Baked lobster tails, juicy and tender with a touch of garlic, parsley and lemon, make a great special occasion or easy weeknight treat. Using this easy recipe, you can make a delicious lobster tail that will impress anybody at the table. The buttery sauce from the pan or your favourite side dishes make a good meal to remember!
What Are Baked Lobster Tails?
Buttered lobster tails go as a classic, screamed seafood dish, where you butterflied the lobster tails, season and bake them until tender and flavorful. Simply season this one with garlic powder, parsley, and lemon juice, then melt butter just enough to mix the three together, providing a rich, savoury flavour.
Baked lobster tails take any dining experience to the next level, whether you’re eating a romantic dinner for two or rallying together for a celebratory feast. The best part? But they bake in 12 to 15 minutes, as quick as they are elegant.
Ingredients
You’ll need the following ingredients:
- Lobster tails: Fresh or frozen (thawed) work well.
- Butter: Salted, melted for richness.
- Garlic powder: Adds a savoury kick.
- Parsley: Dried or fresh for a touch of freshness.
- Seasonings: Paprika, black pepper, and a pinch of seafood seasoning like Old Bay.
- Lemon juice: Balances the flavours with a citrusy zest.
Steps to Make Baked Lobster Tails
1. Prepare the Lobster Tails
- Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- To do so, use kitchen shears to cut straight down the middle of each lobster tail shell before the tail fin.
- Fold the flap of bacon over the meat and gently spoon around the meat at the base, lifting out the meat, still attached to the shell. Spread the meat over the shell to create the familiar ‘butterfly’ effect.
2. Season the Lobster
- Mix melted butter, garlic powder, paprika, parsley, and a splash of lemon juice in a small bowl.
- Generously brush the mixture over the lobster meat. Season extra flavour with a pinch of seafood seasoning, salt and pepper.
3. Bake the Lobster
- Then, place the seasoned lobster tails in an oven-safe baking dish or on a baking sheet.
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F, or 375 degrees F if using a cast iron pan; bake in the oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until shells are bright red and meat is opaque. An instant-read thermometer is used to check that the inner temperature rises to 140–145°F (60–63°C).
How Long to Bake Lobster Tails
Depending on the size of the tails, the cooking time is 12 to 15 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Lobster is done when the meat is opaque and the shells are bright red. Do not overcook it, and do not cook it too much.
What to Serve With Baked Lobster Tails
Leverage pairings of your baked lobster tails paired with a rich side dish. Here are some great options:
- Broccoli with Lemon Butter Sauce: Light and zesty.
- Mushroom Risotto: Creamy and hearty.
- Simple Pasta Salad: Refreshing and easy to make.
Can You Use Frozen Lobster Tails?
Yes! If you’re using frozen lobster tails, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before following the recipe. Fresh or frozen, the results will be equally delicious.
How to Store
This recipe makes about 2 servings, but leftovers can be stored.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Do not overcook: reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
Conclusion
Baked lobster tails are a simple dish that will make any meal feel fancy. And with just a few basic ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can make a restaurant-quality recipe at home. I always thought that the tender, juicy lobster meat would be enhanced by the richness of butter, garlic, and lemon flavours. Baked lobster tails are great for a romantic dinner, a family celebration, or as a treat for yourself. Enjoy a spectacular dining experience served with your favourite sides!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the origin of baked lobster tails?
Traditional lobster dishes from coastal cuisines are my inspiration for cooking baked lobster tails using fresh seafood made with simple ingredients like butter.
How do I know the lobster is cooked?
When the shells turn bright red, and the meat becomes opaque, it’s done. Make sure the internal temperature is between 140–145°F (60–63°C) with a thermometer.
Should I refrigerate leftovers?
Yes, you can store leftover lobster tails in the fridge and rock them up for 2 days for the freshest taste.