Baked Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter – A Luxurious Yet Simple Seafood Recipe for Special Occasions
What Are Baked Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter?
Baked Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter is a classic seafood dish where lobster tails are split, butterflied, and baked in the oven with a rich sauce made of melted butter, fresh garlic, lemon juice, and seasonings. The result is a moist, flavorful, and beautifully presented lobster dish that rivals fine dining experiences. It’s especially popular for its high perceived value and relatively quick cooking time.
Ingredients for 2 Servings of Baked Lobster Tails
Lobster Tails – 2 tails (6-8 oz each), preferably cold-water tails like Maine or Australian
Unsalted Butter – 1/2 cup (1 stick), melted
Garlic – 3-4 cloves, finely minced
Fresh Lemon Juice – 1 tablespoon
Paprika – 1/2 teaspoon
Salt – 1/4 teaspoon, or to taste
Black Pepper – to taste
Fresh Parsley – 1 tablespoon, chopped (for garnish)
Lemon Wedges – for serving
Optional Enhancements for Flavor Boost
Add 1 teaspoon of chopped fresh herbs like tarragon or chives for a refined taste
Include a pinch of cayenne pepper or Old Bay seasoning for subtle heat
Mix in 1 teaspoon of dry white wine or a splash of Worcestershire sauce for umami depth
How to Prepare and Bake Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Using kitchen shears, cut lengthwise through the top of each lobster shell, stopping just before the tail fan.
- Gently loosen the meat from the shell and lift it above the shell to butterfly it, keeping it attached at the base.
- In a bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Place the lobster tails in a baking dish and generously brush the garlic butter mixture over the meat.
- Bake for 8–12 minutes depending on the size of the tails (approximately 1 to 1.5 minutes per ounce). The lobster is cooked when the meat is opaque and firm.
- For a restaurant-style finish, broil the lobster for 1–2 minutes at the end of baking to achieve a golden brown top.
- Serve immediately, garnished with parsley and accompanied by lemon wedges.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Baked Lobster Tails pair beautifully with:
Steak for a Surf and Turf experience
Steamed asparagus, green beans, or broccolini
Garlic mashed potatoes or roasted baby potatoes
Crusty French bread to soak up the butter
A glass of crisp Chardonnay or dry Champagne
Nutritional Information per Serving (Estimated)
Calories: 450–550 kcal
Protein: 30–40g
Fat: 30–35g (with 18–20g saturated fat)
Cholesterol: 200–250mg
Carbohydrates: 2–3g
Sodium: 800–1000mg
Health-Conscious Tips for Lightening the Recipe
Replace half the butter with low-sodium chicken broth to reduce fat and calories
Use fresh herbs to amplify flavor without relying heavily on salt or fat
Steam lobster tails with lemon slices for a lighter preparation method
Serve as an appetizer instead of a full main course for portion control
Conclusion
Baked Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter is a premium dish that delivers restaurant-quality results at home. Whether you’re hosting a special dinner, planning a romantic evening, or elevating your holiday table, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Its luxurious flavor profile, minimal prep time