Introduction
There’s nothing quite like the indulgence of perfectly cooked lobster tails bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce. This recipe brings together tender, sweet lobster meat with a rich, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce that’s elegant yet simple enough for a special weeknight dinner or celebratory occasion. Whether you’re impressing guests or treating yourself, these lobster tails deliver buttery, garlicky comfort with a fresh lemony kick that feels like a restaurant-quality meal right at home.
Pro Tip
For the best presentation and even cooking, gently lift the lobster meat out of the shell and rest it on top before baking. This technique allows the heat to circulate evenly and makes spooning on the sauce a breeze.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve alongside garlic mashed potatoes or creamy risotto for a rich, satisfying meal.
- Pair with a crisp, chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.
- Add a fresh green salad or steamed asparagus for a light, balanced plate.
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for some heat.
- Herb Twist: Swap parsley for fresh basil or tarragon to change the flavor profile.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and vegan butter to make it dairy-free.
- Citrus Boost: Add a splash of orange juice alongside lemon for a subtle sweetness.
Equipment Needed
- Kitchen shears: To safely and cleanly cut the lobster shells.
- Baking tray: For roasting lobster tails evenly in the oven.
- Skillet: To prepare the creamy garlic butter sauce on the stove.
- Measuring spoons and cups: For precise ingredient amounts.
Tips for Success
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor in the sauce.
- Don’t overcook the lobster — it should be firm and opaque but still tender.
- Stir the sauce continuously while simmering to avoid burning or separating.
- Let the lobster rest a few minutes after baking to retain juices.
- Adjust seasoning gradually—lemon juice and salt can brighten the dish beautifully.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe strikes the perfect balance between luxurious and easy. It’s fast enough for a special weeknight but impressive enough for guests. The creamy garlic butter sauce is comforting and rich without overpowering the sweet lobster meat. Plus, it requires minimal ingredients and simple steps, making it an approachable indulgence you’ll want to make again and again.
Recipe Card
Ingredients:
- 4 lobster tails
- 4 tablespoon butter, divided
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Using kitchen shears, cut lengthwise down the top of each lobster shell. Gently lift the meat and rest it on top of the shell.
- Season lobster meat with salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons melted butter. Place tails on a baking tray.
- Bake lobster tails for 8–10 minutes until meat is firm and opaque.
- Meanwhile, melt remaining butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer until sauce thickens slightly, about 3–4 minutes. Add lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.
- Spoon sauce generously over lobster tails. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Nutrition (per serving, estimated)
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
FAQ
Q: Can I use frozen lobster tails?
A: Yes, thaw completely before cooking for best texture and even cooking.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid toughness.
Q: Can I freeze the cooked lobster tails?
A: It’s best to freeze raw lobster tails and cook fresh, but cooked lobster can be frozen for up to a month wrapped well.
Q: Can I substitute Parmesan?
A: Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese work well as alternatives.
Q: How can I prep this recipe ahead?
A: You can prep the lobster tails and make the sauce separately; reheat lobster briefly and warm the sauce before serving.
