Description
This Creamy Garlic Butter Lobster Tails recipe offers a decadent, restaurant-quality seafood dish that’s perfect for special occasions. Succulent lobster tails are baked in a rich, garlicky butter cream sauce infused with Parmesan and a hint of smoked paprika, resulting in tender, flavorful meat topped with a luscious sauce. Simple yet elegant, this dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, pasta, or steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
Lobster Tails
- 4 lobster tails (4–6 oz each), thawed if frozen
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh chopped parsley
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking dish with foil or parchment paper to facilitate easy cleanup.
- Prepare Lobster Tails: Using kitchen scissors, carefully cut down the top of each lobster shell lengthwise to expose the meat. Gently pull the meat out and rest it on top of the shell, keeping it attached at the base to hold its shape during cooking.
- Season Lobster: Arrange the prepared lobster tails in the baking dish. Lightly season them with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika if you choose to use it for a subtle smoky flavor.
- Make Garlic Butter Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, cooking for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes smooth. Mix in the lemon juice, then remove the sauce from heat.
- Apply Sauce: Generously spoon the creamy garlic butter sauce over each lobster tail, ensuring that the meat is well-coated for maximum flavor.
- Bake Lobster Tails: Bake the lobster tails in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes or until the meat turns opaque and is fully cooked. Optionally, broil for the last 1–2 minutes to brown the top slightly for added texture and color.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an added citrus punch.
Notes
- Serve with mashed potatoes, pasta, or steamed vegetables for a complete and luxurious dinner.
- For extra richness and a beautifully browned finish, broil the lobster tails for the last 1–2 minutes of cooking.
- Be careful not to overcook the lobster tails to maintain tender, juicy meat.
- Smoked paprika is optional but adds a lovely depth of flavor if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Seafood
