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

Cooking lobster tails in the oven is one of the easiest ways to enjoy this luxurious seafood at home With just a few simple steps, you can have restaurant-quality lobster tails ready in under 30 minutes

As someone who loves lobster but doesn’t want to spend a fortune getting it at a restaurant, learning how to prepare it myself has been life-changing Once you realize how simple it is to bake these tails at home, you’ll never feel the need to order them when dining out again

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to cook lobster tails in the oven perfectly every single time.

Selecting and Preparing Lobster Tails for the Oven

You can find raw lobster tails in the seafood section of most grocery stores. They are often sold frozen or fresh. I prefer using fresh tails when possible for maximum flavor and texture, but frozen tails work well too if thawed overnight in the fridge.

Look for tails that are at least 5 ounces in size. The most common types you’ll see are:

• Maine lobster tails: Considered the best. These are what you’ll typically be served at upscale restaurants. They have firm, sweet meat.

• Rock lobster tails: Also called spiny lobster. The meat is slightly more dense than Maine lobster.

• Frozen lobster tails: Often from warm water lobsters like those found in the Caribbean. Less flavor than Maine but still delicious.

Once you have your tails, use kitchen shears to cut straight through the top of the shell from the upper fin end down towards the wider end. Stop before cutting through the base.

Next, crack the shell open and pull the meat out so it lays over the top of the opened shell. Use a knife to slice halfway through the meat lengthwise which helps it cook more evenly.

Finally, rinse the tails under cold water and pat dry with paper towels before moving on to seasoning and baking.

Oven Baked Lobster Tails Seasoning and Cooking Options

The simplest way to oven-bake lobster tails is to brush them with melted butter and bake until done. But adding a few extra seasoning ingredients takes them to the next level. Here are some of my favorite ways to flavor and cook lobster tails in the oven:

Lemon Garlic Butter Lobster Tails

• Ingredients: Lobster tails, melted butter, garlic powder, salt, lemon juice
• Bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes

Cajun Spice Lobster Tails

• Ingredients: Lobster tails, melted butter, Cajun seasoning, paprika, oregano, thyme
• Bake at 425°F for 10-12 minutes

Parsley and Parmesan Lobster Tails

• Ingredients: Lobster tails, melted butter, parsley, Parmesan, lemon zest
• Bake at 425°F for 12-14 minutes

Brown Sugar Rum Glazed Lobster Tails

• Ingredients: Lobster tails, brown sugar, rum, melted butter, cayenne pepper
• Bake at 400°F for 14-16 minutes

No matter what flavor combo you use, make sure to baste the tails with butter 2-3 times while baking to keep them moist and tender.

Here are a few more tips for perfectly cooked oven baked lobster tails:

• Preheat oven to 400-450°F
• Bake for 10-16 minutes depending on size
• Check internal temperature of 140-145°F when done
• Watch closely to prevent overcooking
• Serve with lemon wedges and melted butter

Step-by-Step Oven Baked Lobster Tails Recipe

This classic lemon garlic butter lobster tails recipe is my go-to for special occasions. Follow these simple steps for indulgent, restaurant-quality seafood.

Ingredients:

• 2 lobster tails, split top of shell
• 3 tbsp melted butter
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1⁄4 tsp salt
• 1⁄8 tsp pepper
• 2 lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Place lobster tails meat-side up on baking sheet.

2. In small bowl, mix together melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, salt and pepper.

3. Brush lobster tails with garlic lemon butter mixture.

4. Bake for 12-14 minutes until opaque and firm. Baste with butter 2-3 times while cooking.

5. Remove from oven and squeeze lemon wedge over each tail.

6. Serve immediately with additional melted butter for dipping if desired. Enjoy!

The savory garlic butter sauce perfectly complements the sweet lobster meat. Baking keeps the tails incredibly moist and tender too.

Adjust cook times slightly for smaller or larger tails. An instant read thermometer should read 140°F for perfect doneness.

Common Questions and Tips for Oven Baked Lobster Tails

How do you keep lobster tails from curling when baking?

• Cut the underside of the shell lengthwise before cooking to prevent curling. This allows the meat to lay flat.

Can you bake frozen lobster tails?

• Yes! Thaw frozen tails overnight in the fridge before baking. Add 1-2 extra minutes to the cook time.

Should you bake lobster tails on a wire rack or pan?

• A wire rack allows maximum air circulation for even cooking. But a rimmed baking sheet also works well.

What are the best side dishes to serve with lobster?

• Baked potatoes, grilled asparagus, garlic bread and simple green salads complement lobster tails nicely.

Is it safe to eat raw lobster?

• No, lobster must be thoroughly cooked to at least 140°F internally to prevent foodborne illness. Do not consume raw.

Cooking lobster tails in the oven is much simpler than you may think. In just 30 minutes or less, you can have restaurant-quality seafood ready to enjoy in the comfort of your own home for a fraction of the dining out price.