Succulent Lobster Tails Recipe

Heavenly Baked Lobster Tails with Garlic Herb Butter Sauce Recipe

Succulent seafood dreams come alive with these baked lobster tails swimming in a luscious garlic herb butter sauce.

Ocean-fresh crustaceans deliver an elegant dining experience that feels luxurious yet surprisingly simple.

Tender lobster meat transforms into a mouthwatering centerpiece when paired with creamy mashed potatoes.

Each bite promises a symphony of rich, buttery flavors that dance across your palate.

The golden-brown exterior hints at the delicate, perfectly cooked meat waiting beneath.

Garlic and herbs infuse every morsel with sophisticated taste that will impress even the most discerning dinner guests.

Prepare to elevate your home cooking with this restaurant-quality seafood sensation that’s sure to become a cherished recipe in your culinary repertoire.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 675 kcal

Servings: 3

What You’ll Need For Baked Lobster Tails With Garlic Herb Butter Sauce And Mashed Potatoes

For Mashed Potatoes:
  • Russet Potatoes: Starchy powerhouses that create ultra-creamy texture and absorb seasonings beautifully, choose firm potatoes without green spots or sprouts.
  • Butter: Adds rich, luxurious flavor and helps create silky smooth consistency, select high-quality unsalted butter for best results.
  • Cream or Milk: Enhances creaminess and helps achieve perfect mashed potato texture, whole milk provides richer taste than low-fat alternatives.
  • Salt: Elevates natural potato flavors, use sea salt or kosher salt for more robust seasoning.
  • Black Pepper: Provides subtle heat and depth, freshly ground pepper offers more intense flavor compared to pre-ground versions.
For Lobster Preparation:
  • Lobster Tails: Sweet, delicate seafood centerpiece that promises elegant dining experience, look for firm, bright-colored tails without discoloration.
For Garlic Herb Butter Sauce:
  • Butter: Creates luxurious base for sauce, bringing richness and smooth texture.
  • Garlic: Adds intense, aromatic flavor that complements seafood perfectly, choose fresh cloves for strongest taste.
  • Fresh Herbs: Brings brightness and complexity to the sauce, select parsley or chives for vibrant green color and fresh taste.
  • Lemon: Adds zesty brightness that cuts through richness, choose firm lemons with smooth skin.
  • Salt and Pepper: Balances and enhances overall sauce flavor profile.

Seafood Tools For Baked Lobster Tails With Garlic Herb Butter Sauce And Mashed Potatoes

  • Large Pot: Essential for boiling potatoes evenly and efficiently.
  • Potato Masher or Ricer: Perfect for creating smooth, lump-free mashed potatoes.
  • Colander: Needed to drain potatoes after boiling.
  • Sharp Knife: Crucial for peeling and cubing potatoes neatly.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing potatoes while mashing.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helps ensure precise ingredient amounts for consistent results.

How To Bake Lobster Tails With Garlic Herb Butter Sauce And Mashed Potatoes

  • Potato Preparation

Select fresh potatoes and wash thoroughly. Cut into uniform cubes to ensure even cooking.

  • Boiling Process

Fill a large pot with cold water and add a pinch of salt. Submerge potato cubes and heat until water reaches a rolling boil. Cook for approximately 15-20 minutes until potatoes feel soft when pierced with a fork.

  • Mashing Technique

Carefully drain water using a colander. Return potatoes to the warm pot. Add soft butter and warm cream. Use a potato masher or rigor to create a smooth, creamy texture. Sprinkle salt and black pepper to enhance flavor. Keep covered to maintain warmth.

  • Lobster Tail Readiness

Inspect fresh lobster tails for quality. Pat dry with clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.

  • Butter Infusion

Melt butter in a small saucepan. Crush fresh garlic and chop fragrant herbs like parsley and thyme. Combine ingredients to create a rich, aromatic sauce.

  • Baking Magic

Preheat oven to 425°F. Place lobster tails on a baking sheet. Generously brush with garlic herb butter. Bake until meat turns opaque and slightly golden, approximately 10-12 minutes.

  • Elegant Plating

Spoon creamy mashed potatoes onto warm plates. Carefully arrange baked lobster tails alongside. Drizzle remaining garlic herb butter over the seafood. Garnish with fresh herb sprigs for a restaurant-quality presentation.

