Lobster tails are a luxurious and flavorful seafood delicacy, and when paired with a creamy garlic butter sauce, they become an irresistible treat. This recipe for creamy garlic butter lobster tails is perfect for special occasions, romantic dinners, or anytime you want to indulge in a restaurant-quality meal at home. With a rich sauce made from heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and fragrant garlic, this dish combines simplicity and elegance. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for a gourmet meal with minimal effort. Whether you serve it with pasta or alongside fresh vegetables, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- 4 lobster tails
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation:
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Begin by carefully splitting the lobster tails in half lengthwise using a sharp knife. This will allow the meat to cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the sauce later on.
Step 2:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, place the lobster tails cut-side down in the skillet. Allow them to cook for 2-3 minutes or until the shells turn bright red, signaling that the cooking process has begun.
Step 3:
Flip the lobster tails over so the cut-side is facing up. Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet, allowing it to melt. As the butter melts, use a spoon to baste the lobster meat with the melted butter. This will add flavor and moisture to the lobster tails, ensuring they remain juicy. Once basted, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the lobster meat is fully cooked through and tender.
Step 4:
While the lobster tails are baking, prepare the creamy garlic butter sauce. In a separate pan over medium heat, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant but not browned. Be sure to stir constantly to avoid burning the garlic.
Step 5:
Pour the heavy cream into the pan with the garlic butter, stirring continuously. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and allow it to cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce begins to thicken. Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and blend into the sauce, creating a rich, creamy texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6:
Remove the lobster tails from the oven and drizzle the creamy garlic butter sauce over each tail. Finish the dish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness and garnish with chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
Cooking Note:
- Lobster Doneness: Lobster tails are fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C) and the meat is opaque and tender. Be careful not to overcook the lobster, as it can become tough and rubbery.
- Creamy Sauce Thickness: If your sauce seems too thin, allow it to simmer for a few extra minutes until it reaches your desired consistency. For an even thicker sauce, you can stir in an additional tablespoon of Parmesan cheese or reduce the heat and let it cook a bit longer.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pasta Pairing: These creamy garlic butter lobster tails are perfect when served over a bed of linguine or fettuccine pasta. The pasta will soak up the rich sauce, making every bite deliciously creamy and garlicky.
- Vegetable Side: For a lighter meal, pair the lobster tails with steamed or roasted vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, or baby carrots. The vegetables provide a fresh contrast to the richness of the sauce.
- Rice Option: You can also serve the lobster tails with a side of rice pilaf or garlic butter rice to complement the garlic butter flavor.
- Crusty Bread: A slice of crusty garlic bread on the side will help mop up every bit of that delicious sauce.
Tips:
- Garlic Quantity: Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic according to your preference. If you love garlic, you can add an extra clove or two to intensify the flavor.
- Parmesan Substitute: If you don’t have Parmesan cheese on hand, you can use Pecorino Romano for a slightly saltier and sharper flavor.
- Lobster Preparation Tip: If you’re having trouble splitting the lobster tails, use kitchen shears to cut through the shell first, then use a knife to cut through the meat.
- Searing the Lobster: For an extra layer of flavor, consider searing the lobster tails on high heat for 1-2 minutes per side before transferring them to the oven. This adds a slight char and enhances the taste.
- Make it Extra Creamy: For a richer sauce, you can add more heavy cream. Ensure that the sauce thickens before serving.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 450 kcal per serving (depending on portion size)
- Protein: 25g per serving
- Sodium: 550mg per serving (varies based on added salt and Parmesan cheese)
FAQs:
1. Can I use frozen lobster tails for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen lobster tails. Make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. The best way to do this is to place them in the refrigerator overnight or run them under cold water for faster thawing.
2. What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and butter for a similar creamy texture. Keep in mind, though, that the sauce may not be as rich as when using heavy cream.
3. Can I use this recipe for shrimp or another type of seafood?
Absolutely! This creamy garlic butter sauce works well with shrimp, scallops, or even crab legs. Adjust the cooking time based on the type of seafood you’re using.
4. Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the garlic butter sauce ahead of time and reheat it before serving. Just make sure to stir it well when reheating to keep the consistency smooth.
Conclusion:
This creamy garlic butter lobster tails recipe is an indulgent yet simple dish that delivers a perfect balance of rich flavors. The tender lobster paired with the garlicky, buttery cream sauce is an absolute delight. Whether served with pasta, vegetables, or rice, this meal is sure to impress your family or guests. The recipe is easy enough to make at home but will leave everyone thinking it’s a restaurant-quality dish. Enjoy this special seafood meal any time you want to treat yourself or loved ones!
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Creamy Garlic Butter Lobster Tails
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 4 lobster tails
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation:
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Begin by carefully splitting the lobster tails in half lengthwise using a sharp knife. This will allow the meat to cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the sauce later on.
Step 2:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, place the lobster tails cut-side down in the skillet. Allow them to cook for 2-3 minutes or until the shells turn bright red, signaling that the cooking process has begun.
Step 3:
Flip the lobster tails over so the cut-side is facing up. Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet, allowing it to melt. As the butter melts, use a spoon to baste the lobster meat with the melted butter. This will add flavor and moisture to the lobster tails, ensuring they remain juicy. Once basted, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the lobster meat is fully cooked through and tender.
Step 4:
While the lobster tails are baking, prepare the creamy garlic butter sauce. In a separate pan over medium heat, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant but not browned. Be sure to stir constantly to avoid burning the garlic.
Step 5:
Pour the heavy cream into the pan with the garlic butter, stirring continuously. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and allow it to cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce begins to thicken. Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and blend into the sauce, creating a rich, creamy texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6:
Remove the lobster tails from the oven and drizzle the creamy garlic butter sauce over each tail. Finish the dish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness and garnish with chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
Notes
Cooking Note:
- Lobster Doneness: Lobster tails are fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C) and the meat is opaque and tender. Be careful not to overcook the lobster, as it can become tough and rubbery.
- Creamy Sauce Thickness: If your sauce seems too thin, allow it to simmer for a few extra minutes until it reaches your desired consistency. For an even thicker sauce, you can stir in an additional tablespoon of Parmesan cheese or reduce the heat and let it cook a bit longer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sodium: 550mg
- Protein: 25g