Broiled Lobster Creamy Garlic Butter

Broiled lobster tails in creamy garlic butter are the kind of showstopper you crave when you want dinner to feel extra special. This recipe brings together the tender sweetness of lobster with a rich, velvety sauce you will want to spoon over everything. Whether you are celebrating a milestone or just treating yourself, this dish guarantees satisfaction without the fuss of restaurant dining.

My family is pretty obsessed with this one. I served it last New Year’s Eve and there was not a single bite left. My kids now think lobster is a holiday must.

Ingredients

• Lobster tails: fresh or thawed from frozen offer sweet meat and stunning presentation look for shells that are shiny and moist
• Unsalted butter: adds creamy richness use European-style butter for deeper flavor
• Garlic cloves: finely minced for that unmistakable aroma and gentle heat choose plump, firm cloves
• Heavy cream: brings extra silkiness go for full fat for best results
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice: gives brightness and balance pick a lemon that feels heavy for its size
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper: bring out the lobster’s sweetness use sea salt if you have it
• Chopped fresh parsley: gives a fresh finish flat leaf is my preference
• Shredded Parmesan or Gruyère cheese: makes the top bubbly and nutty optional but a real treat

Instructions

Prepare the Lobster Tails:

With sturdy kitchen shears, cut along the top shell of each thawed lobster tail straight down the middle. Gently pry the shell open just enough to lift the raw meat over the shell, keeping it attached at the base. This step is key for impressive presentation and even cooking.

Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it begins to foam a bit. Add the minced garlic and stir constantly for about one minute until just fragrant. Watch closely so the garlic does not brown. Pour in the heavy cream and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Season with a pinch of salt and several twists of black pepper. Let the sauce bubble gently while whisking until it thickens slightly, about two to three minutes.

Assemble the Dish:

Arrange the prepared lobster tails into a baking dish big enough to hold them in a single layer. Spoon the creamy garlic butter sauce generously over each tail. If you like, sprinkle the shredded Parmesan or Gruyère across the tops for a gratin-like finish.

Broil the Lobster Tails:

Place the baking dish under a preheated broiler set to high. Broil for seven to ten minutes. You will see the lobster turn opaque and the surface turn lightly golden browned. Keep a close eye to avoid overcooking—the lobster should stay juicy.

Garnish and Serve:

Once out of the broiler, scatter the chopped fresh parsley and add a final twist of black pepper for a pop of color and freshness. Serve these beauties immediately with crusty bread or roasted vegetables to have something perfect for dipping in the extra sauce.

There is something truly special about using Gruyère for the topping. The way it bubbles and browns under the broiler always reminds me of Christmas at my grandmother’s table when every bite felt like a festive treat. She loved finishing dishes with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and I continue the tradition every time I serve this lobster.

Storage Tips

Allow leftovers to cool fully before storing. Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. To reheat, add a splash of cream and gently warm in the oven or on the stovetop just until heated through. The sauce may thicken as it sits so thin it out with more cream if needed.

Ingredient Substitutions

No lobster tails available Try the method with large prawns or even sea scallops for a similar experience. For the sauce you can swap heavy cream for half and half or even crème fraîche for a touch of tang. If you prefer a lighter version leave out the cheese topping.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this as a main with roasted asparagus and potatoes to play up the decadence. For a lighter meal spoon the lobster over crisp greens or tuck it into a toasted buttered roll for a luxurious lobster sandwich. If you are feeling playful add a splash of hot sauce at the table.

Cultural and Historical Context

Broiling lobster in butter is a classic of American steakhouse and New England coastal tradition. The practice of splitting the tail and broiling is rooted in making crustacean dishes approachable for home cooks. Creamy sauces with garlic date back to French and Mediterranean coastal cooking where butter and fresh seafood are a beloved pairing.

Seasonal Adaptations

Spring is perfect for pairing this dish with local greens or peas Summer tomatoes and grilled corn round out the flavors For fall and winter add root vegetables and earthy roasted mushrooms

Success Stories

Several readers have shared that the sauce proves to be the show-stealer—one said she used the leftovers for dipping bread at brunch the next day and swore it elevated everything. My neighbor now requests this every time we have friends over proving that once you serve this creamy lobster it becomes a tradition.

Freezer Meal Conversion

Prepare the sauce and lobster through step three and freeze separately. Defrost overnight in the fridge then assemble and broil just before serving for an almost effortless elegant meal.

The garlic butter sauce here is my favorite kitchen shortcut for seafood in a pinch. I even use it as a finishing drizzle for roasted shrimp or poured over baked fish on busy nights.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I prepare lobster tails for broiling?

Use kitchen shears to cut through the top shell. Carefully lift the meat over the shell, leaving it attached at the base for best presentation.

→ Which cheese works best for topping?

Both shredded Parmesan and Gruyère complement the flavors; choose based on preference or availability.

→ How do I know when the lobster is fully cooked?

The meat turns opaque and slightly firm. Broil until golden, typically around 7–10 minutes depending on size.

→ Can the garlic butter sauce be made ahead?

Yes, prepare the sauce in advance and gently reheat before spooning over the lobster tails for broiling.

→ What sides pair well with broiled lobster tails?

Serve with warm artisan bread or roasted vegetables to soak up the garlicky butter sauce.