Creamy Garlic Butter Lobster Tails

These lobster tails are pan-seared or broiled to perfection and then bathed in a velvety garlic butter cream sauce that clings to every juicy bite. You get the sweet, delicate flavor of lobster paired with rich garlic, a splash of cream, and a hit of lemon to brighten it all up. Serve it with crusty bread, pasta, or steamed veggies—whatever your heart (and taste buds) desire.

I first made this as a Valentine’s Day dinner for two and honestly? We both sat in silence after the first bite. It’s that good.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Restaurant-quality flavor at home
• Garlicky, buttery goodness in every bite
• Elegant yet easy – on the table in under 30 minutes
• Perfect for dipping – bread, pasta, or veggies
• Great for date night, holidays, or treating yourself

Prep Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
• Total Time: 25–30 minutes
• Servings: 2 (can easily be doubled)

Nutrition (per serving):
Calories: ~450 | Protein: 30g | Carbs: 6g | Fat: 35g

Ingredients

• 2 lobster tails (5–6 oz each), thawed if frozen
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional but amazing)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (plus extra wedges for serving)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Ingredient Notes

• Lobster tails: Fresh or frozen both work—just make sure frozen ones are fully thawed.
• Cream: Heavy cream or double cream gives you that rich, velvety texture.
• Parmesan: Adds depth and a salty umami kick to the sauce—skip it if you want a purer garlic butter flavor.
• Lemon: Brightens the richness of the cream and balances the butter.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the lobster tails

• Use kitchen shears to cut down the top of the shell lengthwise.
• Gently lift the meat out of the shell and rest it on top, still attached at the base (butterfly style).
• Pat dry and season with salt and pepper.

2. Sear or broil the lobster

Pan-seared method (recommended for sauce):

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add lobster tails, meat-side down. Sear for 2–3 minutes until slightly golden.
• Flip, add 1 tablespoon butter to the pan, and cook another 2–3 minutes, basting with melted butter.
• Remove lobster tails and set aside.

Broiler method:

• Preheat broiler and place lobster tails on a foil-lined tray.
• Brush with olive oil and broil 4–5 inches from the heat for 5–7 minutes, until opaque and lightly golden.

3. Make the creamy garlic butter sauce

• In the same pan (with any remaining lobster juices), melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter.
• Add minced garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it burn.
• Pour in the cream and stir in Parmesan (if using), lemon juice, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, stirring until thickened and creamy.

4. Return lobster to the pan

• Nestle the cooked lobster tails back into the pan and spoon the sauce over the top.
• Cook for 1–2 minutes more to warm everything through.

5. Garnish and serve

• Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges and plenty of crusty bread (or pasta if you want to turn it into a full meal).

How to Serve

Pair your Creamy Garlic Butter Lobster Tails with:

• Crusty bread – perfect for scooping up every drop of sauce
• Angel hair or linguine – toss in a little extra cream for a pasta dinner
• Steamed or roasted vegetables – asparagus, broccoli, or green beans
• Mashed potatoes – for the ultimate cozy meal
• Simple green salad – to balance out the richness

Tips for Success

1. Don’t overcook the lobster – it only needs a few minutes until opaque and firm.
2. Use a good skillet – for even cooking and easy sauce building.
3. Fresh garlic is key – pre-minced won’t give you that same deep flavor.
4. Simmer, don’t boil the cream – high heat can cause it to split.
5. Taste and adjust the sauce – add more lemon, salt, or Parmesan as needed.

Recipe Variations

• Make it spicy: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne.
• Add mushrooms or spinach: Stir into the sauce before adding lobster back.
• Use shrimp or scallops: A great substitute if lobster isn’t available.
• Dairy-free: Use coconut cream and olive oil instead of butter and cream.
• Low-carb/keto: Serve over cauliflower mash or sautéed greens.

Storage & Reheating

Fridge:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Reheat:

• Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of cream if the sauce thickens too much.

Freezing:

• Not recommended, as cream-based sauces and seafood don’t freeze well together.

FAQ

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes—make the sauce up to 1 day ahead and reheat gently. Cook the lobster fresh for best texture.

How do I know when the lobster is done?
The meat will be opaque and firm to the touch. A thermometer should read 135–140°F in the thickest part.

Can I use pre-cooked lobster meat?
Yes! Just warm it gently in the sauce at the end—don’t overcook it or it’ll get rubbery.

Conclusion

These Creamy Garlic Butter Lobster Tails are rich, decadent, and shockingly easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for someone special or treating yourself to a luxurious night in, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes. Pour a little extra sauce, toast up some bread, and enjoy every buttery, garlicky bite.

Print