Delight in this rich and luxurious dish featuring tender lobster tails coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce. Perfect for special occasions or an indulgent dinner, this recipe combines simplicity with elegance, bringing restaurant-quality flavor right to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This creamy garlic butter lobster recipe is an absolute showstopper. The lobster tails are tender and juicy, baked to perfection, and bathed in a decadent garlic butter sauce with a touch of lemon for balance. It’s quick to prepare, takes under 30 minutes, and is perfect for a romantic dinner, a holiday feast, or when you just want to treat yourself to something extraordinary.

Ingredients

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

2–4 lobster tails (6–8 oz / 170–225 g each)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Lemon wedges, for serving

Directions

Prepare the Lobster Tails:
Using kitchen scissors, cut down the top shell of each lobster tail lengthwise. Gently lift the meat, resting it on top of the shell for even cooking and an appealing presentation.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and black pepper. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Cook the Lobster Tails:
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place lobster tails on a baking sheet and brush them generously with the garlic butter sauce. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the lobster meat turns opaque and is slightly firm to the touch.
Serve:
Drizzle any remaining garlic butter sauce over the cooked lobster tails. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Servings and timing

Servings: 2–4 people
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Add spice: Sprinkle a pinch of cayenne or red chili flakes for a spicy kick.
Herb twist: Mix in fresh herbs such as thyme, basil, or dill for extra aroma.
Cheesy option: Add a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce for a creamy, cheesy touch.
Grilled version: Instead of baking, grill the lobster tails over medium heat for about 6–8 minutes per side, basting with garlic butter.
Cream-free version: Skip the heavy cream for a lighter, classic garlic butter style.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store any leftover lobster tails in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a little butter or cream until heated through. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can make the lobster tough.
Freezing: Lobster tails are best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze cooked lobster meat for up to 1 month. Reheat slowly to maintain texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen lobster tails for this recipe?

Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator before cooking for even results.

2. How can I tell if the lobster is cooked properly?

The meat should be opaque white with a slightly firm texture. If it’s still translucent, bake it for a few more minutes.

3. Can I substitute the heavy cream with milk?

Yes, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be a bit lighter and less rich.

4. Is this recipe suitable for grilling?

Absolutely. Brush the tails with the garlic butter sauce and grill over medium heat until cooked through.

5. Can I prepare the garlic butter sauce in advance?

Yes, the sauce can be made up to a day ahead and reheated gently before using.

6. What side dishes pair best with lobster tails?

Try serving with mashed potatoes, buttered rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp garden salad.

7. Can I use this recipe for shrimp or crab?

Definitely. The same garlic butter sauce pairs beautifully with shrimp, crab legs, or scallops.

8. Do I need to remove the lobster vein before cooking?

If visible, remove the dark vein running along the tail for the cleanest presentation and taste.

9. Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, substitute butter with olive oil and heavy cream with coconut cream or almond milk.

10. How can I make the sauce thicker?

Let it simmer a bit longer, or whisk in a teaspoon of flour or cornstarch slurry for a creamier consistency.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Butter Lobster Tails are a luxurious yet simple way to enjoy seafood at its best. With tender lobster meat coated in rich, garlicky butter sauce and a hint of lemon, this dish is perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to an unforgettable meal. Serve it with your favorite sides and savor every decadent bite.

Creamy Garlic Butter Lobster Tails