Creamy Garlic Butter Lobster Tails Recipe
Introduction
If you’re a fan of lobster, you know that it’s a luxurious seafood that can elevate any meal. But when paired with a rich, creamy garlic butter sauce, lobster tails reach a whole new level of indulgence. This Creamy Garlic Butter Lobster Tails recipe is a mouthwatering combination of succulent lobster meat, smooth garlic butter sauce, and a hint of lemon, making it the perfect dish for special occasions or a romantic dinner. Whether you’re cooking for a holiday celebration, a date night, or simply treating yourself, this dish will surely impress.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to create this easy yet elegant recipe, and provide some tips and variations to personalize your lobster tails to your liking. Get ready to impress your guests or treat yourself to a delicious, decadent seafood dinner!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Flavorful: The garlic butter sauce is the perfect complement to the sweet, tender lobster meat, creating a luxurious flavor profile that’s irresistible.
- Quick and Easy: Despite its gourmet taste, this recipe is incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a restaurant-quality dish right at home.
- Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether it’s for a celebration or a cozy dinner, creamy garlic butter lobster tails make for an impressive and indulgent meal.
- Customizable: You can adjust the level of garlic, lemon, and seasoning to suit your taste. You can also add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for extra flavor.
- No Fuss, Just Flavor: Unlike other lobster recipes, this dish doesn’t require complicated cooking techniques—just bake and top with the luxurious garlic butter sauce!
Preparation Time and Servings
- Total Time: 30 minutes (10 minutes for prep, 20 minutes for cooking)
- Servings: This recipe serves 4, but you can easily adjust it for more or fewer people by changing the number of lobster tails.
- Nutrition Facts (per serving): Calories: 400, Protein: 35g, Carbs: 5g, Fat: 28g.
Ingredients
For the Lobster Tails:
- 4 lobster tails (6-8 oz each): Fresh or frozen lobster tails work perfectly for this recipe. Thaw them if using frozen lobster tails.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used to coat the lobster tails before cooking, helping them to roast to a beautiful golden brown.
- Salt and pepper: To season the lobster tails before baking.
- Lemon wedges: For serving, to add a fresh, tangy burst of flavor.
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: The base of the sauce that will make the lobster tails rich and creamy.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic is key to making this dish flavorful and aromatic.
- ½ cup heavy cream: This helps create a smooth and creamy sauce that perfectly coats the lobster meat.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Adds brightness and a tangy contrast to the richness of the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Gives the sauce a mild heat and enhances the color.
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): Adds a bit of heat, perfect for those who like a spicy kick.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped): For garnish, adding a pop of color and fresh herb flavor.
First Step: PREPARE THE LOBSTER TAILS

- Thaw the Lobster Tails: If you’re using frozen lobster tails, ensure they are fully thawed before cooking. Place them in the refrigerator overnight or use the cold water thawing method by sealing them in a plastic bag and submerging them in cold water for about 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Lobster Tails: Using kitchen shears, cut down the top of the lobster shell, exposing the lobster meat. Carefully pull the meat out of the shell, leaving it attached at the base. Place the lobster meat on top of the shell, creating a “butterfly” effect. This will help the lobster cook evenly and give it an impressive presentation.
- Season the Lobster Tails: Drizzle olive oil over the lobster tails, and season with salt and pepper. Make sure to rub the seasoning into the meat for even coverage.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the lobster tails from sticking.
Second Step: BAKE THE LOBSTER TAILS
- Arrange the Lobster Tails: Place the prepared lobster tails on the baking sheet, making sure they are evenly spaced apart. This will allow them to cook properly without steaming each other.
- Bake: Place the lobster tails in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, depending on the size of the tails. The lobster meat should be opaque and slightly firm to the touch when done. You can also use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 140°F (60°C).
- Optional Broiling: If you want the lobster tails to have a slightly caramelized top, turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on them to ensure they don’t burn.
Third Step: MAKE THE CREAMY GARLIC BUTTER SAUCE
- Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, making sure the garlic doesn’t burn.
- Add the Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir until combined. Let the mixture simmer for about 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Season the Sauce: Stir in the paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and fresh lemon juice. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. The sauce should be creamy, rich, and slightly tangy from the lemon.
- Finish the Sauce: Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove it from the heat. Stir in the fresh parsley for added flavor and color.
Final Step: SERVE THE LOBSTER TAILS
- Top the Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter Sauce: Once the lobster tails are done baking, remove them from the oven and transfer them to serving plates. Generously drizzle the creamy garlic butter sauce over the lobster meat.
- Garnish and Serve: For extra flavor and presentation, garnish the lobster tails with additional chopped parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for an added burst of citrus.
- Pair with Sides: Creamy garlic butter lobster tails pair wonderfully with a variety of sides, such as garlic mashed potatoes, steamed asparagus, or a fresh green salad.