Indulge in the ultimate seafood delight with these Creamy Garlic Butter Lobster Tails! Perfectly seasoned, seared, and baked in a rich, garlicky butter sauce, this dish brings restaurant-quality flavors straight to your home. Whether you’re preparing a romantic dinner, a special occasion meal, or simply treating yourself, this easy yet elegant recipe is a must-try.
Ingredients
For the Lobster Tails:
- 4 lobster tails (shells removed, meat cleaned)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Lobster Tails
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the lobster tails dry and season 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 lightly golden. Remove from heat.
2. Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice.
- Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
3. Bake the Lobster Tails
- Spoon some of the creamy garlic butter sauce over the lobster tails.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the lobster tails are cooked through and tender.
4. Serve and Enjoy!
- Drizzle more sauce over the lobster tails and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve warm with your favorite sides such as garlic mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or buttery pasta.
Tips & Variations
- Grilling Option: Instead of baking, finish the lobster tails on the grill for a smoky charred flavor. Brush with extra garlic butter while grilling.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning for a spicy twist.
- Extra Cheesy: Stir in more Parmesan cheese for an even richer sauce.
- Lemon Herb Flavor: Increase the lemon juice and add fresh thyme or rosemary for a bright, herbaceous taste.
- Seafood Mix: Add shrimp or scallops to the skillet for a seafood medley in the creamy garlic sauce.
How to Store & Reheat
Refrigeration
- Store leftover lobster tails and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating
- Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or butter to keep the sauce creamy.
- Oven: Place in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave: Use short 15-20 second bursts to prevent overcooking.
Freezing
- It’s best to enjoy lobster fresh, but if needed, freeze only the lobster meat (without the sauce) in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.
FAQs
1. How do I know when lobster is cooked?
Lobster is done when the meat turns opaque white and firms up. The internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C).
2. Can I use frozen lobster tails?
Yes! Just thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or place them in a sealed bag under cold running water for quick thawing.
3. What can I serve with creamy lobster tails?
Great sides include buttery mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, garlic bread, or a fresh salad.
4. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the creamy garlic butter sauce ahead and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before using.
5. What’s the best way to remove lobster meat from the shell?
Use kitchen shears to cut down the top of the shell, then gently pull the meat out while keeping it attached at the base for an elegant presentation.
This Creamy Garlic Butter Lobster Tail recipe is a foolproof way to impress your guests or enjoy a luxurious seafood meal at home. With its rich flavors and easy preparation, it’s sure to be a favorite!