Creamy Garlic Butter Lobster Tails

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Indulge in a restaurant-quality dish that's perfect for any special occasion or even a luxurious weeknight dinner. These creamy garlic butter lobster tails are tender, succulent, and topped with a rich, velvety garlic butter sauce. The combination of the sweet lobster meat with the creamy, garlicky sauce is simply irresistible, making it a crowd-pleaser every time. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or treating yourself to a fancy meal, this recipe offers elegance and comfort in every bite.

Ingredients

For the Lobster Tails:

• 4 lobster tails (6-8 oz each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or fresh parsley, chopped)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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

Directions

1. Prepare the Lobster Tails:

   • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Using kitchen shears, carefully cut down the top shell of each lobster tail to expose the meat.
   • Gently lift the meat and place it on top of the shell for an elegant presentation.
   • Brush the lobster tails with olive oil and season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

2. Bake the Lobster Tails:

   • Arrange the lobster tails on a baking sheet.
   • Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the meat is opaque and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook to maintain tenderness.

3. Prepare the Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce:

   • While the lobster tails are baking, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat.
   • Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes (if using), sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
   • Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice, allowing the sauce to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it thickens.
   • Season with parsley, salt, and pepper to taste.

4. Serve:

   • Remove the lobster tails from the oven and spoon the creamy garlic butter sauce generously over each one.
   • Garnish with extra parsley and serve immediately with crusty bread, rice, or steamed vegetables.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the creamy sauce for an extra kick.
• Lobster Tail Alternatives: If lobster tails are unavailable, this recipe works wonderfully with shrimp or scallops.
• Herb Variations: Swap out parsley for basil or tarragon for a unique flavor twist.
• Cheese Variations: Try using Asiago or Pecorino Romano cheese in place of Parmesan for a different cheese profile.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover lobster tails and sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the lobster tails gently in the oven or microwave. If using the microwave, reheat in 30-second intervals to avoid overcooking the lobster. The creamy garlic butter sauce can be gently reheated on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed.

FAQs

How do I know when the lobster tails are cooked?

Lobster tails are fully cooked when the meat turns opaque and firm. The internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C).

Can I use frozen lobster tails for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen lobster tails. Just be sure to thaw them in the fridge overnight before cooking for best results.

How do I cut open lobster tails?

Use kitchen shears to carefully cut down the top of the shell, avoiding cutting through the meat. Gently pull the meat out and place it on top of the shell.

What can I serve with creamy garlic butter lobster tails?

Serve the lobster tails with crusty bread, steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad. Garlic bread or mashed potatoes also make great sides.

Can I make the garlic butter sauce in advance?

While it's best to prepare the sauce fresh for the best texture, you can make it ahead of time and refrigerate it. Reheat gently before serving.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Be sure to check the labels on your ingredients, such as the Parmesan cheese, to ensure they are gluten-free.

How can I make the lobster tails spicier?

Add more crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.

Can I make this dish without heavy cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a mixture of milk and butter, though it will alter the flavor and texture of the sauce.

How long should I bake the lobster tails?

Lobster tails should bake for 10-12 minutes at 375°F (190°C), depending on their size. The meat should be opaque and cooked through.

Can I cook the lobster tails on the grill instead of baking them?

Yes, you can grill lobster tails. Brush them with olive oil and seasonings, then grill them on medium heat for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Conclusion

Creamy garlic butter lobster tails are a luxurious dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. With tender lobster meat paired with a rich, creamy sauce, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds. Whether for a romantic dinner or a family gathering, these lobster tails will make your meal unforgettable.

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Indulge in the rich flavors of these creamy garlic butter lobster tails, a restaurant-quality dish perfect for special occasions or a luxurious dinner at home. Tender lobster meat is baked to perfection and smothered in a velvety garlic butter sauce with Parmesan and a hint of lemon. This easy yet elegant recipe is guaranteed to impress!

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American, Seafood
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

For the Lobster Tails:

• 4 lobster tails (6-8 oz each)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp dried parsley (or fresh parsley, chopped)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Prepare the Lobster Tails:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Using kitchen shears, cut down the top shell of each lobster tail to expose the meat.
3. Gently lift the meat and place it on top of the shell for an elegant presentation.
4. Brush with olive oil and season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Bake the Lobster Tails:

5. Arrange the lobster tails on a baking sheet.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the meat is opaque and cooked through.

Prepare the Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce:

7. While the lobster tails are baking, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
8. Add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
9. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice, simmering for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
10. Season with parsley, salt, and pepper to taste.

Serve:

11. Remove lobster tails from the oven and spoon the creamy garlic butter sauce generously over each one.
12. Garnish with extra parsley and serve with crusty bread, rice, or steamed vegetables.