There’s nothing more luxurious than tender lobster tails baked to perfection and topped with a rich garlic butter cream sauce.
This dish is simple to prepare yet feels restaurant-quality, making it ideal for a special dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The lobster stays juicy and flavorful under a blanket of garlic butter.
The creamy Parmesan sauce elevates the dish with richness and balance.
It looks impressive but requires only basic steps and ingredients.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Lobster tails – Sweet, tender, and the star of the dish.
Butter – Divided for both baking and sauce, adds richness.
Garlic – Fresh and aromatic, builds depth in the sauce.
Heavy cream – Creates the creamy base for the sauce.
Parmesan cheese – Adds a savory, nutty flavor.
Paprika – Provides subtle warmth and color.
Lemon juice – Balances richness with brightness.
Parsley – Fresh and vibrant, perfect as garnish.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Use sharp kitchen shears to cut lobster shells cleanly.
Do not overbake the lobster; it should be opaque and tender.
Grate Parmesan fresh for the smoothest sauce.
Make the sauce right before serving to keep it silky.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Lobster Tails
Step 1 – Preheat oven
Set your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Step 2 – Prepare lobster tails
Cut the shell lengthwise and lift the meat to rest on top of the shell.
Arrange in a baking dish.
Step 3 – Bake lobster
Brush with melted butter, season with paprika, salt, and pepper.
Bake 12–15 minutes until opaque.
Step 4 – Make sauce
In a skillet, melt remaining butter, sauté garlic, then stir in cream and Parmesan.
Simmer until thickened, finish with lemon juice.
Step 5 – Serve
Spoon sauce over baked lobster tails, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
What to Serve Them With
Serve with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Pair with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad.
Enjoy with pasta or rice for a complete meal.
Variations / Substitutions
Add a pinch of cayenne for heat in the sauce.
Swap Parmesan for Gruyère or Asiago for a twist.
Use half-and-half instead of cream for a lighter sauce.
Storage & Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream to refresh the sauce.
Avoid microwaving too long to keep the lobster tender.
FAQs
Can I prepare the lobster tails ahead of time?
You can prep them in the shell, but bake just before serving.
How do I know when the lobster is done?
The meat should be opaque and firm, not translucent.
Can I use frozen lobster tails?
Yes, thaw completely before cooking.
Do I have to make the cream sauce?
You can serve with just garlic butter if preferred.
What wine pairs best with this dish?
Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complement it well.
Can I grill instead of bake?
Yes, grill over medium heat for about 8–10 minutes.
What if I don’t have Parmesan?
Use another hard cheese like Romano.
Can I use this sauce for pasta?
Yes, it doubles as a delicious pasta sauce.
Should I remove the vein in lobster tails?
Yes, clean out any visible dark vein for the best presentation.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but use a larger pan so the lobster cooks evenly.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Butter Lobster Tails recipe combines elegance with ease.
It’s the perfect way to impress guests or treat yourself to a decadent meal at home.
