Easy Baked Lobster Tails

The first time my husband brought home lobster tails on a random Tuesday, I laughed. Who buys lobster on a Tuesday? But that spontaneous splurge turned into one of our favorite weeknight traditions, and now I keep an eye out for sales just to recreate that unexpected magic.

I made these for my moms birthday instead of going out, and she kept saying she couldnt believe something this fancy came from my tiny apartment oven. Sometimes the simplest ingredients create the most lasting memories.

Ingredients

• Lobster tails: Fresh is ideal but frozen works perfectly, just thaw them overnight in your fridge
• Unsalted butter: Melted gently so you can control the salt level exactly to your taste
• Garlic: Fresh minced gives you those little pockets of intense flavor
• Fresh parsley: Adds brightness and makes everything look intentionally beautiful
• Lemon zest and juice: The zest gives fragrant lemon oil while the juice adds acidity
• Paprika: Provides a subtle warmth and helps achieve that gorgeous golden color

Instructions

Prep your oven and baking surface:

Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup

Butterfly the tails:

Carefully cut through the top shell with kitchen shears then gently lift the meat to rest on top while keeping it attached at the base

Make your garlic butter:

Whisk together melted butter with garlic, parsley, lemon zest and juice, paprika, salt and pepper until fragrant

Butter and bake:

Brush the lobster generously with your butter mixture and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the meat turns opaque and reaches 140°F internal temperature

Finish with flair:

Give them one last brush with remaining butter and add lemon wedges or extra parsley before serving immediately

Save

My friend Amanda still talks about the night I made these for her breakup recovery dinner. She said she felt spoiled and seen without needing to leave her sweatpants.

The Broiler Secret

Switch your oven to broil for the last minute or two to get those restaurant worthy charred edges and extra golden color. Watch closely though, high heat moves fast.

Make It Your Way

Sometimes I swap parsley for fresh tarragon or chives depending what is growing in my windowsill garden. Small herb changes keep this recipe feeling fresh every single time.

Perfect Pairings

Keep sides simple so the lobster stays the star. I usually serve with roasted asparagus and maybe some crusty bread for soaking up all that garlic butter.

• Steamed green beans with almonds add crunch without competing flavors
• Cauliflower rice keeps things light while still feeling substantial
• A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness

Save

Whether it is a Tuesday surprise or a Saturday celebration, this recipe proves you do not need a reservation to create something memorable.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I know when the lobster is done?

The lobster meat should turn opaque and firm slightly when touched. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 140-145°F. Avoid overcooking, as the meat can become rubbery and tough.

→ Can I prepare these ahead of time?

You can butterfly the lobster tails and prepare the garlic butter mixture up to 4 hours in advance. Keep them refrigerated until ready to bake, then bring to room temperature for 10 minutes before cooking.

→ What should I serve with lobster tails?

These pair beautifully with steamed asparagus, roasted potatoes, or a crisp green salad. Drawn butter, lemon wedges, and crusty bread make classic accompaniments. For a complete meal, consider serving over risotto or alongside grilled vegetables.

→ How do I butterfly lobster tails properly?

Use kitchen shears to cut through the top shell down the center, stopping at the tail fin. Gently pry the shell open with your fingers, then lift the meat over the shell while keeping it attached at the base. This technique helps the meat cook evenly and creates an impressive presentation.

→ Can I use frozen lobster tails?

Yes, frozen lobster tails work well. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or run under cold water for 30 minutes before preparing. Pat them completely dry with paper towels before adding the butter mixture to ensure proper browning.

→ What temperature should I bake lobster tails at?

Bake at 425°F for 12-15 minutes. This high heat creates a nicely browned exterior while keeping the interior moist and tender. For extra browning, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking.