Stuffed Lobster Tail: 40 Minutes to Culinary Bliss
Elevate your dining experience with these decadent Stuffed Lobster Tails, a dish that brings gourmet flair to your table in under an hour. Succulent lobster meat is perfectly complemented by a savory, buttery breadcrumb stuffing infused with fresh herbs and aromatic garlic. This impressive yet surprisingly simple recipe is perfect for a special occasion or when you simply crave a luxurious seafood treat.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Total Time
40 minutes
Servings
2 servings
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Achieves gourmet restaurant quality at home with minimal effort.
- Impressive presentation perfect for special occasions or romantic dinners.
- Rich, buttery, and savory flavors that tantalize the palate.
- Surprisingly quick to prepare, taking only 40 minutes from start to finish.
- Customizable stuffing allows for creative culinary exploration.
Ingredients
- 2 large raw lobster tails (approximately 170-200 grams / 6-7 ounces each)
- 240 mL (1 cup) panko breadcrumbs, for a crispier texture
- 60 mL (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, melted
- 15 grams (1/4 cup) fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, freshly minced
- 2.5 mL (1/2 teaspoon) smoked paprika, for depth of flavor
- 5 mL (1 teaspoon) fresh lemon juice, optional, for brightness
- Sea salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the lobster tails. Using sharp kitchen shears, carefully cut along the top center of each lobster tail shell, from the base to the tail fin, being careful not to cut through the meat entirely. Gently pry the shell open and lift the raw lobster meat out, resting it on top of the shell. This 'piggyback' method exposes the meat for stuffing and even cooking.
- Prepare the savory stuffing. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, finely chopped fresh parsley, minced garlic, and smoked paprika. Season generously with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. If using, add the fresh lemon juice now. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and the breadcrumbs are moistened by the butter, creating a fragrant, crumbly mixture.
- Stuff the lobster tails. Evenly divide the breadcrumb mixture and gently mound it over the exposed lobster meat on each tail. Press the stuffing lightly to adhere it to the lobster flesh, ensuring a good amount of topping for every bite.
- Bake to perfection. Place the stuffed lobster tails on the prepared baking sheet. Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The lobster meat should turn opaque and white, and the stuffing should be golden brown and slightly crispy. Avoid overcooking, as lobster can become tough quickly.
- Serve immediately. Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Garnish with an extra sprinkle of fresh parsley or a lemon wedge if desired. Serve the hot, succulent stuffed lobster tails as an impressive main course alongside your favorite side dishes.
Tools You’ll Need
- Sharp kitchen shears or a sturdy chef's knife
- Medium mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Small saucepan (for melting butter) or microwave-safe bowl
- Garlic press or sharp knife for mincing garlic
Essential Success Tips
- Choose fresh, high-quality lobster tails for the best flavor and texture; look for tails that are firm and have a vibrant color.
- Do not overcook the lobster; it cooks quickly. Watch for the meat to turn opaque and white, pulling away from the shell slightly, typically after 20-25 minutes.
- Ensure your butter is fully melted and evenly coats the breadcrumbs for a cohesive and flavorful stuffing.
- When cutting the lobster shell, try to avoid cutting through the bottom shell completely to keep the tail intact for presentation and to hold the stuffing.
- For an extra layer of flavor, toast the breadcrumbs lightly in a dry pan before mixing with other ingredients, if time permits.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- To achieve an even crispier stuffing, after the initial baking time, you can briefly place the stuffed lobster tails under a preheated broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- For a richer, more luxurious flavor profile, consider adding a tablespoon of finely grated Parmesan cheese or a hint of white truffle oil to the breadcrumb mixture.
- A small splash of dry white wine or a few drops of Pernod (anise-flavored liqueur) can be added to the melted butter for an elevated aromatic complexity in the stuffing.
Notes
- Leftover stuffed lobster tails are best consumed immediately. If you must store them, refrigerate promptly in an airtight container for up to 1 day. Reheat gently in an oven at 150°C (300°F) until just warmed through to avoid drying out the lobster.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Consider adding finely diced shallots, sautéed until translucent, to the stuffing for an extra layer of sweetness and aroma.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen lobster tails?
Yes, absolutely. Ensure they are fully thawed in the refrigerator overnight before preparing them. Pat them dry with paper towels before cutting and stuffing to remove any excess moisture.
How do I know when the lobster is cooked?
The lobster meat will turn opaque and white throughout. It will also feel firm to the touch. The internal temperature should reach 63°C (145°F). Be careful not to overcook, as it can become rubbery.
What can I serve with Stuffed Lobster Tail?
This dish pairs beautifully with elegant sides like asparagus with hollandaise, creamy risotto, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, or a simple crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Approximate per serving (1 stuffed lobster tail): Calories: 480, Protein: 45g, Fat: 28g, Carbs: 18g, Cholesterol: 200mg, Sodium: 850mg (varies with salt added).
Allergy Information
Contains shellfish (lobster) and gluten (breadcrumbs) and dairy (butter). For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. For a dairy-free option, use a plant-based butter alternative.
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