Baked Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter!

🦞 Baked Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter

Ingredients (Serves 2–4):

• 4 lobster tails (5–6 oz each)

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp lemon juice (fresh is best)

• 1 tsp paprika (for color)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.

2. Prepare the lobster tails:

   • Using kitchen shears, cut down the top shell of each lobster tail (lengthwise), stopping at the base.

   • Gently pry the shell apart and lift the meat, resting it on top of the shell (called “butterflying”). Leave it attached at the base.

   • Remove any vein or shell fragments.

3. Make garlic butter:

   • In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper.

4. Brush and bake:

   • Generously brush the lobster meat with the garlic butter mixture.

   • Place lobster tails on the prepared baking sheet.

   • Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the lobster meat is opaque and slightly firm. (Internal temp should be around 140–145°F / 60–63°C.)

5. Broil for a golden finish (optional):

   • Turn on the broiler and broil the lobster tails for 1–2 minutes to get a golden top.

6. Serve:

   • Brush with more garlic butter.

   • Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Tips:

• Don’t overcook — lobster gets rubbery if overdone.

• You can prep the garlic butter ahead of time for quick cooking.

• Pairs beautifully with garlic mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.