
Treat your family and guests to an unforgettable seafood feast with this Baked Herb Butter Lobster Tail Tray. Tender, juicy lobster tails are coated in a rich garlic herb butter, seasoned with Old Bay, Italian herbs, and paprika, then baked until perfectly succulent. This elegant yet easy lobster recipe is ideal for holidays, dinner parties, or any special occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just 30 minutes
- Tender, buttery lobster with incredible flavor
- Perfect for entertaining a crowd
- Easy oven-baked method
- Restaurant-quality seafood at home
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: Approximately 470 kcal per serving
Ingredients
For the Lobster
- 10–12 lobster tails, split lengthwise
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 8 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Lobster
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Using kitchen shears, carefully cut each lobster tail lengthwise through the shell. Gently loosen the meat and place it on top of the shell for an elegant presentation, keeping it attached at the base.
Arrange the lobster tails in a single layer on a large baking sheet or roasting pan.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Herb Butter
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- Melted butter
- Minced garlic
- Chopped parsley
- Italian seasoning
- Paprika
- Old Bay seasoning
- Fresh lemon juice
- Salt
- Black pepper
Mix until the seasonings are evenly incorporated and the butter is fragrant.
Step 3: Coat the Lobster
Generously brush the garlic herb butter over each lobster tail, making sure the butter seeps into every crevice of the meat.
Reserve any remaining butter for basting after baking.
Step 4: Bake
Bake for 12–15 minutes, depending on the size of the lobster tails.
The lobster is perfectly cooked when:
- The meat turns opaque white
- The shells become bright red
- The internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C)
- The meat is tender and juicy
Avoid overbaking, as lobster can become tough and rubbery.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Remove the lobster tray from the oven.
Spoon the warm garlic herb butter and pan juices over each lobster tail.
Sprinkle with a little extra chopped parsley and serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges.
Serving Suggestions
This buttery lobster pairs beautifully with:
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Roasted asparagus
- Buttered green beans
- Parmesan roasted broccoli
- Lemon herb rice
- Caesar salad
- Warm crusty bread
- Garlic butter pasta
Pro Tips
- Fresh lobster tails deliver the sweetest flavor, but thawed frozen tails also work well.
- Pulling the meat over the shell before baking creates an impressive restaurant-style presentation.
- Baste the lobster halfway through baking for extra moisture and flavor.
- Fresh lemon juice enhances the richness of the butter.
- Watch the cooking time carefully—lobster cooks quickly and is best when just done.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked lobster for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 8–10 minutes with a little melted butter to keep the meat moist.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 470 kcal
- Protein: 38 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 220 mg
- Sodium: Varies by seasoning
- Fiber: 0 g
- Sugar: <1 g