Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Restaurant-Quality at Home: Enjoy gourmet lobster tails without the hefty price tag.
Rich and Flavorful: The combination of butter, garlic, and Parmesan creates a creamy, indulgent sauce.
Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for an impressive yet stress-free meal.
Versatile Pairing: Serve with pasta, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 lobster tails, shells removed and meat cleaned
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce:

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup heavy cream
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon lemon juice
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Prepare the Lobster Tails

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Pat the lobster tails dry and season them with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear the lobster tails for 2 minutes on each side until slightly golden. Remove from heat.

2. Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice.
Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.

3. Bake the Lobster Tails

Spoon some of the sauce over the lobster tails in the skillet.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 5-7 minutes until the lobster is fully cooked and opaque.

4. Serve

Drizzle additional sauce over the lobster tails.
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
Serve warm with your favorite sides like pasta, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Calories: ~320 kcal per serving

Variations

Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Cheesy Upgrade: Stir in extra Parmesan or even a bit of Gruyère for a richer sauce.
Wine Infusion: Replace the lemon juice with a splash of white wine for added depth of flavor.
Grilled Option: Instead of baking, grill the lobster tails for a smoky charred finish.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Freezing: Not recommended as the texture of the lobster may change upon thawing.
Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed to restore the sauce’s consistency.

FAQs

1. How do I know when the lobster tails are done?

Lobster is fully cooked when the meat is opaque and white, with an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).

2. Can I use frozen lobster tails?

Yes! Just thaw them completely in the refrigerator before cooking.

3. What can I serve with these lobster tails?

They pair well with garlic butter pasta, mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or a fresh green salad.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the sauce and clean the lobster tails ahead of time.

5. What type of lobster tails should I use?

Cold-water lobster tails are ideal as they tend to be sweeter and more tender.

6. Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be slightly less rich and thick.

7. How do I remove the lobster meat from the shell?

Use kitchen shears to cut through the shell, then gently lift out the meat.

8. Can I cook the lobster tails entirely on the stovetop?

Yes, simply cover the skillet and cook over low heat for an additional 5 minutes instead of baking.

9. Can I substitute butter with olive oil?

Butter is preferred for flavor, but olive oil can be used for a lighter option.

10. How do I prevent the lobster from being chewy?

Avoid overcooking—lobster becomes tough if cooked too long.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Butter Lobster Tails are the perfect balance of elegance and simplicity. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself to a gourmet meal, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy a luxurious seafood feast right at home!