If you’re looking to impress someone—or just treat yourself to something luxurious—these creamy garlic lobster tails are the answer.
Baked to perfection and finished with a rich Parmesan cream sauce, they’re incredibly decadent yet surprisingly simple to make.
Every bite is buttery, tender, and packed with flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Restaurant-style lobster made easily at home
Perfect for special occasions or romantic dinners
Features a garlic butter cream sauce you’ll want to drizzle on everything
Only a few ingredients needed for a stunning presentation
Ready in under 30 minutes
Ingredient Highlights
Lobster tails: The star of the show—tender and buttery when baked properly.
Butter: Divided for both roasting and the sauce—don’t skimp on this!
Garlic: Fresh cloves bring bold flavor to the cream base.
Heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously smooth and rich.
Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty depth to the cream sauce.
Lemon juice: Balances the richness with a touch of brightness.
Fresh parsley: A colorful finishing touch.
Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning both lobster and sauce.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Cut through the top of the lobster shell with sharp kitchen shears and gently lift the meat for that classic presentation.
Use high-quality Parmesan cheese (grated fresh, if possible) for the best flavor.
Don’t overcook the lobster! It should be opaque and just firm—overbaking will dry it out.
Keep the sauce warm and stir frequently to prevent separation.
Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Lobster Tails
Step 1: Prep the Lobster
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Use kitchen shears to slice down the top of each lobster tail shell.
Gently lift the meat out and rest it on top of the shell, still attached at the base.
Step 2: Season and Bake
Brush the exposed lobster meat with a little melted butter.
Season with salt and pepper.
Place on a baking sheet and roast for 8–10 minutes, or until the meat is opaque and cooked through.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the remaining butter.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and add the grated Parmesan.
Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring until slightly thickened.
Stir in the lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
Spoon the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce over the baked lobster tails.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
What to Serve It With
Garlic mashed potatoes
Lemon herb rice
Roasted asparagus or green beans
Crusty bread to soak up that sauce
A glass of chilled white wine or Champagne
Variations & Substitutions
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
Use half-and-half instead of cream for a lighter sauce.
Stir in some white wine with the garlic for extra depth.
Replace parsley with fresh chives or tarragon.
Swap lobster tails for shrimp or scallops for variety.
Storage & Leftovers
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheat: Gently warm the lobster and sauce in a skillet over low heat—add a splash of cream if needed.
Freeze: Not recommended, as lobster and cream sauce can lose their texture after freezing.
FAQs
Can I use frozen lobster tails?
Yes, just thaw them completely in the fridge before cooking.
Do I need to parboil the lobster first?
Nope! Baking them right in the oven keeps them tender and flavorful.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
You can make it an hour or so ahead and reheat gently—just stir well to keep it smooth.
What’s the best way to cut open lobster tails?
Use sharp kitchen shears to snip the top shell lengthwise, then lift the meat out gently.
How do I know when the lobster is cooked?
The meat will turn opaque and slightly firm—about 8–10 minutes in the oven.
Can I double the sauce?
Absolutely—especially if you want to serve it over pasta or mashed potatoes.
What kind of Parmesan is best?
Freshly grated Parmesan from a wedge gives the best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
These creamy garlic lobster tails are one of those recipes that feels straight out of a fancy restaurant—but you made it in your own kitchen!
With rich Parmesan sauce, juicy lobster, and a golden finish, it’s everything a special dinner should be. Simple, stunning, and oh-so-delicious.
Creamy Garlic Lobster Tails
Ingredients
- 4 lobster tails
- 4 tbsp butter divided
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Cut lobster shells lengthwise and gently lift the meat to rest on top.
- Brush with melted butter and season with salt and pepper. Bake for 8–10 minutes.
- In a skillet, melt remaining butter. Sauté garlic for 1 minute.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan.
- Simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- See full steps with tips & photos → https://wimpysdiner.net/creamy-garlic-lobster-tails/
Notes
- Lobster Prep: To make shell cutting easier, place tails in the freezer for 10 minutes beforehand—the shells firm up.
- Sauce Consistency: If your sauce thickens too much, whisk in a splash of cream or stock to loosen it.
