A few summers ago my neighbors invited me to their beachside barbecue. While I brought a summer salad, they handed me four lobster tails—gifts from a friendly local fisherman who delivered them straight to their door. I felt honored and decided to transform that generous surprise into something special.
Back home in my cozy kitchen, I remembered how I used to cook with students when I was teaching, they always loved butter and garlic and imagined how creamy sauce would pair nicely with tender lobster. I gently sliced each shell lengthwise, lifted the meat to rest on top, and made my sauce—a simple blend of butter, garlic, cream, and lemon.
As it simmered, the smell drifted through the house. Under the broiler, the lobster turned opaque and golden, topped with melted cheese. When I served it with steamed vegetables and warm artisan bread, every bite felt elegant yet approachable.
My neighbors swooned, saying it tasted of buttery warmth and sea breeze. That evening reminded me again why I love cooking—food handed down, stories shared, and little surprises turned into memories.
Short Description
Broiled Lobster Tails In Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce features tender lobster meat nestled in shells, coated in a rich garlic‑butter sauce, broiled until golden and served with fresh parsley and optional cheese.
Key Ingredients
- 4 lobster tails, thawed
- 120 ml unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 120 ml heavy cream
- 2.5 ml lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Toppings (optional): 2 tbsp chopped parsley, 60g shredded Parmesan or Gruyère
Tools Needed
- Kitchen shears
- Medium saucepan
- Broiler‑safe baking dish
- Whisk or fork
- Cheese grater
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prep Lobster Tails
With kitchen shears, cut along the top shell lengthwise. Gently lift the meat over the shell, leaving it attached at the base.
Step 2: Make Garlic Butter Sauce
Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté about 1 minute. Stir in heavy cream, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Simmer 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
Step 3: Broil Lobster
Place lobster tails in a shallow baking dish. Spoon sauce generously over each tail. If using cheese, sprinkle evenly.
Step 4: Broil Until Done
Set oven broiler to high. Broil for 7–10 minutes, until lobster is opaque and top turns golden. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove from oven. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and a final grind of black pepper. Serve immediately with warm bread or roasted vegetables.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Flavor Explosion: Golden lobster meets garlic‑butter cream and optional cheese for a rich, savory bite.
Quick Elegance: Ready in under 20 minutes—impressive yet simple.
Healthy Seafood: Lean, protein‑rich lobster with light dairy and fresh seasoning.
Customizable: Add cheese or skip it for a cleaner taste.
Perfect for Entertaining: Restaurant‑style dish that feels special without fuss.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Dry Lobster Meat
Keep an eye during broiling; remove as soon as meat is opaque to avoid overcooking.
Lumpy Sauce
Stir sauce constantly while simmering; whisk gently if needed before adding to lobster.
Burning Garlic
Sauté garlic just until fragrant—burnt garlic becomes bitter.
Watery Sauce
Simmer until sauce thickens enough to coat a spoon before broiling.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve plated individually with lobster in the shell for presentation
Pair with crusty artisan bread or garlic‑sautéed asparagus
Pour a chilled glass of crisp Chardonnay or sparkling water with lemon
Best served immediately while sauce is silky and lobster warm
Perfect for romantic dinners, holiday gatherings, or special celebrations
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage:
Cover leftover lobster and sauce separately; refrigerate up to 1 day.
Reheat:
Warm gently in a saucepan over low heat until heated through, topping lobster again with heated sauce.
Avoid Microwave: It can overcook lobster and separate the sauce; stovetop retains texture and flavor best.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen lobster tails?
Yes, thaw completely first and pat dry before prepping.
2. Can cream be substituted with half‑and‑half or milk?
Half‑and‑half works, but choose heavy cream for a richer, smoother sauce.
3. Is cheese necessary?
Optional. Parmesan or Gruyère adds richness and a lightly browned crust under the broiler.
4. Can I grill instead of broiling?
Yes, place lobster under medium heat grill and brush sauce on top; grill 7–9 minutes.
5. How do I know lobster is fully cooked?
When meat is opaque and firm to the touch, it’s done. Internal temperature should reach about 140°F (60°C).
Tips & Tricks
Rinse and pat lobster dry to help browning under broiler
Use fresh garlic and lemon juice for vibrant flavor
Keep butter sauce warm while broiling to keep it fluid
Broil in a shallow dish for even heat exposure
For extra flavor, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped herbs
Recipe Variations
Herb & White Wine Sauce
Replace cream with 60 ml white wine and add fresh tarragon or dill.
Cheesy Scalloped Tails
Layer lobster in a baking dish, cover with cheese and cream, then bake at 375°F for 12–15 minutes.
Citrus‑Garlic Twist
Add zest of orange and lemon to sauce; finish with chopped chives or basil.
Low‑Dairy Version
Use coconut milk instead of cream and a drizzle of olive oil instead of butter; finish with fresh parsley and citrus.