the lobster tails for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. Just be careful not to burn the garlic butter.
Nutrition Information
Calories
258kcal
(13%)
Carbohydrates
1g
(0%)
Protein
11g
(22%)
Fat
24g
(37%)
Saturated Fat
15g
(75%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
1g
Monounsaturated Fat
6g
Trans Fat
1g
Cholesterol
141mg
(47%)
Sodium
451mg
(19%)
Potassium
157mg
(4%)
Fiber
0.2g
(1%)
Sugar
0.1g
(0%)
Vitamin A
919IU
(18%)
Vitamin C
2mg
(2%)
Calcium
67mg
(7%)
Iron
0.3mg
(2%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 258
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 258kcal | 13% |
| Carbohydrates | 1g | 0% |
| Protein | 11g | 22% |
| Fat | 24g | 37% |
| Saturated Fat | 15g | 75% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 141mg | 47% |
| Sodium | 451mg | 19% |
| Potassium | 157mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 0.2g | 1% |
| Sugar | 0.1g | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 919IU | 18% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 67mg | 7% |
| Iron | 0.3mg | 2% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.