Fine-Tuning Tips For Baked Lobster Tails With Garlic Herb Butter Sauce And Mashed Potatoes

  • Lobster Tail Perfection: Insider Tips and Delicious Twists
  • Butter Brushing Technique: Generously brush lobster tails with herb butter before and during baking to ensure maximum flavor infusion and prevent drying out.
  • Temperature Precision: Use an instant-read thermometer to check lobster meat reaches 140-145°F for perfect texture without overcooking, which can make meat tough and rubbery.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace regular butter with clarified butter or ghee, and ensure all seasoning ingredients are gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Seafood Substitution: For budget-friendly options, swap lobster with large shrimp or king crab legs while maintaining similar cooking techniques and flavor profiles.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare garlic herb butter and mashed potatoes up to 24 hours in advance, storing separately in refrigerator and reheating gently before serving to save time on cooking day.

Serve Baked Lobster Tails With Garlic Herb Butter Sauce And Mashed Potatoes Like A Pro

  • Elegant Seafood Dining Experience: Serve the baked lobster tails on a large white platter with the creamy mashed potatoes beautifully arranged alongside, creating a stunning presentation that highlights the golden lobster and smooth potato base.
  • Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the rich, buttery flavors with a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, which will cut through the richness and enhance the delicate seafood taste.
  • Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives over the lobster and potatoes to add a burst of color, bright flavor, and a professional touch that elevates the entire dish's visual appeal.
  • Elegant Side Salad: Add a light, refreshing mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the lobster and provide a clean, crisp contrast to the buttery main course.

Storage Details For Baked Lobster Tails With Garlic Herb Butter Sauce And Mashed Potatoes

  • Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover lobster tails and mashed potatoes separately in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Enjoy refrigerated seafood within 1-2 days for optimal taste and safety.
  • Smart Reheating Technique: Gently warm mashed potatoes in microwave with splash of milk, stirring occasionally. Reheat lobster tails in oven at 275°F for 10-12 minutes to maintain moisture and prevent rubbery texture.
  • Freezing Wisdom: Mashed potatoes freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers, leaving small air space. Lobster tails are best consumed fresh and do not freeze well without compromising quality.
  • Flavor Boost Tip: Before storing, drizzle remaining garlic herb butter over mashed potatoes to enhance taste when reheating. This trick helps maintain rich, original flavor profile and prevents potential dryness.
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Succulent Lobster Tails Recipe

Succulent Lobster Tails


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4.9 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 3 1x

Description

Succulent lobster tail recipe from Maine’s coastal kitchens combines rich garlic herb butter with creamy mashed potatoes. Elegant seafood lovers savor this luxurious dish that promises restaurant-quality dining at home.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 lobster tails (6 oz / 170 g each)
  • ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter
  • 2 lbs (900 g) Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream or milk (warmed)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Lemon wedges, for serving
  • Additional fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Potato Preparation: Peel and cube potatoes uniformly to guarantee consistent cooking and optimal texture.
  2. Boiling Process: Submerge potato cubes in cold, salted water and bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to medium-high, cooking until fork-tender (approximately 15-18 minutes).
  3. Mashing Technique: Drain potatoes, return to pot, and integrate softened butter and warm cream, using a potato masher to create a silky, lump-free consistency.
  4. Seasoning Finale: Enhance mashed potatoes with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, tailoring flavor profile to personal preference, then cover to preserve warmth and creaminess until serving.

Notes

  • Potato Cutting Precision: Cut potatoes into uniform, same-sized cubes to guarantee consistent cooking and prevent uneven texture.
  • Salt Water Technique: Use cold, generously salted water from the start to deeply infuse flavor into the potatoes during boiling.
  • Moisture Preservation: Return drained potatoes to warm pot to retain heat and prevent rapid cooling, maintaining optimal serving temperature.
  • Smooth Mashing Strategy: Use a potato masher instead of electric mixers to control texture, preventing over-mixing which can make potatoes gluey and dense.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3
  • Calories: 675
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 45 g
  • Saturated Fat: 28 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 27 g
  • Cholesterol: 170 mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

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