Creamy Garlic Butter Lobster Tails
Indulge in the exquisite flavor of these Creamy Garlic Butter Lobster Tails, a dish that combines the succulence of perfectly cooked lobster with a rich, velvety garlic-infused cream sauce. This recipe transforms a gourmet ingredient into an accessible culinary masterpiece, perfect for a special occasion or an elevated weeknight treat. It's surprisingly simple to prepare, yet delivers an impressive presentation and an unforgettable taste.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
12-15 minutes
Total Time
Approximately 30 minutes
Servings
2 servings
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Luxuriously rich and tender lobster meat, perfectly baked with a delicate texture.
- An incredibly flavorful and aromatic garlic butter cream sauce that elevates every bite.
- Impressive presentation, making it ideal for special occasions or a romantic dinner.
- Despite its gourmet appeal, this dish is surprisingly quick and easy to prepare, ready in under 30 minutes.
- A truly indulgent and satisfying meal that feels restaurant-quality right in your home.
Ingredients
- 2 lobster tails, approximately 170-200 grams (6-7 ounces) each
- 113 grams (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced finely
- 60 milliliters (1/4 cup) heavy cream (double cream)
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) to ensure it reaches the optimal temperature for baking the lobster tails evenly and quickly.
- Prepare the lobster tails by using sharp kitchen shears or a sturdy chef's knife to carefully cut through the top of the shell, lengthwise, from the base to just before the tail fin. Avoid cutting through the meat entirely to keep the lobster intact.
- Gently open the shell and carefully loosen the lobster meat from the shell, pulling it upwards to rest on top of the cut shell. Ensure the meat remains attached at the very base of the tail. This 'butterflying' technique allows the meat to cook more evenly and absorb the rich sauce.
- Arrange the prepared lobster tails on a baking sheet. A small amount of space between each tail will promote even cooking.
- In a small saucepan, melt the 113 grams (1/2 cup) of unsalted butter over medium heat. Keep a close eye on it to prevent it from browning too quickly.
- Add the 4 cloves of finely minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the garlic becomes fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can impart a bitter taste.
- Pour in the 60 milliliters (1/4 cup) of heavy cream and stir well to combine it with the garlic butter. Season the sauce generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference.
- Bring the creamy garlic butter sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until it slightly thickens. The goal is a luscious sauce that will cling beautifully to the lobster meat.
- Evenly spoon the rich creamy garlic butter sauce over the exposed lobster meat in each tail, ensuring every piece is coated generously.
- Carefully transfer the baking sheet with the lobster tails into the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the lobster meat turns opaque white and the shells become a vibrant bright red. Overcooking lobster can make it tough, so watch it closely.
- Once cooked to perfection, promptly remove the lobster tails from the oven to halt the cooking process.
- Garnish the hot lobster tails with the chopped fresh parsley before serving. The vibrant green parsley adds a burst of freshness and visual appeal.
- Thirteenth Step: Serve immediately and savor your freshly made Creamy Garlic Butter Lobster Tails, perhaps alongside a crisp salad or some crusty bread to soak up the extra sauce.
Tools You’ll Need
- Sharp kitchen shears or a chef's knife
- Baking sheet
- Small saucepan
- Whisk or spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
Essential Success Tips
- Do not overcook the lobster: Lobster cooks quickly, and overcooking can lead to tough, rubbery meat. Watch for the meat to turn opaque and the shell bright red; a meat thermometer should register around 60-63°C (140-145°F).
- Butterfly properly: Taking care when cutting and lifting the meat ensures even cooking and a beautiful presentation. Keep the tail attached at the base to maintain its shape.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and good quality butter make a significant difference in the flavor of the sauce. Fresh parsley brightens the final dish.
- Taste the sauce: Always taste and adjust the seasoning of your garlic butter cream sauce before spooning it over the lobster. Salt and pepper are crucial for enhancing the flavors.
- Preheat the oven fully: A properly preheated oven ensures the lobster cooks evenly and quickly, preventing it from drying out.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- To enhance the sweetness of the lobster, you can briefly blanch the tails in boiling salted water for 1 minute before butterflying and baking. This helps 'set' the meat and makes it easier to remove from the shell.
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a tiny splash of dry white wine (like Chardonnay) to the garlic butter cream sauce while it simmers.
- If you want to ensure the butter doesn't separate, whisk in a small amount of cold butter at the very end of making the sauce, off the heat, for an emulsified, extra-glossy finish.
Notes
- Storage: Leftover lobster is best consumed immediately but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Reheat gently to avoid toughness.
- Serving suggestion: This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of asparagus, roasted potatoes, or a light lemon risotto.
- Spice variation: For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen lobster tails for this recipe?
Yes, absolutely! Just make sure to properly thaw the frozen lobster tails in the refrigerator overnight before preparing them. If you're short on time, you can thaw them in a sealed bag under cold running water for about 30-60 minutes.
What kind of butter is best for this recipe?
Unsalted butter is generally preferred as it gives you control over the overall saltiness of the dish. If you only have salted butter, simply reduce the amount of added salt in the garlic butter sauce.
How do I know when the lobster tails are fully cooked?
The lobster meat will turn opaque white and firm when cooked, and the shells will become a vibrant bright red. For precise cooking, you can use an instant-read thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 60-63°C (140-145°F) in the thickest part of the tail.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: Approximately 450-500, Protein: 25-30g, Fat: 35-40g, Carbs: 5-8g (per serving, estimated based on ingredients).
Allergy Information
Contains shellfish (lobster) and dairy (butter, heavy cream). Individuals with these allergies should avoid this dish or seek appropriate substitutions.
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