🦞 Baked Lobster

• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted

• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced

• 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

• 1 tsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

• ¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for colour)

• Pinch of sea salt

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat oven and prep lobster tails

Preheat your oven to 400 °F (≈200 °C). Line a baking dish or sheet with parchment. If frozen tails are used, thaw in the fridge overnight and pat dry.

Step 2: Butterfly and season the lobster

Using kitchen shears, cut the top of each lobster tail shell lengthwise to the tail fin, stopping at the end. Gently lift the meat and rest it atop the shell (for a clean presentation). Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Brush with garlic‑herb butter and bake

In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, parsley, and paprika. Brush this mixture generously over the exposed lobster meat and shell. Place the tails in the baking dish, meat side up. Bake for about 12‑15 minutes, or until the meat is opaque, firm and a thermometer reads approximately 140‑145 °F (60‑63 °C). Allrecipes+1

Step 4: Rest and serve with lemon

Remove from oven and let rest for 1‑2 minutes. Serve each tail with a lemon wedge and an extra drizzle of melted butter or reserved sauce.

Tips for Success

• Do not overcook: Lobster becomes rubbery if baked too long. Use an instant‑read thermometer and remove once the right temperature is reached.

• Choose quality lobster tails: Wild‑caught or well‑handled tails result in better texture and sweeter meat.

• Pat dry before seasoning so the butter adheres better and the meat roasts evenly.

• Butter and garlic are essential: The richness of butter amplifies flavour and keeps the meat moist. As one recipe notes, “lobster tails need a good amount of fat and seasoning.” Chef Billy Parisi

Variations

• Spicy Cajun butter version: Add ½ tsp Cajun seasoning and a pinch of cayenne to the butter for heat.

• Herb‑and‑white wine version: Mix melted butter with 2 Tbsp white wine, 1 tsp fresh tarragon, and brush over tails before baking.

• Broiled finish: For a golden top, bake for 10 minutes then broil for 1‑2 minutes, watching closely.

Ingredient Substitutions

• If tails aren’t available, use lobster knuckles or chilled cooked lobster meat (heat through in butter, though cooking time will differ).

• Butter can be replaced with ghee or olive‑butter blend for different flavour profiles.

• Garlic powder can substitute fresh garlic in a pinch; adjust flavour accordingly.

Storage & Reheating

Cooked lobster is best eaten fresh. If storing, refrigerate in an airtight container and use within 1‑2 days. To reheat, place in a 300 °F oven for 5 – 6 minutes with a little melted butter; avoid the microwave which may toughen the meat. Chef Billy Parisi

What to Serve With Baked Lobster

• Classic sides: garlic mashed potatoes, steamed asparagus, or lemon‑herb rice.

• A crisp green salad and a chilled white wine (e.g., Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay) complement the richness.

• For a full feast, pair with crusty bread and drawn butter for dipping.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (1 lobster tail, approx.): ~250–300 calories, ~20 g fat, ~4 g carbs, ~18–20 g protein. (Values vary depending on tail size and butter used.)

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen lobster tails?
A: Yes—just thaw fully in the fridge overnight and pat dry before seasoning. Allrecipes
Q: How do I know when the lobster is done?
A: The meat should be opaque white, the shell bright red, and internal temperature 140–145 °F (60–63 °C). Allrecipes+1
Q: Will this recipe work on the grill instead?
A: Absolutely. Brush tails with butter mixture, and grill meat‑side up over medium‑high heat for about 8‑10 minutes until done, finishing with a lemon squeeze.

Related Recipes

• Grilled Lobster Tails with Herb Butter

• Lobster Thermidor–style Baked Lobster with Creamy Mustard Sauce

• Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi (for a quicker shellfish version)

Conclusion

With just a handful of quality ingredients and minimal kitchen fuss, this baked lobster recipe delivers elegance, flavour and deliciousness. Whether for a date‑night, holiday or simply treating yourself, the result is juicy, buttery lobster that rivals the best seafood restaurants. Preheat your oven, brush on that garlic‑herb butter, and get ready to enjoy one of seafood’s finest indulgences.