How to Make the Perfect Baked Stuffed Lobster Tails
American · Medium · 45 min · 4 servings
These luxurious baked lobster tails are butterfly cut and filled with a buttery garlic herb breadcrumb stuffing before being baked to juicy perfection. This elegant dish is surprisingly simple to make at home and is ideal for special occasions.
Why this recipe works
This Baked Stuffed Lobster Tails recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 45 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 520 calories with 44g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 4 whole lobster tails about 8 oz each
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 0.75 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped
- 1 whole lemon zested and cut into wedges
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Butterfly the Lobster Tails
Using sharp kitchen scissors, cut down the center of each lobster shell lengthwise stopping just before the tail fin. Gently spread the shell open and pull the raw lobster meat up and out, resting it on top of the shell. This creates the classic butterfly presentation.
Step 2: Make the Stuffing
In a bowl combine melted butter, panko breadcrumbs, minced garlic, fresh parsley, and lemon zest. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated and the mixture holds together when pressed lightly. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Stuff and Bake
Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Place butterflied lobster tails in a baking dish and press the breadcrumb stuffing generously over the top of each lobster tail. Drizzle with any remaining melted butter and bake for 18 to 22 minutes until the stuffing is golden and the lobster is opaque.
Step 4: Rest and Plate
Remove lobster tails from the oven and let them rest for 3 minutes before serving. The internal temperature should reach 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Serve with fresh lemon wedges and melted butter for dipping.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- panko breadcrumbs → crushed Ritz crackers for a richer and slightly buttery stuffing texture
- fresh parsley → fresh tarragon or chives which pair beautifully with seafood
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Overbaking the lobster tails past the point when they are opaque, making the meat dry and rubbery
- Cutting too deeply through the lobster shell with scissors and accidentally cutting the meat underneath
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 520 calories, 44g protein, 14g carbs, 30g fat, 1g fiber.
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