Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Step 1: Prep the Lobster Tails
- Using kitchen shears, carefully cut the top of the lobster shell down the center to the tail.
- Gently pull the shell apart and lift the lobster meat slightly to rest it on top of the shell (but still attached). This is called butterflying.
Step 2: Season and Preheat
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Place the butterflied lobster tails on a baking tray.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter and mix with half of the minced garlic.
- Brush the garlic butter generously over the lobster meat.
- Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Bake the Lobster Tails
- Bake the lobster tails for 10–12 minutes, depending on their size, or until the meat is opaque and slightly firm.
- Optional: Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end for a golden finish.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- While the lobster is baking, heat 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the remaining garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese, whisking constantly until melted and smooth.
- Add lemon juice, a pinch of salt and pepper, and reduce heat to low. Simmer until slightly thickened (about 3–5 minutes).
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
- Place the cooked lobster tails on serving plates.
- Spoon or drizzle the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce over each tail.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and a slice of lemon if desired.
- Serve immediately with your favorite side (pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread are excellent choices!).
Notes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage:
Store any leftover lobster and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheating:
Warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or butter to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving, which can toughen lobster meat. Lobster is best served fresh, but leftovers can still be tasty when gently reheated! 🥄 Variations
Want to switch things up or tailor this dish to your preferences? Try these delicious variations: Spicy Cajun Version: Add a dash of Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a kick. Herb Crusted Lobster: Mix Italian breadcrumbs with herbs and Parmesan and sprinkle on top before baking. Surf and Turf: Serve the lobster tails with a juicy steak or filet mignon for a decadent dinner. Low-Carb Option: Skip the sauce and just baste with herbed garlic butter for a keto-friendly meal. Wine-Infused Sauce: Add a splash of white wine before the cream for a more complex, restaurant-style flavor. ❓ 10 FAQs
1. How do I know when lobster tails are done?
The lobster meat will turn opaque and white, with a firm texture. Internal temp should be 140–145°F (60–63°C). 2. Can I use frozen lobster tails?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. 3. Can I grill the lobster tails instead of baking?
Absolutely! Grill meat-side down for 4–5 minutes, then flip and cook until done. Brush with garlic butter while grilling. 4. What type of cream should I use?
Use heavy cream for the richest sauce. You can substitute half-and-half in a pinch but the sauce will be thinner. 5. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
You can try coconut cream and dairy-free butter, though the flavor will be slightly different and less rich. 6. How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Use low to medium heat and whisk constantly while adding the Parmesan. Avoid high heat. 7. Can I use pre-cooked lobster tails?
Yes, but reduce the baking time since you’re only reheating. Be careful not to overcook. 8. Can I use other seafood?
Definitely. This sauce pairs well with shrimp, scallops, or even white fish like cod or halibut. 9. How do I butterfly a lobster tail?
Use sharp kitchen scissors to cut down the top of the shell and gently pull the meat upward to rest on the shell. 10. What can I serve with garlic butter lobster tails?
Try it with: Mashed potatoes Garlic pasta Steamed asparagus Risotto Caesar salad 🏁 Conclusion
If you’ve never made lobster at home before, this garlic butter lobster tail recipe is the one to try. It’s approachable, packed with flavor, and delivers that restaurant-style quality without the intimidating steps. The creamy Parmesan garlic sauce elevates it to new heights, while lemon and parsley keep the flavors balanced and fresh. Whether it’s a romantic dinner for two, a dinner party showstopper, or a personal indulgence, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy. It’s rich, elegant, and surprisingly easy—so next time you're looking to impress or treat yourself, you know what to make.
Storage:
Store any leftover lobster and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheating:
Warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or butter to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving, which can toughen lobster meat. Lobster is best served fresh, but leftovers can still be tasty when gently reheated! 🥄 Variations
Want to switch things up or tailor this dish to your preferences? Try these delicious variations: Spicy Cajun Version: Add a dash of Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a kick. Herb Crusted Lobster: Mix Italian breadcrumbs with herbs and Parmesan and sprinkle on top before baking. Surf and Turf: Serve the lobster tails with a juicy steak or filet mignon for a decadent dinner. Low-Carb Option: Skip the sauce and just baste with herbed garlic butter for a keto-friendly meal. Wine-Infused Sauce: Add a splash of white wine before the cream for a more complex, restaurant-style flavor. ❓ 10 FAQs
1. How do I know when lobster tails are done?
The lobster meat will turn opaque and white, with a firm texture. Internal temp should be 140–145°F (60–63°C). 2. Can I use frozen lobster tails?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. 3. Can I grill the lobster tails instead of baking?
Absolutely! Grill meat-side down for 4–5 minutes, then flip and cook until done. Brush with garlic butter while grilling. 4. What type of cream should I use?
Use heavy cream for the richest sauce. You can substitute half-and-half in a pinch but the sauce will be thinner. 5. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
You can try coconut cream and dairy-free butter, though the flavor will be slightly different and less rich. 6. How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Use low to medium heat and whisk constantly while adding the Parmesan. Avoid high heat. 7. Can I use pre-cooked lobster tails?
Yes, but reduce the baking time since you’re only reheating. Be careful not to overcook. 8. Can I use other seafood?
Definitely. This sauce pairs well with shrimp, scallops, or even white fish like cod or halibut. 9. How do I butterfly a lobster tail?
Use sharp kitchen scissors to cut down the top of the shell and gently pull the meat upward to rest on the shell. 10. What can I serve with garlic butter lobster tails?
Try it with: Mashed potatoes Garlic pasta Steamed asparagus Risotto Caesar salad 🏁 Conclusion
If you’ve never made lobster at home before, this garlic butter lobster tail recipe is the one to try. It’s approachable, packed with flavor, and delivers that restaurant-style quality without the intimidating steps. The creamy Parmesan garlic sauce elevates it to new heights, while lemon and parsley keep the flavors balanced and fresh. Whether it’s a romantic dinner for two, a dinner party showstopper, or a personal indulgence, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy. It’s rich, elegant, and surprisingly easy—so next time you're looking to impress or treat yourself, you know what to make.