Garlic-Butter Baked Lobster Tails with Citrus Zing

This indulgent dish transforms weeknight dinners into coastal-inspired feasts.

The garlic-infused butter enhances the lobster’s natural sweetness, while the citrus adds a bright contrast—guaranteed to impress without!

Ingredients

• 8 small lobster tails (4–6 oz each, thawed if frozen) 

• ½ cup salted butter, melted (unsalted butter + ¼ tsp salt works as a substitute)
• 1½ tsp garlic powder 
• 1 tsp dried parsley 
• 1–2 tsp seafood seasoning blend 
• Juice of ½ lemon
• Optional garnish: Fresh chopped chives or a sprinkle of paprika

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep & Preheat
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a ceramic or glass baking dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

2. Prepare the Lobster
Using sturdy kitchen shears, carefully cut each lobster tail lengthwise along the top shell, starting from the fleshy end toward the fin. Gently pry open the shell and lift the meat upward, keeping it attached at the base. Rest the meat atop the split shell—this “butterflied” method ensures even cooking.

3. Create the Garlic-Herb Butter
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, garlic powder, and dried parsley. For a richer aroma, let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

4. Season & Sauce
Arrange the lobster tails in the baking dish. Lightly dust each with seafood seasoning (start with 1 tsp total, adjusting to taste). Generously brush the garlic butter over the meat, ensuring it seeps into the crevices. Finish with a drizzle of fresh lemon juice to balance the richness

5. Bake to Perfection
Roast for 12–15 minutes, or until the shells turn vivid coral-red and the meat is firm, opaque, and reaches 140–145°F (60–63°C) internally. Avoid overcooking, as lobster can become rubbery.

6. Serve & Savor
Plate immediately, spooning any residual pan butter over the tails. Accompany with lemon wedges and crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Pair with a crisp Chardonnay or sparkling water infused with citrus slices.

Pro Tips

• Butterfly Hack: For stubborn shells, use a paring knife to loosen the meat.
• Heat Variation: Broil for the final 2 minutes for a caramelized finish.
• Make It Ahead: Prep the butter sauce and season the tails up to 2 hours before baking.