Garlic Butter Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter Cream Sauce

I’m excited to share this indulgent lobster recipe that’s both luxurious and surprisingly easy to prepare. Succulent lobster tails are broiled to perfection, then topped with a rich, garlicky butter cream sauce for a restaurant-worthy meal right at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dish brings a touch of elegance to any occasion. The buttery garlic sauce complements the tender lobster meat beautifully, and it comes together in under 30 minutes. Whether it’s for a romantic dinner or a celebration, this recipe always impresses.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2–4 lobster tails (6 oz each)

• ¼ cup unsalted butter (4 tablespoons), divided

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• ½ cup heavy cream

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (plus lemon wedges for serving)

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

• ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Directions

1. I preheat the oven broiler and position the rack about 6–8 inches from the heat source.

2. Using kitchen shears, I butterfly the lobster tails by cutting down the top shell, loosening the meat, and lifting it to rest on top. Then I season the meat with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of paprika if I want extra color.

3. I place a pat of butter (about ½ tablespoon) on each tail.

4. I broil the lobster tails for 6 to 10 minutes until the meat is opaque and cooked through.

5. While the lobster is broiling, I melt the remaining butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. I sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

6. I stir in the lemon juice, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. I let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly, then season it with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Once the lobster tails are done, I transfer them to a serving platter and spoon the warm garlic butter cream sauce over the top.

8. I garnish with chopped parsley and lemon wedges, then serve right away.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 2–4

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cooking time: 10 minutes

• Total time: 20 minutes

• Approx. 350 kcal per tail

Variations

• I swap Parmesan with Pecorino for a bolder sauce.

• For extra heat, I stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes.

• I sometimes add white wine to the sauce for depth.

• I serve the lobster over pasta or mashed potatoes to make it a full meal.

storage/reheating

I recommend enjoying these lobster tails fresh, but if I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, I place them in a covered dish and warm gently in the oven at 300°F until heated through. I avoid microwaving to prevent overcooking the lobster.

FAQs

How do I butterfly a lobster tail?

I use kitchen shears to cut down the top shell, stopping just before the tail. Then I gently pull the shell apart and lift the meat up to rest on top, still attached at the base.

Can I use frozen lobster tails?

Yes, I thaw them overnight in the fridge or under cold running water before cooking. I always make sure they’re fully defrosted for even cooking.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, I sometimes prepare the sauce earlier in the day and reheat it gently before serving. If it thickens too much, I stir in a splash of cream.

What should I serve with these lobster tails?

I love pairing them with pasta, risotto, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Can I grill the lobster instead of broiling?

Absolutely. I grill them shell-side down over medium heat for 6–8 minutes, then top with the warm garlic butter sauce before serving.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Butter Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter Cream Sauce is my go-to for an elegant yet easy seafood dinner. It’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for making any meal feel special. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

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