Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats, prepare your lobster tails. Using sharp kitchen shears, carefully cut down the center of the top shell from the wide end to the tail, stopping just before the tail fan. Avoid cutting through the meat below. Gently pry open the shell and, using your fingers, loosen the meat from the shell without detaching it at the tail end. Lift the lobster meat up through the opening in the shell, resting it on top of the shell. This "piggyback" method helps the lobster cook evenly and makes it easier to baste. Place the prepared lobster tails on a baking sheet.

In a small microwave-safe bowl or saucepan, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, chopped fresh parsley, smoked paprika (if using), and cayenne pepper (if using). Season the butter mixture with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix well to combine all the flavors. The aroma of this mixture will already start to make your mouth water!

Generously brush the garlic butter mixture over the exposed lobster meat. Make sure to get some of the butter into the crevices of the meat for maximum flavor infusion. Reserve any leftover butter for basting during cooking and serving. Place the baking sheet with the brushed lobster tails into the preheated oven.

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the lobster meat is opaque and firm, and the shells have turned a vibrant reddish-orange. The precise cooking time will depend on the size of your lobster tails; larger tails will require a few more minutes. To ensure optimal tenderness, avoid overcooking, as this can lead to rubbery lobster. If you have any remaining garlic butter, you can baste the tails once or twice during the last few minutes of baking to keep the meat moist and flavorful. An internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) is a good indicator of doneness.

Once cooked, remove the Baked Lobster Tail Oven Buttery Tender from the oven. Let them rest for a minute or two. Drizzle any remaining melted garlic butter over the cooked lobster meat. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and additional fresh parsley before serving immediately. Enjoy this luxurious and incredibly flavorful dish!