Creamy Garlic Butter Lobster Tails are a luxurious and indulgent seafood dish perfect for special occasions or an elegant dinner at home. Succulent lobster meat is broiled and bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce, then finished with a touch of cream for an extra velvety texture. Serve with your favorite side dishes for a truly unforgettable meal.

ingredients

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

lobster tailsunsalted buttergarlic (minced)heavy creamlemon juicepaprikafresh parsley (chopped)saltblack pepperparmesan cheese (optional)

directions

Preheat your oven to broil and position the oven rack in the middle.

Using kitchen scissors, cut down the top of the lobster shell lengthwise to expose the meat, then gently pull the meat above the shell while keeping it attached at the base.

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Place the prepared lobster tails on a baking tray. Spoon a generous amount of the garlic butter sauce over the lobster meat.

Broil the lobster tails for 8-10 minutes, basting once or twice with more sauce during cooking, until the lobster meat is opaque and lightly browned on top.

Optional: Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese during the last minute of broiling for extra flavor.

Remove from oven and garnish with fresh parsley and an extra drizzle of garlic butter sauce.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 4 lobster tails (serves 2).
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes for a spicy kick.
Use white wine in place of lemon juice for a different depth of flavor.
Serve over pasta or mashed potatoes for a full, hearty meal.
Top with breadcrumbs before broiling for a crunchy finish.

storage/reheating

Store leftover lobster tails in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
To reheat, gently warm in a covered baking dish at 300°F for 10 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving to prevent rubbery texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen lobster tails?
Yes, just be sure to fully thaw them in the refrigerator before cooking.

Do I have to broil the lobster tails?
Broiling gives the best flavor and texture, but you can also bake them at 400°F for 12-15 minutes.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the garlic butter sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently before use.

What should I serve with lobster tails?
Popular sides include asparagus, rice pilaf, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

Is parmesan necessary?
No, it’s optional but adds a savory, cheesy layer if desired.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter is preferred for flavor, but margarine can be used in a pinch.

How do I know when the lobster is done?
The meat should be opaque and white, with no translucent areas.

Can I grill instead of broil?
Yes, grilling is a delicious alternative—just baste frequently and cook over medium heat.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Butter Lobster Tails offer a rich, restaurant-quality experience you can easily recreate at home. With minimal prep and a flavorful garlic cream sauce, this dish is both elegant and comforting. Perfect for date nights, holidays, or anytime you want to treat yourself to something extraordinary.