Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my baked stuffed lobster tail delight! This dish is like a cozy hug from the ocean, bringing all the flavors of the sea straight to your dinner table. I love how incredibly easy it is to whip up, yet it feels so fancy! Seriously, you can impress your friends or simply treat yourself to a gourmet meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of tender lobster meat, buttery breadcrumbs, and a hint of garlic creates a flavor explosion that’s just divine. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a go-to for special occasions or just when you want to feel a little extra special on a weeknight!
Ingredients List
- 2 lobster tails – Make sure they’re fresh for the best flavor! You’ll want to choose tails that feel heavy for their size.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs – I usually go for plain or seasoned, depending on what I have on hand. They create that delightful crunchy texture!
- 1/4 cup melted butter – Oh, the richness! Just melt it in the microwave or on the stove, but don’t let it sizzle.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic is the way to go! It adds a lovely depth of flavor. Just give it a fine chop!
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped – Fresh herbs brighten up the dish. I love using flat-leaf parsley for its flavor, but you can use whatever you have!
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated – This adds a savory, cheesy goodness. Use fresh grated if you can; it really makes a difference!
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice – A splash of acidity to balance the flavors! Fresh lemon juice is best, but bottled works in a pinch.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Don’t skimp on seasoning! Just remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it out!
How to Prepare Baked Stuffed Lobster Tail Delight
- First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is super important because we want those lobster tails to cook evenly and come out perfectly tender!
- Next, grab your fresh lobster tails. Carefully cut them down the middle with kitchen shears, making sure not to cut all the way through the shell. You want to create a beautiful little pocket for all that delicious stuffing.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir until everything is well mixed and coated in that buttery goodness.
- Now, it’s time to stuff those lobster tails! Gently pull the lobster meat apart to create some space, then spoon the breadcrumb mixture generously into each tail. Don’t be shy—pack it in there!
- Once they’re all stuffed, place the lobster tails on a baking sheet, ensuring they’re spaced out a bit. This helps them cook evenly and allows the heat to circulate.
- Pop them in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the lobster meat is opaque and cooked through. The topping should be golden and slightly crispy—just how we like it!
- Finally, take them out of the oven, let them cool for a minute, and then serve warm. Enjoy every bite of this delightful dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—ready in just 40 minutes!
- Rich, buttery flavors that make every bite a treat.
- Perfect for special occasions or a fancy date night at home.
- Impressive presentation that will wow your guests.
- Customizable with your favorite herbs or seafood alternatives.
Tips for Success
To make sure your baked stuffed lobster tail delight turns out perfectly, here are some handy tips! First, always opt for fresh lobster tails; they should feel heavy and have a slight ocean scent. If you can, buy them from a trusted seafood market. When it comes to seasoning, don’t hesitate to taste your stuffing mix before you fill the tails—it’s all about finding that perfect balance of flavors! And remember, you can customize your stuffing by adding a pinch of cayenne for heat or a touch of lemon zest for brightness. Trust me, these little tweaks can elevate your dish!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up this baked stuffed lobster tail delight! For a twist, try using crab meat instead of lobster for a whole new flavor experience. You can also mix in different herbs like dill or chives for a fresh kick. If you love a bit of spice, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the stuffing. And for a Mediterranean flair, why not toss in some sun-dried tomatoes or olives? The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to get creative!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftovers (which is rare but can happen!), let them cool completely before storing. Place the stuffed lobster tails in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pop the lobster tails in for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This will help retain that delicious texture and flavor. You can also microwave them, but be careful not to overdo it—nobody wants rubbery lobster! Enjoy your tasty leftovers!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each serving of my baked stuffed lobster tail delight. You’re looking at about 350 calories, with 20g of fat (10g of which is saturated), and a hearty 30g of protein! You’ll also get around 18g of carbs and 1g of sugar. Remember, these numbers can vary based on specific ingredients, but it’s a deliciously satisfying choice that’s low in fat. Enjoy your gourmet meal without the guilt!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen lobster tails? Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator before you start. Fresh is always best, but frozen can still be delicious if handled properly.
What if I can’t find lobster tails? No worries! You can easily substitute with crab meat or shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as they may cook faster than lobster.
Can I prepare the stuffing ahead of time? Yes! You can mix the stuffing ingredients the day before and keep them in the fridge. Just stuff the lobster tails right before baking to ensure they stay fresh.
How do I know when the lobster is done cooking? The lobster is perfectly cooked when the meat is opaque and firm to the touch. If you have a meat thermometer, aim for an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
What sides pair well with baked stuffed lobster tail delight? I recommend serving it alongside a light salad or some roasted vegetables. A nice garlic butter sauce for dipping can also elevate the dish beautifully! For more information on pairing seafood, check out Seafood Source.
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Baked Stuffed Lobster Tail Delight in 7 Easy Steps!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A delicious baked stuffed lobster tail recipe that is easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 lobster tails
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the lobster tails by cutting them down the middle, being careful not to cut through the shell.
- In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, melted butter, garlic, parsley, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff the mixture into the lobster tails.
- Place the stuffed lobster tails on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the lobster is cooked through.
- Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Fresh lobster tails give the best flavor.
- You can substitute crab meat for a different taste.
- Adjust seasonings to your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 lobster tail
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: baked stuffed lobster tail delight