Broiled Lobster Creamy Garlic Butter

Broiled lobster tails in creamy garlic butter sauce transform any dinner into a special occasion It is restaurant style decadence you can create right at home with just a handful of ingredients The lobster comes out tender and perfectly juicy while the buttery sauce soaks into every bite This is one of those dishes that always brings the wow factor but is surprisingly easy to pull off

The first time I made this for a date night at home it became our go to for anniversaries and birthdays It never fails to impress and is hands down my family’s most requested seafood dish

Ingredients

• Lobster tails: the star I like cold water lobster for sweeter flavor and firmer texture Look for ones with bright shells and no discoloration for best quality
• Unsalted butter: creates the rich base for your sauce Choose high quality butter for more depth
• Garlic: fresh cloves add punch do not substitute with powder for this one mince it fresh for best aroma
• Heavy cream: gives the sauce its trademark silkiness use full fat cream for best thickness
• Lemon juice: balances richness and adds brightness fresh squeezed makes all the difference
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper: essential for seasoning always taste as you go
• Chopped parsley: adds color and freshness flat leaf parsley is my pick
• Shredded parmesan or gruyère: completely optional but it boosts the sauce’s creaminess choose freshly grated for meltability

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Lobster Tails:

Using sharp kitchen shears cut along the top of each lobster tail’s shell from the wide end to just before the tail fin Gently lift the meat and pull it above the shell leaving it attached at the base Fan and lay the meat beautifully on top of the shell This makes for that steakhouse wow factor and even cooking

Make the Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce:

In a small saucepan melt your butter over medium heat When foamy add the minced garlic and let it sizzle about a minute until fragrant Do not let it brown Pour in the heavy cream and lemon juice Season with a pinch of salt and plenty of freshly cracked pepper Simmer three to five minutes stirring often until it slightly thickens The sauce should coat the back of a spoon

Assemble for Broiling:

Place the prepared lobster tails in a broiler safe baking dish Spoon your warm sauce generously over the lobster meat Top with a handful of shredded cheese if you want it extra rich

Broil to Perfection:

Slide the pan under your oven’s broiler on high Broil for seven to ten minutes depending on lobster size Baste halfway with more sauce if you like cooking until the meat is just opaque and beginning to brown lightly on top Watch closely so it does not overcook

Finish and Serve:

Sprinkle with lots of fresh parsley and a little more black pepper Serve immediately while hot If you have extra sauce from the pan spoon it over as you eat

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My favorite part is swirling extra sauce into mashed potatoes on the side The smell of garlic butter always brings my family running to the kitchen One year my kids insisted we skip turkey and have these instead for Thanksgiving and it instantly became a new tradition

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftover lobster and sauce completely Transfer to an airtight container Keep in the refrigerator for up to two days For best results reheat gently in the oven or in a covered skillet over low heat High heat can toughen lobster Just spoon a bit more melted butter over when warming to keep everything moist

Ingredient Swaps and Substitutions

No heavy cream on hand Try half and half but note the sauce will be thinner No gruyère Use parmesan or skip the cheese for a more delicate sauce You can use other shellfish like shrimp with this same method though reduce broil time slightly Fresh herbs like chives or tarragon can add another layer of flavor

Perfect Pairings

Serve these broiled lobster tails with crusty warm bread for soaking up the sauce A lemony arugula salad or roasted asparagus provide a nice contrast For special nights I love pairing this dish with a crisp white wine like chardonnay or a light sparkling wine

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The Story Behind the Dish

Broiled lobster tails are a classic in American steakhouse and holiday menus The broiling technique delivers that signature slightly charred aroma while keeping the meat luxurious The garlic butter topping likely takes its cue from French seafood recipes but broiling is all about convenience and speed Home cooks everywhere started making this dish for quick celebration meals because nothing feels more festive

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do you prepare lobster tails for broiling?

Use kitchen shears to cut through the top shell, exposing the meat. Gently lift the meat above the shell while keeping it attached at the base for even cooking and an attractive presentation.

→ What makes the garlic butter sauce creamy?

The sauce combines melted butter, minced garlic, and heavy cream, which simmers together for a luscious, velvety texture that pairs perfectly with lobster.

→ Can I use a different cheese besides parmesan or gruyère?

Yes, other melting cheeses like fontina or mozzarella can be used, but parmesan and gruyère offer a distinct richness and subtle tang.

→ How do you know when lobster tails are done broiling?

Watch for the meat to turn opaque and slightly golden around the edges. Avoid overcooking, as lobster can become tough if broiled too long.

→ What are good accompaniments for broiled lobster tails?

Serve with warm crusty bread, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad to complement the rich flavors of the lobster dish.