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Perfect Oven-Baked Lobster Tail with Garlic Herb Butter

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A quick and easy recipe for juicy, tender lobster tails baked with a flavorful garlic herb butter, ready in just 20 minutes. Perfect for special occasions or a weekday indulgence.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large lobster tails (about 6–8 oz / 170–225 g each), thawed if frozen
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (about 56 g), softened
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped (optional)
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (preferably flaky sea salt)
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Using kitchen shears, cut down the center of the top shell of each lobster tail, stopping just before the tail fin. Gently pull the shell apart to expose the meat, then lift and rest the meat on top of the shell.
  3. In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, thyme (if using), lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix until smooth and evenly blended.
  4. Generously brush the exposed lobster meat with the garlic herb butter, saving some to baste halfway through cooking.
  5. Place the lobster tails shell-side down on a rimmed baking sheet with the buttered meat facing up.
  6. Bake in the oven for 12–15 minutes, until the lobster meat is opaque and firm to the touch. If using a thermometer, aim for an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
  7. About halfway through baking (around 7 minutes), open the oven and baste the tails with more garlic herb butter.
  8. Remove from oven and let the lobster tails rest for 2 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  9. Serve immediately with a drizzle of leftover butter and a wedge of lemon.

Notes

Do not overcook lobster tails to avoid rubbery texture. Use softened butter for better mixing and spreading. Let lobster rest after baking for juiciness. If butter bubbles or browns too fast, reduce oven temperature by 25°F and extend cooking time slightly. Can substitute dried herbs at one-third the amount. For dairy-free option, use coconut oil or vegan butter.

Nutrition

Keywords: lobster tail, oven-baked lobster, garlic herb butter, seafood recipe, quick lobster recipe, easy dinner, special occasion seafood

Find it online: https://elvafood.com/perfect-oven-baked-lobster-tail-with-garlic-herb-butter-recipe-in-20-minutes/