Perfectly delicate and bursting with buttery, garlicky flavor, these Butterflied Lobster Tails are a luxurious yet surprisingly simple seafood dish you can make at home. By cutting and fanning out the lobster meat, this recipe creates an impressive presentation that's ideal for special occasions or an indulgent dinner. Coated generously with a flavorful mix of melted butter, garlic, paprika, and fresh lemon juice, the lobster becomes tender and juicy as it bakes in the oven. A quick broil at the end gives it a golden finish, adding visual appeal and an irresistible aroma. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy-to-follow recipe is perfect for any seafood lover. Serve with sides like lemon wedges, melted butter, or a crisp green salad for a restaurant-quality meal right from your kitchen. Keywords: butterflied lobster tails, garlic butter lobster, baked lobster tails recipe, easy seafood dinner.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with foil or parchment paper.
Using kitchen shears, carefully cut through the top shell of each lobster tail lengthwise, stopping just before the tail fin. Avoid cutting through the bottom shell.
Gently pull the lobster meat out of the shell, keeping it attached at the base of the tail. Lay the meat on top of the shell, creating the signature 'butterflied' look.
Rinse the lobster tails under cold water to remove any shell fragments, then pat them dry with paper towels.
Place the butterflied tails on the prepared baking sheet and lightly brush the meat with olive oil to prevent drying out.
In a small bowl, melt the butter and mix it with minced garlic, paprika, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Generously brush the garlic butter mixture over the lobster meat, ensuring even coverage.
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the lobster meat is opaque and the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
Optional: For a golden finish, switch the oven to broil for an additional 1–2 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid overcooking.
Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite sides, like melted butter, lemon wedges, or a crisp salad.
Serving size | 690.2 grams (690.2g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 1131 |
Total Fat 66.10g | 85% |
Saturated Fat 28.90g | 144% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.80g | |
Cholesterol 628mg | 209% |
Sodium 4296mg | 187% |
Total Carbohydrate 4.20g | 2% |
Dietary Fiber 0.40g | 1% |
Total Sugars 1.10g | |
Protein 118.60g | 237% |
Vitamin D 9IU | 45% |
Calcium 524mg | 40% |
Iron 2mg | 9% |
Potassium 1174mg | 25% |
Source of Calories