Broiled Lobster Tails in Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lobster tails are the epitome of indulgence, and when paired with a creamy, buttery garlic sauce, they take on a whole new level of sophistication. The creamy garlic butter sauce adds richness and depth, while the broiled lobster provides a tender, succulent texture. The dish is simple to prepare but looks and tastes like it’s straight from a fine-dining restaurant. Plus, the optional sprinkle of Parmesan or Gruyère cheese takes the flavor to a whole new level. Perfect for a romantic dinner, holiday feast, or any time you want to treat yourself.

Ingredients

For the seafood:

• 4 lobster tails, thawed if previously frozen

For the sauce:

• 120 ml unsalted butter
• 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 120 ml heavy cream
• 2.5 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

For the toppings:

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 60 grams shredded Parmesan or Gruyère cheese (optional)

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

Directions

1. Preheat your broiler: Set your oven’s broiler to high and place the oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the lobster tails: Using kitchen shears or a sharp knife, carefully cut the top shell of each lobster tail down the center, stopping just before the tail fan. Gently pull the shell apart and lift the lobster meat to rest on top of the shell. This will allow the lobster to cook evenly and give it a more attractive presentation.
3. Broil the lobster tails: Place the lobster tails on the prepared baking sheet, cut side up. Broil them for 6-8 minutes, or until the meat is opaque and the top is lightly browned. Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.
4. Make the creamy garlic butter sauce: While the lobster tails are broiling, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.
5. Add the cream and seasonings: Stir in the heavy cream and freshly squeezed lemon juice, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
6. Finish the lobster: Once the lobster tails are done broiling, remove them from the oven. Spoon the creamy garlic butter sauce generously over the lobster meat.
7. Optional topping: If you’re using cheese, sprinkle the shredded Parmesan or Gruyère cheese over the lobster tails and place them back under the broiler for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden.
8. Garnish and serve: Garnish the lobster tails with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Add some spice: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter sauce.
• Herb variation: Try adding fresh herbs like thyme, tarragon, or rosemary to the butter sauce for an aromatic twist.
• Lobster tail with pasta: Serve the broiled lobster tails over a bed of pasta for a complete, luxurious meal. The creamy garlic butter sauce would pair perfectly with a light pasta like linguine or angel hair.
• Grilled lobster tails: For a smoky flavor, try grilling the lobster tails instead of broiling them. Grill over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes per side until cooked through.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover lobster tails can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the lobster tails in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through. You can also reheat them gently in a skillet with a bit of extra butter to prevent the meat from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use frozen lobster tails?

Yes, you can use frozen lobster tails for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours before cooking to ensure they cook evenly.

How do I know when lobster is cooked?

Lobster is done when the meat turns opaque and firm to the touch. The internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C) when fully cooked. If broiling, the top of the meat should be lightly browned.

Can I use a different sauce for the lobster tails?

Absolutely! You can use a garlic butter sauce, lemon butter, or even a spicy mayo sauce for a different flavor. The creamy garlic butter sauce in this recipe is the traditional choice, but feel free to get creative.

Can I make the garlic butter sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the garlic butter sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat it gently before serving.

How can I make the lobster meat easier to eat?

To make it easier to eat, you can completely remove the lobster meat from the shell before broiling, or leave it partially in the shell to make it easier to pull the meat out after cooking.

Can I use lobster tails with the shell on?

Yes, the lobster tails in this recipe are broiled with the shell on for better presentation and to keep the meat moist. You can also remove the lobster meat from the shell if you prefer a more straightforward eating experience.

How do I prevent the lobster tails from drying out?

To prevent lobster tails from drying out, avoid overcooking them. They only need 6-8 minutes of broiling time, depending on their size. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overcook.

Can I use this recipe for other seafood?

Yes! This creamy garlic butter sauce works wonderfully with other seafood like shrimp, scallops, or crab. Simply adjust the cooking time based on the seafood you choose.

Can I make this recipe for a crowd?

You can easily scale this recipe by increasing the number of lobster tails and adjusting the amount of garlic butter sauce. Serve with sides like rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad to feed a crowd.

Can I freeze leftover lobster?

While it’s best to enjoy lobster immediately, you can freeze leftover lobster meat for up to 2 months. Reheat it gently when ready to serve.

Conclusion

Broiled Lobster Tails in Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce are the epitome of indulgent seafood dining. With their perfectly cooked lobster and rich, velvety sauce, this dish is sure to impress anyone lucky enough to try it. Whether for a special occasion or a luxurious weeknight treat, this recipe delivers the kind of flavor and sophistication you won’t soon forget.

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