Garlic Butter Lobster Tails are the perfect way to elevate your dining experience. This recipe combines the sweet, tender meat of lobster tails with a rich and creamy garlic butter sauce, creating a luxurious dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a gourmet meal, Garlic Butter Lobster Tails are guaranteed to impress. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish ready in no time.
Ingredients:
- 4 lobster tails
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Lobster Tails
- Begin by preheating your oven’s broiler to high.
- Using kitchen shears, cut along the center of each lobster shell, stopping just before the tail fin to expose the meat.
- Carefully, pull the lobster meat out and arrange it neatly on top of the shell. This makes for a striking presentation and ensures even cooking.
- Before moving on, season the meat with salt and black pepper for a touch of flavor.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- Meanwhile, in a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until it begins to foam slightly.
- Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Once the garlic is ready, pour in the heavy cream and lemon juice, stirring gently to combine.
- Gradually incorporate the Parmesan cheese, whisking until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened.
- Lastly, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Step 3: Broil the Lobster Tails
- Arrange the prepared lobster tails on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper.
- Generously brush the lobster meat with the garlic butter sauce, reserving some for later.
- Place the baking sheet under the broiler and cook for 8–10 minutes, depending on the size of the tails.
- Halfway through, baste the tails with additional sauce to keep them juicy and flavorful.
- Remove from the oven once the meat turns opaque and firm, ensuring the tails are perfectly cooked.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
- Once cooked, transfer the lobster tails to a serving platter for presentation.
- Finish by drizzling any leftover garlic butter sauce over the meat.
- To add a burst of freshness, sprinkle chopped parsley on top and serve with lemon wedges.
Variation:
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red chili flakes to the garlic butter sauce to introduce some heat.
- Herb Infusion: For a more aromatic flavor, stir in a few sprigs of thyme or rosemary while melting the butter.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Gruyère over the tails before broiling for an indulgent crust.
Cooking Note:
- To avoid overcooking, watch the lobster closely while it broils. The meat should remain tender and juicy, not rubbery. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
- If using frozen lobster tails, make sure to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair these rich lobster tails with a simple arugula salad dressed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
- Serve alongside creamy garlic mashed potatoes or a buttery rice pilaf.
- Add crusty French bread to soak up the extra garlic butter sauce.
- For beverages, consider a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a sparkling option like Prosecco.
Tips:
- Use high-quality butter and freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the most luxurious flavor.
- If you’re new to working with lobster tails, sharp kitchen shears will make cutting the shells much easier.
- Serve immediately after cooking to ensure the lobster tails are warm, juicy, and flavorful.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cooking Time:
10 minutes
Total Time:
25 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Lobster Tail):
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 18g
- Sodium: 320mg
FAQs:
Q: Can I substitute Parmesan cheese?
A: Absolutely! You can use Pecorino Romano or Gruyère for a slightly different flavor profile.
Q: What’s the best way to tell if lobster is cooked?
A: Cooked lobster meat will appear opaque and firm. To avoid overcooking, use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
Q: How can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: The garlic butter sauce can be prepared in advance and reheated gently before use. However, the lobster tails are best cooked fresh.
Q: What can I pair with this dish for a full meal?
A: Consider pairing it with roasted vegetables, pasta tossed in a light cream sauce, or a zesty coleslaw for balance.
Conclusion:
Decadent creamy garlic butter lobster tails are the ultimate indulgence for seafood lovers. Their rich, velvety texture paired with the flavorful sauce elevates any meal to gourmet status. Whether it’s a romantic dinner, holiday feast, or special celebration, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Serve it alongside your favorite sides, and don’t forget the extra sauce and lemon wedges. This is luxury on a plate—enjoy every bite!
PrintDecadent Creamy Garlic Butter Lobster Tails
- Total Time: 25
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 4 lobster tails
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Lobster Tails
- Begin by preheating your oven’s broiler to high.
- Using kitchen shears, cut along the center of each lobster shell, stopping just before the tail fin to expose the meat.
- Carefully, pull the lobster meat out and arrange it neatly on top of the shell. This makes for a striking presentation and ensures even cooking.
- Before moving on, season the meat with salt and black pepper for a touch of flavor.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- Meanwhile, in a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until it begins to foam slightly.
- Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Once the garlic is ready, pour in the heavy cream and lemon juice, stirring gently to combine.
- Gradually incorporate the Parmesan cheese, whisking until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened.
- Lastly, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Step 3: Broil the Lobster Tails
- Arrange the prepared lobster tails on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper.
- Generously brush the lobster meat with the garlic butter sauce, reserving some for later.
- Place the baking sheet under the broiler and cook for 8–10 minutes, depending on the size of the tails.
- Halfway through, baste the tails with additional sauce to keep them juicy and flavorful.
- Remove from the oven once the meat turns opaque and firm, ensuring the tails are perfectly cooked.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
- Once cooked, transfer the lobster tails to a serving platter for presentation.
- Finish by drizzling any leftover garlic butter sauce over the meat.
- To add a burst of freshness, sprinkle chopped parsley on top and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
Cooking Note:
- To avoid overcooking, watch the lobster closely while it broils. The meat should remain tender and juicy, not rubbery. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
- If using frozen lobster tails, make sure to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 10
Nutrition
- Calories: 320
- Sodium: 320mg
- Protein: 18g