How to Cook Lobster Tails in the Oven for Perfect Results Every Time

Lobster tails baked in the oven are such an easy and delicious meal to make at home The combination of sweet lobster meat with garlic, lemon and butter is incredible Baking lobster tails requires minimal prep and ingredients, making it a great option for fancy date nights or simple weeknight dinners.

As a seafood lover, I enjoy whipping up baked lobster tails on occasion when I’m craving something indulgent but don’t want the hassle of grilling or boiling Oven-baked lobster turns out tender and flavorful every single time when you follow a few helpful tips

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share my trusted recipe and top tricks for baking lobster tails at home to perfection. Let’s dive in!

Benefits of Baking vs. Other Cooking Methods

There are several ways you can cook lobster tails, including steaming, boiling, broiling, grilling and more. So why choose baking? Here are some of the biggest advantages:

• Minimal preparation – no need to set up a steamer pot or grill
• Evenly cooked meat without risk of over or undercooking
• Allows you to baste meat directly with garlic-lemon butter
• Easy cleanup with everything contained in one pan
• Hands-off method once tails go in the oven

Overall, baking lobster tails is one of the simplest cooking methods that still produces impressive results every single time.

Shopping for Lobster Tails

When buying lobster tails to bake, keep these tips in mind:

• Look for tails at least 5-6 ounces or larger per tail. The bigger, the better flavor and value.

• Opt for wild caught lobster from cold waters like Maine for premium quality.

• Pick tails with bright red shells and opaque, white meat visible at the openings.

• Avoid any tails with yellowish discoloration or dark black spots on the shell or meat.

• Raw tails should have a mild sea breeze aroma. Sniff to detect any off odors.

• Expect to pay around $8-$12 per pound depending on current market price.

Buying the best lobster tails you can find ensures delicious results after baking.

Thawing Frozen Lobster Tails

Many grocery stores stock frozen lobster tails since they have a longer shelf life. Here are a few thawing options if using frozen:

• Thaw tails overnight in the refrigerator for slow, safe thawing.

• For quicker thawing, place frozen tails in a zip top bag and submerge in cold water.

• Microwave defrosting is not recommended for texture and safety reasons.

• Never thaw lobster at room temperature to avoid bacteria growth.

Once thawed completely, rinse tails under cold water before prepping for baking.

Preparing Lobster Tails for the Oven

Before popping the lobster tails in the oven, you’ll need to get them prepped and ready:

• Rinse tails under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.

• Use kitchen shears to cut lengthwise through the top shell.

• Crack the shell open and loosen the meat from the bottom side.

• Lift the meat up and out, keeping it attached at the base if desired.

• Optional: butterfly the meat by cutting all the way through and opening the sides.

• Lightly coat the lobster meat with oil or melted butter to prevent sticking.

• Season with salt, pepper and any additional herbs or spices.

How to Bake Lobster Tails

Once your tails are prepped, it’s time to bake them. Follow these simple steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil.

• Arrange lobster tails meat-side up on pan.

• Mix together melted butter, garlic, lemon juice and parsley.

• Brush lobster tails generously with garlic-lemon butter.

• Bake for 12-15 minutes until shells are bright red.

• Meat should be opaque and reach 140°F internally when done.

• Optional: Broil the last 1-2 minutes for browned tops.

• Serve tails dripping with butter from the pan. So delicious!

Baking times may vary slightly based on your oven and size of tails. I recommend checking at 12 minutes for doneness.

How to Tell When Lobster Tails Are Done

It’s important not to overcook lobster tails or they can become tough and chewy. Look for these signs that they are fully baked:

• Shells turn bright reddish-orange color

• Meat is opaque throughout with no glassy translucence

• Interior temperature reads 140°F on a meat thermometer

• Meat feels firm but tender when pressed lightly

• Clear juices run out when pierced with a fork

Following the recommended bake time and temp will ensure perfect results.

Serving Suggestions for Baked Lobster Tails

Buttery baked lobster tails are delicious on their own, but there are lots of ways to serve them for a complete meal:

• Pair with melted lemon butter for dipping.

• Serve with fresh lemon wedges.

• Garnish with chopped parsley, chives or fresh dill.

• Offer bibb lettuce salad, roasted potatoes or rice pilaf as sides.

• Pour pan drippings over pasta or grains for extra flavor.

• Top with hollandaise sauce for an elegant presentation.

Lobster tails pair well with lighter sides that won’t overpower their sweet flavor. A crisp white wine or champagne makes a nice accompaniment too.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Lobster

Like any seafood, lobster tails are highly perishable. Here are some storage and reheating tips:

• Eat leftovers within 2-3 days for maximum freshness.

• Store cooked lobster tails in an airtight container in the fridge.

• Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F just until warmed through.

• You can also microwave leftovers for 30 seconds or less.

• Add lobster meat to salads, pasta, or soups for quick lunches.

With proper storage, you can definitely enjoy any uneaten lobster for another meal or two. The key is avoiding overcooking it when reheating.

Common Baking Questions

If you’re new to cooking lobster tails in the oven, here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

How long should I bake thawed vs. frozen lobster tails?

Thawed tails take 12-15 minutes while frozen will need 15-18 minutes since they start out colder.

Can I bake lobster tails without butter or oil?

Yes, but the meat may stick to the shell. Coating lightly helps avoid this.

Should I split lobster tails before baking?

Splitting or butterflying helps heat penetrate faster. But leaving unsplit works too.

What temperature do you bake lobster tails?

400°F is ideal. Higher temps risk overcooking the exterior before the center cooks through.

How do I prevent sticking to the pan when baking?

Line pans with foil or parchment paper for easy release. Coat with cooking spray too.

Can I re-heat leftover baked lobster tails?

Yes, gently reheat in oven at 300°F or microwave for 30 seconds until warmed through.

Now that you’re armed with all my best tips for oven-baked lobster success, you can serve up this impressive appetizer or entrée with ease. This simple preparation truly produces tender, juicy, flavorful results every time.