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Quick Baked Lobster Tail Recipe with Paprika Garlic Butter Easy and Delicious

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A quick and easy baked lobster tail recipe featuring a flavorful paprika garlic butter that makes frozen lobster tails tender, juicy, and indulgent in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large lobster tails (about 68 oz / 170225 g each), thawed if frozen
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (about 60 g), softened
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Using kitchen scissors, cut down the top shell of each lobster tail, stopping just before the tail fin. Pry open the shell gently to expose the meat, then lift the meat slightly and rest it on top of the shell.
  3. In a small bowl, mix softened unsalted butter with minced garlic, smoked paprika, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth. Stir in chopped parsley if using.
  4. Brush the lobster meat generously with the paprika garlic butter, covering every crevice.
  5. Place the lobster tails on a baking sheet or oven-safe dish and slide into the preheated oven.
  6. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the lobster meat is opaque and firm but still tender. Internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C) if using a thermometer.
  7. Optional: Switch the oven to broil during the last 1-2 minutes for a golden top, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  8. Remove from oven and let rest for 2 minutes. Spoon any remaining butter from the baking dish over the lobster before serving.

Notes

Thaw lobster tails properly before cooking to ensure even cooking and flavor absorption. Use softened butter, not melted, for better coating. Watch the broil step closely to avoid burning. Let lobster rest after baking to keep it juicy. For dairy-free option, substitute butter with coconut oil and coconut aminos.

Nutrition

Keywords: lobster tail, baked lobster, paprika garlic butter, quick seafood recipe, easy lobster recipe, seafood dinner, baked lobster tail