Garlic Butter Lobster Tails Recipe
Garlic Butter Lobster Tails offer a luxurious dining experience with tender, sweet lobster meat smothered in a rich, creamy garlic butter sauce. This elegant yet approachable recipe combines succulent lobster tails with a velvety sauce made from butter, garlic, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs, baked to perfection for an indulgent meal that’s perfect for special occasions or treating yourself.
- Prep Time: 15 Minutes
- Cook Time: 20 Minutes
- Total Time: 35 Minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Lobster Tails
- 4 lobster tails
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the lobster tails: Thaw the lobster tails completely if frozen. Using kitchen shears or a sharp knife, cut down the top center of the shell without cutting through the tail fin. Carefully spread the shell open and loosen the meat by sliding your finger or a spoon underneath, then lift it on top of the shell (butterflying). Remove the dark vein along the top by making a shallow cut and lifting it out.
- Create the garlic butter sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, avoiding burning. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened. Whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. Stir in lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and arrange the prepared lobster tails on a baking sheet without overcrowding.
- Add butter and sauce: Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter evenly over the exposed lobster meat. Spoon a generous amount of the creamy garlic butter sauce on each lobster tail, ensuring they are well coated.
- Bake the lobster tails: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, until the lobster meat turns opaque and is cooked through. Avoid overcooking to prevent toughness.
- Finish and serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a vibrant, fresh touch, and serve immediately while hot with extra sauce. Enjoy alongside crusty bread, salad, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
- Thaw lobster tails overnight in the refrigerator or use the cold water method in a sealed bag for faster thawing.
- Do not overcook lobster tails to maintain tender texture; the meat should be opaque and pearly white.
- For presentation, butterflying the lobster tails allows better sauce coverage and easier eating.
- You can substitute fresh garlic with 1 teaspoon garlic powder per garlic clove, adding it late in the butter melting process.
- Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or fresh herbs like chives for extra flavor.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up sauce or pair with light sides like roasted asparagus or green salad.
Keywords: garlic butter lobster tails, easy lobster recipe, baked lobster tails, seafood main course, creamy garlic sauce, special occasion meal
