Calories: 154kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 110mg | Sodium: 289mg | Potassium: 142mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 0.04g | Vitamin A: 353IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 62mg | Iron: 0.2mg
This decadent Oven Baked Lobster Tail is bathed in garlic butter and is ready in under 10 minutes. The result is tender and juicy lobster meat that melts in your mouth.
Making soft, juicy, buttery lobster tails at home is shockingly simple. Gone are the days when you make rubbery lobster. With a few simple ingredients and 10 minutes, you can have perfect lobster tails prime for dipping in a rich garlic butter sauce.
This recipe is perfect for any special occasion, such as Valentine’s Day, Christmas Dinner, or a birthday dinner. Beef is almost as expensive nowadays, so kick it up with a gourmet ingredient.
You can use this baked lobster tails recipe to pre-cook lobster meat and add it to other recipes, such as Lobster Ravioli or Truffles with Pasta. Just make sure to thaw the lobster tails before cooking. Here’s How To Thaw Lobster Tails.
When making oven baked lobster tails you do not have to butterfly the meat. If you prefer, you can always cut a long rectangular area out of the shell to expose the meat. Keep in mind the cooking won’t be as even this route.
If you’re cooking lobster tail meat in the oven, here’s how to butterfly the tail to expose the meat.
1. Place the lobster tail on a cutting board with the shell facing up and the tail facing away from you. Make a snip down the center of the hard shell, using sharp kitchen shears, stopping right before you reach the tail fin.
2. Flip the tail over and, using your thumbs, press down on each rib to crack. You will hear a snapping sound as you press down.
3. Flip the tail back over and remove the black digestive track vein (if one is present).
4. Carefully glide your thumbs or index fingers between the meat and the shell to loosen the meat. Do not detach it at the end (where the fin is).
5. Gently lift the meat from the shell (keeping the base attached) and set it over the top of the shell. You may need to gently press the two sides of the shell together to keep the meat elevated.
Your lobster tail is butterflied and ready for cooking!
Just like Butter Poached Lobster Tail, when making a broiled lobster tail recipe, cooking times vary based on the size of your lobster tail. Even with these guidelines, you should watch the oven closely to avoid burning.
I highly recommend using a digital thermometer to ensure your meat is pulled between 143 – 145˚F when it’s opaque and white in the center with a bright red shell. The meat will be firm to the touch.
Cajun Lobster – Use cajun sauce and cajun seasoning instead of the basic garlic butter.
Herb Butter – throw freshly chopped thyme, tarragon, or rosemary in the melted butter to elevate the herb flavoring. These herbs pair well with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and parsley.
Black Truffles – You can elevate the dish by sprinkling it with truffle salt or topping it with truffle butter.
Horseradish – if you’re a horseradish fan, top it with horseradish butter or serve with horseradish sauce.
Here are a few side dish ideas to serve alongside your baked lobster tails.
If you’re looking for a “surf and turf” style menu, the buttered lobster tail goes well with prime rib recipes, filet mignon, and sous vide steak.
You can butterfly the lobster tails earlier in the day so they’re ready to bake when you’re ready. Do not do this the day ahead; the meat can discolor, and quality will suffer.
You can purchase frozen lobster tails, however I don’t recommend cooking them from a frozen state. The delicate nature of lobster meat means cooking it from frozen could potentially ruin the dish. Just thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or place them in a pot filled with cold water for 30 minutes.
Lobster tails can be quite inexpensive to make this time of year. You can easily find a 5-6 oz tail for only $5 leading up to Valentine’s Day and throughout the year. Costco usually carries them for about $6 each. However, you need to buy in multiples of four.
My top favorite wine pairings when making baked lobster, or even sous vide lobster tails, are Buttery Chardonnay, Chablis, Sauvignon Blanc, Brut Champagne, and Viognier.
For more options, and pairing tips, visit my post on The Best Wine To Pair With Lobster.
Here are a few more Seafood recipes to check out:
This recipe was originally posted in February 2019, but has been updated with new photos and additional text.
This Decadent Garlic Butter Baked Lobster Tails Recipe is ready in just 10 minutes with minimal ingredients. Get restaurant quality baked lobster tails, drenched in butter and garlic, at half the price.
Print Pin Share on FacebookServings: 2 People
Calories: 154kcal
Cost: $15
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Preheat the oven to 500˚F or high broil.
Set the butterflied lobster tails on a baking sheet.
In a small bowl mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, and salt. Using a small spoon, drizzle evenly over the exposed lobster meat.
Place in the oven and cook until internal temperature reaches 143 – 145˚F (approx. 1 minute per ounce). *Note 1
Remove from the oven and garnish with lemon wedges and parsley. Serve with extra melted butter for dipping. For best texture, serve immediately.
Calories: 154kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 110mg | Sodium: 289mg | Potassium: 142mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 0.04g | Vitamin A: 353IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 62mg | Iron: 0.2mg