Creamy Garlic Butter Lobster Tails

Creamy Garlic Butter Lobster Tails are an indulgent seafood delight that brings the elegance of fine dining right to your dinner table. Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or a romantic dinner, this dish features tender, juicy lobster meat baked to perfection and smothered in a luscious garlic butter cream sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and indulgent: The creamy garlic butter sauce enhances the sweet flavor of the lobster without overpowering it.
• Elegant yet easy: Looks and tastes gourmet but can be made in under 30 minutes.
• Perfect for special occasions: A great centerpiece for holiday meals, anniversaries, or date nights.
• Customizable: Easily add spice, herbs, or wine to make it your own.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 4 lobster tails
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1½ cups heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Prepare the lobster tails: Using kitchen shears, cut down the top shell of each lobster tail. Gently pull the lobster meat up and out, resting it on top of the shell while still attached at the base.
3. Season and bake: Place the lobster tails on a baking sheet. Brush with 1 tablespoon of melted butter, and season with salt and pepper. Bake for 8–10 minutes or until the meat is opaque and cooked through.
4. Make the garlic butter sauce: In a large skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Add cream and cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Finish the sauce: Add lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve: Spoon the creamy garlic butter sauce generously over the baked lobster tails. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Spicy option: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for heat.
• Herb upgrade: Mix in fresh thyme, basil, or tarragon for added depth.
• Wine flavor: Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding the cream.
• Cheese swap: Use Pecorino Romano or Gruyère for a different cheesy twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving to prevent rubbery lobster.

FAQs

Can I use frozen lobster tails?

Yes, just thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before preparing.

How do I know when the lobster is done?

The lobster meat should be white, opaque, and firm to the touch. Overcooking will make it rubbery.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the butter with olive oil and the cream with coconut cream. Use a dairy-free cheese or omit the cheese altogether.

What sides pair well with lobster tails?

Try garlic mashed potatoes, steamed asparagus, risotto, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Can I grill the lobster tails?

Yes, grilling works beautifully. Grill for about 5–6 minutes, flesh side down first, then flip to finish.

Can I use this sauce for other seafood?

Absolutely. It pairs well with shrimp, scallops, or even salmon.

Is Parmesan necessary?

It adds great flavor and body, but you can leave it out or use a substitute like Romano or nutritional yeast.

How do I thicken the sauce more?

Simmer it longer, or whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water) for a thicker texture.

Can I make the sauce in advance?

Yes, make it ahead and store in the fridge. Reheat gently and stir before serving.

What wine pairs well with this dish?

A buttery Chardonnay or crisp Sauvignon Blanc complements the richness of the dish perfectly.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Butter Lobster Tails are the ultimate luxury meal you can make at home. With tender, oven-baked lobster and a rich, velvety garlic butter sauce, it’s an unforgettable dish that’s surprisingly simple to prepare. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers elegance and comfort in every bite.

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