Baked Lobster Tails with Garlic Herb Butter and Creamy Mashed Potatoes

If you’re looking to impress your guests or treat yourself to a luxurious dinner, look no further than Baked Lobster Tails with Garlic Herb Butter Sauce and Creamy Mashed Potatoes. This elegant dish is surprisingly simple to prepare, making it the perfect choice for both special occasions and indulgent weeknight dinners.

The buttery, garlicky lobster pairs beautifully with the rich and velvety mashed potatoes, creating a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. Ready in under an hour, this recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary experience.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortlessly Elegant: Lobster tails are easy to prepare yet look incredibly sophisticated on the plate.
Flavor Explosion: The garlic herb butter sauce infuses the lobster meat with rich, zesty flavor.
Complete Comfort: Paired with creamy mashed potatoes, this dish offers the perfect balance of luxury and heartiness.
Customizable: Adjust the herbs, add a touch of spice, or swap mashed potatoes for another favorite side.

A Luxurious Classic

Lobster has long been associated with fine dining, but it doesn’t have to be intimidating to cook at home. This recipe simplifies the process while highlighting the sweet, delicate flavor of lobster tails. The garlic herb butter sauce, enriched with fresh parsley and lemon, enhances the lobster’s natural flavor, making each bite irresistibly flavorful.

Paired with buttery mashed potatoes, this meal is both satisfying and indulgent, perfect for celebrations or a cozy dinner for two.

Step-by-Step Guide to Baked Lobster Tails with Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Lobster Tails:

4 lobster tails, thawed if frozen
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Mashed Potatoes:

4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/2 cup milk or cream
4 tbsp butter
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 garlic cloves, minced (optional)
Fresh chives (optional, for garnish)

Step 1: Prepare the Lobster Tails

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Using kitchen shears, carefully cut along the top of each lobster shell, stopping just before the tail. Gently pull the meat up and out, resting it on top of the shell for a beautiful presentation.
Place the lobster tails on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Herb Butter Sauce

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Bake the Lobster Tails

Generously spoon the garlic herb butter sauce over the exposed lobster meat.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the meat is opaque and cooked through.

Step 4: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

While the lobster tails are baking, place the cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil.
Cook for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
Mash the potatoes using a potato masher or ricer. Add the butter, milk (or cream), and optional minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper, and continue mashing until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Plate the lobster tails, drizzling them with any leftover garlic herb butter sauce from the baking sheet.
Add a generous scoop of mashed potatoes to each plate.
Garnish with fresh parsley and chives for a vibrant touch. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Tips for Success

Thaw Lobster Properly: If using frozen lobster tails, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture.
Don’t Overcook the Lobster: Lobster meat is done when it’s opaque and slightly firm. Overcooking can make it rubbery.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes: For extra richness, use heavy cream instead of milk and a potato ricer for an ultra-smooth texture.
Add a Kick: Sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes into the butter sauce for a subtle heat.

Why This Dish is Perfect for Any Occasion

This Baked Lobster Tails with Garlic Herb Butter and Mashed Potatoes recipe offers the perfect balance of elegance and comfort. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a romantic evening, or simply treating yourself to something special, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavors with minimal effort.

The combination of buttery lobster tails and creamy mashed potatoes makes for an unforgettable meal that’s both satisfying and indulgent. Serve it with a crisp white wine or sparkling water with a slice of lemon for a truly elevated experience.