Creamy Garlic Butter Lobster

Creamy Garlic Butter Lobster Tails bring a rich and indulgent flavor to your dinner table with surprisingly simple steps. This recipe transforms ordinary lobster tails into a luxurious treat with a luscious garlic butter sauce that perfectly complements the tender seafood. Ideal for special occasions or when you want to impress without much fuss, this dish promises elegance and comfort all in one.

Ingredients

• Four lobster tails: approximately five to six ounces each. Fresh or frozen and fully thawed if frozen for even cooking
• Half a cup unsalted butter: adds luxurious richness without overpowering the lobster
• Four cloves garlic: minced, the heart of the sauce adding robust aroma and flavor
• Quarter cup heavy cream: for that silky, creamy texture that makes every bite smooth
• One tablespoon lemon juice: to brighten and balance the richness
• One teaspoon paprika: which brings a subtle smokiness and a beautiful color to the dish
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: to taste, enhancing all the flavors naturally
• Fresh chopped parsley: for garnish adding a fresh pop of color and flavor
• Note: When choosing lobster tails, pick ones with firm shells and a mild sea smell indicating freshness. For butter, unsalted ensures you control salt levels precisely.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Lobster Tails:

Use kitchen scissors to cut down the center of each lobster tail shell stopping just before the fin. This step is crucial because it allows the lobster meat to cook thoroughly and makes it easier to serve and eat.

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit which is the ideal temperature to cook lobster tails gently without drying them out.

Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:

In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for one to two minutes until fragrant but not browned because burnt garlic turns bitter. Stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for two to three minutes until slightly thickened creating a velvety coating.

Coat the Lobster Tails:

Arrange the lobster tails on a baking sheet with the flesh side facing up. Generously spoon the garlic butter sauce over each tail making sure the meat is fully covered to lock in moisture and flavor.

Bake the Lobster Tails:

Place the baking sheet in the oven and cook for fifteen to twenty minutes or until the lobster meat turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. To be precise, the internal temperature should reach one hundred forty five degrees Fahrenheit.

Garnish and Serve:

Remove the lobster tails from the oven and drizzle any leftover garlic butter sauce over them. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness before serving.

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Storage Tips

Store any leftover lobster tails in an airtight container in your fridge for up to two days to keep them fresh. When reheating, do so gently in the oven at a low temperature to avoid making the lobster tough or rubbery.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want a dairy-free version substitute the butter with olive oil or ghee and swap the heavy cream for coconut cream. Smoked paprika is a wonderful alternative to regular paprika for a deeper smoky flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Lemon wedges served alongside add a bright, fresh contrast to the richness of the sauce. Pair this dish with garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables to round out your meal. A chilled Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the lobster beautifully.

Pro Tips

• Always watch the cooking time carefully since lobster meat turns rubbery when overcooked.
• Do not skip cutting the shell along the center because it causes uneven cooking or makes serving tricky.
• Toast the garlic butter sauce lightly but never burn the garlic or it will taste bitter which can ruin the whole dish.

Commonly Asked Questions

→ Can I use frozen lobster tails?

Yes, frozen lobster tails work well if fully thawed before cooking. This ensures even heat penetration and tender results.

→ How do I tell when lobster tails are done?

Lobster meat turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork when properly cooked. An internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) confirms doneness.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

Coconut cream offers a lighter alternative with a subtle flavor twist, or Greek yogurt can add creaminess while reducing calories.

→ How should I prepare the lobster shells?

Cut along the top center shell using kitchen scissors, stopping near the tail fin. This helps the meat cook evenly and makes serving easier.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Garlic bread, fresh salads, or roasted vegetables complement the lobster's richness. Lemon wedges add bright contrast and freshness.

→ How do I avoid overcooking lobster tails?

Monitor cooking times closely, baking at 375°F for 15-20 minutes. Remove once meat is opaque and flakes easily to maintain tenderness.