Garlic Butter Lobster Tails Recipe

Introduction

Garlic Butter Lobster Tails offer a luxurious dining experience with tender lobster meat bathed in a rich, garlicky butter sauce. This easy recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish perfect for special occasions or treating yourself.

Ingredients

• 4 lobster tails
• 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

1. Step 1: If using frozen lobster tails, thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight or in a sealed bag under cold water. Using kitchen shears or a sharp knife, cut down the top center of each lobster shell without cutting through the tail fin. Spread the shell open and gently lift the meat out to rest on top (“butterflying”). Remove the dark vein along the meat’s length by making a shallow cut and lifting it out.
2. Step 2: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden, avoiding burning.
3. Step 3: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Allow to cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
4. Step 4: Whisk grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce until smooth. Stir in lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
5. Step 5: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange lobster tails on a baking sheet, spaced evenly.
6. Step 6: Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over the exposed lobster meat. Spoon a generous amount of garlic butter cream sauce over each tail, coating thoroughly.
7. Step 7: Bake for 10 to 15 minutes until the lobster meat is opaque and cooked through. Avoid overcooking to keep meat tender.
8. Step 8: Remove from oven, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve immediately. Enjoy with crusty bread or a light side.

Tips & Variations

• To brighten the dish, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving.
• For a mild kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes into the garlic butter sauce while cooking.
• Fresh herbs like chives or additional parsley add color and freshness when sprinkled on top.
• If fresh garlic isn’t available, substitute with 1 teaspoon garlic powder per clove, adding it toward the end of butter melting to avoid burning.

Storage

Store cooked lobster tails in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave to avoid toughening the meat. It’s best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen lobster tails for this recipe?

Yes, frozen lobster tails work well. Be sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight before cooking to ensure even cooking and the best texture.

How can I tell when the lobster tails are fully cooked?

The lobster meat will turn opaque white and lose its translucent appearance. The shells will turn bright red. Cooking time varies by size but generally takes 10 to 15 minutes. Avoid overcooking to keep the lobster tender.

Garlic Butter Lobster Tails Recipe

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4.9 from 122 reviews

Garlic Butter Lobster Tails is an indulgent and easy-to-make recipe that features succulent lobster meat bathed in a rich, creamy garlic butter sauce with Parmesan and fresh herbs. Perfect for special occasions or treating yourself, this recipe combines tender lobster with a buttery, aromatic sauce and bakes it to perfection for a restaurant-quality dish right at home.

• Author: Kai
• 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 1x2x3x

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

1. Prepare the lobster tails: Thaw the lobster tails completely if frozen by refrigerating overnight or using the cold water method. Using kitchen shears or a sharp knife, carefully cut down the top center of the shell, stopping just before the tail fin. Spread the shell open to expose the meat. Optionally, loosen the meat and lift it over the shell to butterfly it for easier eating. Remove the small dark vein along the top of the meat by making a shallow cut and lifting it out gently.
2. Create the garlic butter cream sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and just beginning to turn golden, being careful not to burn it. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese gradually until smooth and creamy. Stir in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the lobster tails.
4. Arrange lobster tails for baking: Place the butterflied lobster tails on a baking sheet without overcrowding. Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter evenly over the exposed meat. Spoon a generous amount of the garlic butter cream sauce over each tail, ensuring they are well coated.
5. Bake the lobster tails: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the lobster meat turns opaque and is cooked through. Avoid overcooking to prevent the lobster from becoming tough and rubbery.
6. Finish and serve: Remove the baking sheet from the oven carefully. Garnish the lobster tails with fresh chopped parsley for a bright, herbal finish. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy with crusty bread, salad, or roasted vegetables.

Notes

• Ensure lobster tails are fully thawed before cooking for even cooking results.
• Be careful not to burn the garlic while sautéing, as it will impart a bitter flavor.
• Do not overcook lobster tails; the meat should be opaque but still tender.
• Variations can include adding red pepper flakes for heat or additional fresh herbs like chives for extra flavor.
• Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
• If fresh garlic is unavailable, substitute with 1 teaspoon garlic powder per clove, added at the end of butter melting process.
• For presentation, butterflying the lobster tail meat makes for easier eating and better sauce coverage.

Keywords: Garlic Butter Lobster Tails, Lobster Recipe, Seafood, Garlic Butter Sauce, Easy Lobster Dinner