Baked Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter

These Baked Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter are an easy way to bring restaurant-quality seafood straight to your kitchen. Tender lobster meat, bathed in rich garlic butter and baked to perfection, makes this dish ideal for special occasions or an elegant dinner at home.

Best of all, this recipe is surprisingly simple—no boiling, no broiling stress, just perfectly baked lobster tails with bold flavor, juicy texture, and minimal prep.

Table of Contents

Recipe: Baked Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter

Ingredients

• 4 lobster tails (4–6 oz each)
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Using kitchen shears, cut the top of each lobster shell lengthwise. Gently pull the meat up and rest it on top of the shell.
3. Place lobster tails on the prepared baking sheet.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
5. Spoon the garlic butter generously over the lobster meat.
6. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the lobster is opaque and reaches an internal temperature of 140°F.
7. Remove from oven, garnish with parsley, and serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Time & Servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4

Notes and Variations

• Butter Swap: Use clarified butter for extra richness.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes.
• Herb Boost: Fresh thyme or chives pair beautifully with lobster.
• Make-Ahead Tip: Prep the lobster tails and garlic butter up to 8 hours in advance; bake just before serving.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days; gently reheat in the oven.

FAQs (GAQs)

How do I know when lobster tails are done baking?
Lobster tails are done when the meat turns opaque and firm, and the internal temperature reaches 140°F.

Can I use frozen lobster tails?
Yes. Fully thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before baking for even cooking.

Do I need to flip lobster tails while baking?
No flipping is required. Baking them meat-side up ensures even heat and maximum flavor.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes. Substitute butter with dairy-free butter or olive oil, though flavor will vary slightly.

Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 310
• Protein: 27g
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Cholesterol: 185mg
• Sodium: 420mg

Love this recipe? Try one of these next!

If you enjoy elegant seafood dishes, you’ll love our Garlic Butter Shrimp for another quick and flavorful option. For a complete surf-and-turf dinner, pair this with Cast Iron Steak. Looking for a lighter side? Try our fresh Lemon Roasted Asparagus to round out the meal. Print

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