Lobster tails sound like the kind of thing you’d only make for a holiday, a dinner party, or a restaurant meal, but they’re actually pretty manageable at home when you keep them simple.
If you’re looking for an easy lobster tail recipe, this is a good one to keep around. It doesn’t ask for much, and it comes together fast. A little butter, lemon, and seasoning are really all you need.
This is also a great one for evenings when friends are coming over and you want dinner to feel a little more put together without spending the whole night in the kitchen. It looks like you did a lot more than you actually did, which is usually the sweet spot. Lobster is also naturally high in protein and lighter than people expect, so even though it feels a little more special, it doesn’t leave you feeling overly full afterward.
Marianne Keller is a retired nurse based in Sarasota, Florida, who contributed this recipe. She likes having a few meals in her back pocket that work when people come by, and she wants dinner to feel nice yet relaxed. This is one of them.
The Recipe
What you’ll need
- 4 lobster tails (medium-sized)
- 2 teaspoons lemon-pepper seasoning
- 4 tablespoons lemon-herb or garlic-herb butter
- 1 lemon, for juice
- Pinch of paprika (optional, but recommended)
Servings: 4
How to make it
Preheat your oven to 425°F.
Using kitchen shears or a sharp knife, carefully cut each lobster tail lengthwise. Place them on a baking sheet with the shell side down and the meat facing up.
Season the lobster evenly with the lemon-pepper seasoning. Spread the butter over each tail.
Bake for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the meat is opaque and cooked through.
Once out of the oven, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and serve right away.
A couple things that help
Lobster cooks quickly, which is nice, but it also means it’s worth paying attention once it goes in. You’ll know it’s ready when the meat turns opaque and slightly firm. If it gets too tight or rubbery, it has stayed in a little too long. If you’ve never cut lobster tails before, kitchen shears make it much easier than trying to work with a knife.
If you want a quick seafood handling refresher, the FDA seafood safety guide is a useful one to have.
What to serve with it
A few things that pair perfectly with this meal:
- roasted asparagus
- a baked potato
- simple rice or rice pilaf
- green beans
- a crisp green salad
If friends are coming over, this is the kind of dinner that works well with one easy side and a loaf of bread.
For more seafood recipe ideas, visit our Seafood Recipes section.
Marianne Keller is a retired nurse based in Sarasota, Florida who contributed this recipe.
