The Ina Garten Lobster Tail Recipe is luxurious, simple and full of flavor. Sweet, tender lobster meat is baked with butter and garlic.
It is perfect for special dinners, celebrations or romantic meals. The recipe is easy to follow at home and tastes restaurant-quality.
In this post, you will learn How to make Ina Garten Lobster Tail Recipe step by step. You will also find the Ingredients for Ina Garten Lobster Tail Recipe and useful tips for perfect results every time.
My Experience With This Recipe
I first made this lobster tail for a dinner party. The aroma of garlic butter filled the kitchen. The lobster meat was juicy, tender and slightly sweet.
Everyone loved it and commented on its restaurant-style flavor. It looked elegant on the plate with a drizzle of melted butter.
I liked how easy it was to prepare, even for a special occasion. Now, I often make it for celebrations or when I want a fancy dinner at home.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Ina Garten Lobster Tail Recipe
- Servings: 2
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: American / Seafood
- Calories: 350 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Baking sheet
- Sharp kitchen scissors
- Small bowl for butter
- Pastry brush
- Oven
- Tongs
- Serving plates
Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Lobster Tail Recipe
- 2 lobster tails (6–8 ounces each)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Lobster Tails
Use kitchen scissors to cut the top shell lengthwise. Pull the meat slightly out of the shell for even cooking.
3. Make Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt and pepper. Stir well.
4. Brush Lobster with Butter
Place lobster tails on the baking sheet. Brush generously with the garlic butter mixture. Reserve some for serving.
5. Bake the Lobster Tails
Bake in preheated oven for 12–15 minutes. Meat should be opaque and slightly firm. Do not overcook.
6. Add More Butter
Remove from oven. Brush with reserved garlic butter for extra flavor and shine.
7. Garnish and Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges. Serve immediately for best flavor and presentation.
Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Lobster Tail Recipe
- Use fresh or high-quality frozen lobster tails.
- Do not overcook or the meat will be rubbery.
- Brush garlic butter generously for rich flavor.
- Preheat the oven to ensure even cooking.
- Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking lobster tails, making them tough.
- Forgetting to cut the shell, which prevents even cooking.
- Using too much salt; lobster is naturally flavorful.
- Skipping the garlic butter brushing step.
- Leaving lobster out at room temperature too long before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve lobster tails with garlic mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad. Drizzle extra melted butter over the top.
A chilled glass of white wine pairs beautifully. This dish is elegant enough for a holiday or special dinner.
Variations You Can Try
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to garlic butter for heat.
- Use smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor.
- Top with breadcrumbs and Parmesan for a baked crust.
- Add fresh herbs like thyme or dill for extra aroma.
- Serve with lemon-garlic aioli for dipping.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftover lobster tails in an airtight container in the fridge up to 1 day.
- Reheat gently in a low oven or steam briefly to avoid overcooking.
- Do not microwave for long; meat can become rubbery.
- Reserve extra garlic butter for reheating to maintain flavor.
- Serve immediately after reheating for best taste.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Carbohydrates | 2 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sodium | 400 mg |
Health Benefits
Lobster tails are high in protein and low in carbohydrates. They provide vitamins like B12 and minerals such as zinc, selenium and copper.
Olive oil and butter provide healthy fats in moderation. This dish is filling, nutrient-dense, and supports muscle health and energy. Perfect for a healthy, indulgent meal.
Ina Garten Lobster Tail Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lobster tails 6–8 ounces each
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
- Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Prepare the Lobster Tails
- Use kitchen scissors to cut the top shell lengthwise. Pull the meat slightly out of the shell for even cooking.
Make Garlic Butter
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt and pepper. Stir well.
Brush Lobster with Butter
- Place lobster tails on the baking sheet. Brush generously with the garlic butter mixture. Reserve some for serving.
Bake the Lobster Tails
- Bake in preheated oven for 12–15 minutes. Meat should be opaque and slightly firm. Do not overcook.
Add More Butter
- Remove from oven. Brush with reserved garlic butter for extra flavor and shine.
Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges. Serve immediately for best flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use fresh or high-quality frozen lobster tails.
- Do not overcook or the meat will be rubbery.
- Brush garlic butter generously for rich flavor.
- Preheat the oven to ensure even cooking.
- Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
FAQs about Ina Garten Lobster Tail Recipe
Can I use frozen lobster tails?
Yes, thaw them completely in the refrigerator before baking for even cooking.
How do I know when lobster is done?
Lobster meat should be opaque, firm and slightly springy. Avoid overcooking to prevent rubbery texture.
Can I broil instead of bake?
Yes, broil 6–8 inches from the heat for 6–8 minutes, brushing with garlic butter halfway through.
What can I serve with lobster tails?
Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice or a fresh green salad. Lemon butter enhances flavor.
Can I make garlic butter ahead of time?
Yes, mix butter, garlic, lemon juice and paprika in advance. Warm slightly before brushing on lobster.
Final Thoughts
The Ina Garten Lobster Tail Recipe is elegant, flavorful and easy to make at home.
Juicy lobster meat with garlic butter creates a restaurant-quality dish. Now you know How to make Ina Garten Lobster Tail Recipe step by step.
Keep the Ingredients for Ina Garten Lobster Tail Recipe ready and enjoy a special, indulgent meal anytime. Perfect for holidays, celebrations or a romantic dinner at home.
Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!