🦞 Baked Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter
Description
Baked lobster tails with garlic butter are a decadent and elegant dish perfect for special occasions or a luxurious dinner at home. The succulent meat is enhanced by a rich blend of butter, garlic, and lemon, finished with a touch of paprika for color and depth. Easy to prepare yet impressive, this dish brings a taste of fine dining to your kitchen.
📋 Ingredients
- 2 lobster tails
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for garnish)
🍳 Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare the lobster tails: Using kitchen scissors, cut down the top of each lobster shell lengthwise. Gently pull the shell apart to expose the meat and lift the meat slightly over the shell while keeping it attached at the base (butterfly style).
- Make garlic butter sauce: In a bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Brush the lobster meat generously with the garlic butter mixture.
- Bake in a baking dish or sheet for 12–15 minutes, or until the meat is opaque and slightly browned.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon wedges. Serve immediately.
📌 Notes
- Fresh lobster tails are best, but frozen tails work well if fully thawed.
- Do not overbake — lobster becomes rubbery if overcooked.
- Use clarified butter for a smoother sauce, if desired.
💡 Tips
- Butterflying the lobster helps with even cooking and an elegant presentation.
- You can broil the tails for the last 2–3 minutes for a more caramelized top.
- Add a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick.
- Serve with side dishes like garlic mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or rice pilaf.
🍽️ Servings
This recipe serves 2 people (1 tail per person). To serve more, multiply ingredients accordingly.
🔍 Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
Estimated values for 1 lobster tail with garlic butter:
- Calories: 270
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Sugar: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sodium: 500mg
Note: Exact values may vary depending on the size of lobster tails and specific butter used.
💪 Health Benefits
- High in Protein: Lobster is an excellent lean protein source.
- Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Contains zinc, selenium, and B12.
- Low in Carbs: Great for keto and low-carb diets.
- Omega-3s: Provides heart-healthy fatty acids.
❓ Q&A Section
Q: Can I use frozen lobster tails?
A: Yes! Just make sure they are completely thawed in the refrigerator overnight or under cold water before cooking.
Q: How do I know when the lobster is done?
A: The meat turns opaque and white, and the internal temperature should reach 140–145°F (60–63°C).
Q: Can I prepare them in advance?
A: You can prep and butterfly the tails and mix the butter sauce ahead of time, but cook them fresh for best texture.
Q: What wine pairs well with this?
A: A crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the garlic butter beautifully.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes. Use plant-based butter or olive oil for a dairy-free version.