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Baked Stuffed Lobster Tails

baked stuffed lobster tails - featured image

Baked stuffed lobster tails feature tender lobster topped with a buttery, herby breadcrumb stuffing and a hint of lemon. This impressive yet easy dish is perfect for special occasions, delivering restaurant-quality flavor at home.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 lobster tails (about 6 oz each, thawed if frozen)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
  • 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs (use panko for extra crunch)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped chives (or green onion)
  • Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving)
  • Extra parsley or chives (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425Β°F (220Β°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil a shallow roasting pan.
  2. Using sharp kitchen scissors, cut down the center of each lobster tail shell, stopping just before the tail fan. Gently pull the shell apart and use a small knife to loosen the lobster meat. Carefully lift the meat and lay it on top of the shell (butterfly technique).
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs, softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, lemon zest, Parmesan (if using), chives, and red pepper flakes. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix until well combined; the mixture should be moist but crumbly. Add a splash of lemon juice if too dry.
  4. Spoon the stuffing evenly over the lobster meat, pressing gently so it stays put. Scatter any extra stuffing around the tails on the baking sheet.
  5. Brush the stuffed tails with melted butter and squeeze half a lemon over the top. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
  6. Bake on the middle rack for 15-18 minutes (smaller tails may need 12-14 minutes) until stuffing is golden and lobster is opaque.
  7. For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes, watching closely.
  8. Let the tails rest for 2-3 minutes out of the oven. Garnish with fresh parsley, chives, and lemon wedges. Serve immediately.

Notes

For gluten-free, use gluten-free panko or crushed rice crackers. For dairy-free, use plant-based butter and omit Parmesan. Add chopped shrimp or crab to stuffing for extra seafood flavor. If stuffing starts to burn, tent loosely with foil. Larger lobster tails may need 2-3 extra minutes. Serve hot for best texture; leftovers can be refrigerated up to 2 days and reheated gently in the oven.

Nutrition

Keywords: lobster tails, baked lobster, stuffed lobster, seafood recipe, special occasion, holiday dinner, easy lobster, main course, oven baked, family recipe