Introduction

This Creamy Garlic Butter Lobster Tails recipe is an indulgent and elegant seafood dish perfect for special occasions or a luxurious weeknight dinner. The rich, garlicky butter sauce pairs beautifully with tender lobster meat for a truly memorable meal.

The image shows two grilled chicken breasts placed side by side on a white plate. The chicken is golden brown with char marks, topped generously with a creamy white sauce that has a smooth texture and slight sheen. The sauce is sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs for color contrast. There are two lemon wedges visible at the edge of the plate on a white marbled surface. The overall look is warm and inviting, highlighting the rich sauce and grilled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 lobster tails
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Optional: lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the lobster tails on a cutting board. Using sharp kitchen shears, cut along the top of each shell from the open end toward the tail, stopping just before the fins. Gently pry open the shell and loosen the meat with your fingers. Lift the lobster meat up and over the shell, letting it rest on top while still attached at the base. Pat the meat dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 2: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted and lightly sizzling, add the minced garlic. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and softened, stirring often to avoid browning. Pour in the heavy cream and stir until combined. Add the Parmesan cheese and lemon juice, whisking continuously. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Place the prepared lobster tails on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment. Spoon the creamy garlic butter sauce generously over each tail, coating the meat fully. Bake in the oven for 15–20 minutes, depending on size, until the meat is firm, opaque white, and flakes easily with a fork. Avoid overbaking to keep the lobster tender.
Step 4: Remove the lobster tails from the oven and let them rest for about 2 minutes. Drizzle any remaining sauce from the pan over the lobster. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges if desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne to the garlic butter sauce before baking.
Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a sharper, saltier cheese flavor.
Use kitchen shears to carefully cut through the shell to avoid damaging the meat underneath.
Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.

Storage

Store leftover lobster tails in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently in a low oven or microwave in short bursts to avoid toughening the meat. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be added to salads or pasta dishes.

How to Serve

The image shows two grilled chicken breasts placed side by side on a white plate, covered in a thick layer of creamy yellow sauce that pools around the base of the chicken. The chicken has clear grill marks with a slightly charred and golden brown color. The sauce has small green herb pieces sprinkled on top, giving a fresh look. Small bits of herbs also lie on the plate’s edge, partially touching slices of lemon that peek from the side. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen lobster tails for this recipe?

Yes, frozen lobster tails work well. Thaw them completely in the refrigerator before preparing and cooking as directed to ensure even cooking.

How do I know when lobster tails are done?

The lobster meat should be firm, opaque white, and flake easily with a fork. Overcooking can make the meat tough, so following the baking time and checking the texture helps ensure perfect results.