Oh, let me tell you about the magic that happens when you bake lobster tails with garlic herb butter sauce and pair them with creamy mashed potatoes! This dish is just pure indulgence—think tender, succulent lobster meat drenched in a rich, aromatic garlic butter that’ll make your taste buds sing. And the mashed potatoes? They’re so creamy and buttery, they practically melt in your mouth! The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to whip up, making it perfect for a romantic dinner or a special occasion without the fuss. Trust me, once you try this combination, you’ll find yourself dreaming about it long after the last bite. Let’s dive into this deliciousness together!
Ingredients List
- 2 lobster tails, fresh and thawed if frozen
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (feel free to add more if you love garlic!)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or you can use dried if that’s what you have on hand)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, squeezed from a juicy lemon
- Salt, to taste (I always say, don’t be shy with it!)
- Pepper, to taste (freshly cracked is the best!)
- 2 cups potatoes, peeled and diced (Yukon Gold or Russet are my go-tos for creaminess)
- 1/2 cup milk, warmed (this makes the potatoes extra creamy)
- 2 tablespoons butter for mashed potatoes (because more butter is always better!)
How to Prepare Baked Lobster Tails with Garlic Herb Butter Sauce and Mashed Potatoes
Preparing the Lobster Tails
First things first, let’s get those lobster tails ready! Using kitchen scissors, carefully cut down the top shell of each lobster tail. Be sure to cut just through the shell, not the meat. This is where the magic happens—you’ll want to gently pull the meat up and out of the shell a bit for that gorgeous presentation. Once that’s done, place the tails on a baking sheet, and we’ll get to the good stuff next!
Making the Garlic Herb Butter Sauce
Now, let’s make that dreamy garlic herb butter sauce! In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. When it’s all melted and bubbly, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, just until it’s fragrant—don’t let it burn! Then, stir in the chopped parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Wow, your kitchen’s about to smell divine! Brush this buttery goodness generously over the lobster meat; make sure it gets into all the nooks and crannies.
Baking the Lobster Tails
It’s time to bake! Pop those lobster tails into your preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as you don’t want to overcook the lobster. You’ll know they’re done when the meat is opaque and firm to the touch. Trust me, the anticipation will be worth it!
Preparing the Mashed Potatoes
While the lobster is baking, let’s whip up those creamy mashed potatoes. Start by boiling the peeled and diced potatoes in a pot of salted water until they’re fork-tender—this usually takes about 15-20 minutes. Once they’re ready, drain them well and return them to the pot. Add in the warmed milk and the 2 tablespoons of butter, then mash them to your desired creamy consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and give them a good mix. I promise, these mashed potatoes will be the perfect sidekick to your lobster!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy to prepare, perfect for a weeknight or special occasion!
- Rich and buttery garlic herb sauce that elevates the lobster to a whole new level.
- Creamy mashed potatoes that complement the lobster beautifully.
- Impressive enough to wow your guests, yet simple enough for any home cook.
- A delightful combination of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more.
Tips for Success
To make sure your baked lobster tails turn out perfectly, here are a few tips I swear by! First, don’t rush the butter sauce—freshly minced garlic and herbs make a world of difference in flavor. If you’re unsure about cooking time, check the lobster a minute or two early; overcooked lobster is a bummer! For the mashed potatoes, using warm milk helps achieve that creamy texture. And don’t forget to taste and adjust your seasonings; every ingredient deserves a little love! Trust me, these small tweaks can elevate your dish from good to absolutely amazing!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk numbers! This dish is not only delicious but also gives you a solid meal. Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving, which includes one lobster tail and one cup of creamy mashed potatoes:
- Calories: 600
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 800mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates based on typical ingredient use and can vary depending on your specific brands and ingredients. But hey, you’re indulging in lobster, so who’s counting, right?
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen lobster tails?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. I usually leave them in the fridge overnight or place them in a sealed bag under cold running water for quicker thawing.
How do I know when the lobster is done?
Great question! The lobster meat should be opaque and firm to the touch when it’s fully cooked. If you have a meat thermometer, it should read about 140°F (60°C) at the thickest part. Just be careful not to overcook it; that can make it tough!
Can I make the mashed potatoes ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the mashed potatoes in advance and then reheat them gently on the stove or in the microwave. Just add a splash of milk to restore creaminess as they warm up.
What can I substitute for butter in the garlic herb sauce?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can use olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute. Just keep in mind that it will slightly change the flavor, but it’ll still be delicious!
Can I add cheese to the mashed potatoes?
Definitely! Adding shredded cheese like cheddar or Parmesan takes mashed potatoes to a whole new level of yumminess. Just stir it in after mashing for a cheesy twist!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have any leftovers (which I doubt, because it’s that good!), here’s how to store them properly. Let the lobster tails cool completely, then place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about 1-2 days. For the mashed potatoes, you can do the same! Just make sure to store them in a separate container.
When it’s time to enjoy those leftovers, reheat the lobster gently in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, just until warmed through. For the mashed potatoes, pop them in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of milk to bring back that creamy goodness. Enjoy your second helping just as much as the first!
For more delicious recipes, check out our recipe collection!
For tips on cooking lobster, you can refer to this FDA guide on seafood safety.
And if you’re interested in learning more about the health benefits of garlic, visit Healthline’s article on garlic.
Print
Baked Lobster Tails with Garlic Herb Butter Sauce Bliss
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Seafood
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Baked lobster tails with garlic herb butter sauce served with creamy mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
- 2 lobster tails
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 2 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter for mashed potatoes
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the lobster tails by cutting the top shell with kitchen scissors.
- In a small saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Brush the garlic herb butter over the lobster meat.
- Place lobster tails on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes.
- While the lobster is baking, boil the potatoes in salted water until tender.
- Drain the potatoes and mash them with milk and 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Serve lobster tails with mashed potatoes on the side.
Notes
- Adjust garlic and herbs to your preference.
- Ensure the lobster is fully cooked but not overdone.
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 lobster tail and 1 cup of mashed potatoes
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: baked lobster tails, garlic herb butter, mashed potatoes