Go Back

Broiled Lobster Tails in Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce

A simple yet elegant dish featuring lobster tails broiled to perfection and served with a creamy garlic butter sauce. Perfect for special occasions or a cozy weeknight dinner.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Seafood
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Lobster Tails
  • 4 pieces lobster tails (6–8 oz each), thawed if frozen
For the Sauce
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter (divided: 4 tbsp for sauce, 2 tbsp for basting)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small shallot, finely minced (optional) Adds depth
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp dry white wine or seafood stock (optional) Use for flavor enhancement
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice Plus lemon wedges to serve
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
  • Pinch cayenne pepper (optional) For a spicy kick
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or chives, for garnish
  • Olive oil spray or a little olive oil for the baking sheet
Optional Finishing
  • extra melted butter for dipping For additional richness

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the broiler and position oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source.
  2. Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly oil or spray it.
  3. Using kitchen shears, cut down the top center of each lobster shell lengthwise, stopping before the tail fan.
  4. Gently loosen the meat from the shell and lift it up, resting the meat on top of the shell.
  5. Pat dry the lobster meat with paper towels.
  6. Season lobster meat lightly with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of paprika.
  7. Brush with about 1 tbsp melted butter or olive oil.
Making the Sauce
  1. Melt 4 tbsp butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add the minced garlic and shallot and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the white wine (or stock) and simmer for 1–2 minutes to reduce slightly.
  4. Stir in the heavy cream and lemon juice, simmering gently for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  5. Season with smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley.
Broiling and Serving
  1. Spoon about 1–2 tbsp of the sauce over each lobster tail meat, reserving the rest for serving.
  2. Broil the lobster tails for 5–8 minutes, checking at 5 minutes for golden color.
  3. Remove from oven, baste with reserved warm sauce, and let rest for 1–2 minutes.
  4. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and extra sauce on the side.

Notes

Watch the lobster closely while broiling to avoid overcooking. Store leftovers separately in airtight containers for up to 48 hours.