Oh my goodness, if you’re looking for a dish that makes you feel like you’re dining at a five-star restaurant without leaving your home, you’ve hit the jackpot with these baked lobster tails with garlic herb butter sauce and mashed potatoes! I still remember the first time I made this for a special dinner. The aroma of garlic and butter wafting through the kitchen had me practically dancing with anticipation. Trust me, there’s something so decadent about tender lobster paired with a rich, garlicky sauce, and creamy mashed potatoes that just melts in your mouth. It’s like a hug from the inside! Plus, this meal is impressive enough to wow your guests, but easy enough for a cozy night in. Let’s dive into this deliciousness together!
Ingredients
- 2 lobster tails
- 4 tablespoons butter, plus 2 tablespoons for mashed potatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1/4 cup milk
How to Prepare Baked Lobster Tails with Garlic Herb Butter Sauce and Mashed Potatoes
Prepping the Lobster Tails
First things first, let’s get those lobster tails ready! You’ll want to start with fresh lobster tails for the best flavor. Carefully cut each tail in half lengthwise using a sharp knife. This allows the garlic herb butter sauce to seep into that tender meat. Just a heads up—if you’ve never done this before, take your time to avoid any accidents. Safety first, right?
Making the Garlic Herb Butter Sauce
Now, onto the heavenly garlic herb butter sauce! In a small pan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, add in the minced garlic and chopped parsley, and let it sizzle for a minute—oh, the aroma is fantastic! Then, stir in the fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Feel free to taste and adjust the garlic and herbs to match your personal preference. Don’t be shy; this sauce is all about YOU!
Baking the Lobster Tails
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) while you get those tails ready for the oven! Brush the luscious garlic herb butter sauce generously over the lobster meat, making sure every bit is coated. Place the lobster tails on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven for about 12-15 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the meat turns opaque and slightly firm to the touch. Trust me, the smell will drive you wild!
Preparing the Mashed Potatoes
While the lobster is baking, let’s whip up some creamy mashed potatoes! Peel and chop the two large potatoes into even pieces, then boil them in salted water until they’re fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Once they’re soft, drain the water and return the potatoes to the pot. Add in 1/4 cup of milk and 2 tablespoons of butter, then mash until perfectly smooth and creamy. I love adding a pinch of salt and pepper for that extra flavor kick!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
- Rich flavors from the garlic herb butter sauce elevate the sweet, tender lobster.
- Mashed potatoes create a creamy, comforting side that pairs beautifully with the lobster.
- Impressive presentation that wows guests without requiring advanced cooking skills.
- Perfect balance of indulgence and comfort, making every bite a delightful experience.
Tips for Success
To make sure your baked lobster tails with garlic herb butter sauce come out perfectly every time, here are my top tips! First, always go for fresh lobster tails; they make a world of difference in flavor. If you can, buy them from a trusted seafood market. When making your garlic herb butter sauce, don’t hesitate to adjust the garlic and herbs to suit your taste—more garlic means more flavor! Also, keep an eye on the lobster while it bakes; overcooking can make it tough. You want that sweet, tender meat to shine!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk about the nutritional goodness of these baked lobster tails with garlic herb butter sauce and mashed potatoes! Each serving, which includes one lobster tail and a side of creamy mashed potatoes, contains approximately 600 calories. You’ll find about 40g of fat, with 20g being saturated fat, along with 35g of protein that’s sure to satisfy. On the carbohydrate front, you’ll get around 35g, which includes about 4g of fiber. Keep in mind, these figures are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes, but they’ll give you a good idea of what to expect!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen lobster tails?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. It’s best to do this overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
What can I substitute for the butter in the garlic herb sauce?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use olive oil instead. It’ll still give you that nice flavor, just a bit different!
How do I know when the lobster tails are done?
The meat should be opaque and firm to the touch. If you have a meat thermometer, aim for an internal temperature of about 140°F (60°C) for perfectly cooked lobster.
Can I prepare the garlic herb butter sauce in advance?
Yes, you can make it ahead of time! Just store it in the fridge and gently reheat it before brushing it on the lobster.
What sides pair well with baked lobster tails?
While creamy mashed potatoes are a classic, you can also serve it with a fresh salad, roasted asparagus, or even some garlic bread for a delightful meal!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftovers (which is rare with this dish, but hey, it happens!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just make sure the lobster and mashed potatoes are completely cooled before sealing them away. When it’s time to enjoy those leftovers, I recommend reheating the lobster gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to maintain its tenderness. For the mashed potatoes, a quick zap in the microwave should do the trick—just add a splash of milk to get that creamy texture back!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your meal even further, consider serving a light, refreshing salad alongside your baked lobster tails with garlic herb butter sauce and mashed potatoes. A simple arugula salad with cherry tomatoes and a lemon vinaigrette perfectly balances the richness of the lobster. You might also want to add some roasted asparagus or sautéed green beans for a pop of color and nutrition! And don’t forget a loaf of warm, crusty bread to soak up any extra garlic herb butter sauce—you won’t want to waste a drop! Enjoy your culinary masterpiece!
For more tips on cooking lobster, check out this guide on cooking lobster tails.
For a delicious side, try making creamy garlic mashed potatoes to complement your meal!
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Baked Lobster Tails with Garlic Herb Butter Sauce Delight
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious baked lobster tails served with garlic herb butter sauce and creamy mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
- 2 lobster tails
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 2 large potatoes
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter for mashed potatoes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Cut the lobster tails in half lengthwise.
- Melt butter in a pan and add garlic, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Brush the garlic herb butter sauce over the lobster meat.
- Place the lobster tails on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes.
- Peel and chop the potatoes, then boil until tender.
- Drain the potatoes and mash with milk and butter until smooth.
- Serve the lobster tails with mashed potatoes on the side.
Notes
- Adjust garlic and herbs to your taste.
- Ensure lobster is fresh for best flavor.
- You can add more lemon juice for a tangy taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 lobster tail with mashed potatoes
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: baked lobster tails, garlic herb butter sauce, mashed potatoes
