Grilled Lobster Tails with Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce

Grilled Lobster Tails with Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce is an elegant yet approachable seafood dish perfect for special occasions or indulgent dinners at home. With sweet, succulent lobster grilled to smoky perfection and paired with a rich, velvety garlic butter sauce, this recipe delivers gourmet flavor with minimal fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is the ultimate indulgence—perfectly grilled lobster paired with a creamy, garlicky sauce enhanced by a splash of lemon and a hint of heat. It’s surprisingly simple to prepare and makes a stunning presentation on the plate. Whether you’re celebrating or simply treating yourself, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with ease.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Lobster Tails:

Lobster tails (4–6 oz each)
Olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce:

Unsalted butter
Garlic cloves, minced
Heavy cream
Fresh lemon juice
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and white pepper

Directions

1. Prepare the Lobster Tails

Using kitchen shears, cut down the center of the hard top shell of each lobster tail, stopping just before the tail fin.
Carefully open the shell and loosen the meat from the shell, keeping it attached at the base.
Lift the meat up and over the shell so it rests on top. Optionally, make a shallow cut down the center of the meat to butterfly it slightly.
Brush the meat with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper.

2. Make the Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
Stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt and white pepper.
Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Keep warm.

3. Grill the Lobster Tails

Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Place the lobster tails meat-side down on the grill and cook for 4–5 minutes. Flip and cook shell-side down for another 4–6 minutes, or until the meat is opaque and lightly charred. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on size.
Remove from the grill and let rest for 1–2 minutes.

4. Serve

Spoon the creamy garlic butter sauce over the grilled lobster tails.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 2.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 8–12 minutes
Total time: 25–30 minutes

Variations

Add a touch of white wine or champagne to the sauce for a more refined flavor.
Serve over pasta or risotto for a complete meal.
Substitute the red pepper flakes with cayenne or smoked paprika for a different kind of heat.
Add a tablespoon of grated Parmesan to the sauce for extra richness.

Storage/Reheating

Lobster is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat gently in a covered skillet with a bit of water or butter to avoid drying out the meat.
The garlic butter sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and gently reheated before serving.
This dish is not recommended for freezing, as the texture of the lobster and cream sauce can degrade upon thawing.

FAQs

Can I use frozen lobster tails?

Yes, just ensure they are fully thawed in the refrigerator and patted dry before grilling.

How do I know when the lobster is done?

The meat will turn opaque and firm, with an internal temperature of 140°F–145°F (60°C–63°C).

Do I need a grill for this recipe?

No, a grill pan or even a broiler can be used as an alternative.

Can I substitute half-and-half for heavy cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be slightly thinner and less rich.

What’s the best side dish for grilled lobster tails?

Garlic mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a light salad all complement this dish well.

Can I double the sauce?

Absolutely—it’s perfect for drizzling over side dishes as well.

How do I butterfly lobster tails?

After cutting the top shell, gently slice the meat lengthwise without cutting all the way through, allowing it to open slightly like a book.

Is this dish spicy?

Only slightly—red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted to taste.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, prepare it up to a day in advance and reheat gently before serving.

What kind of butter should I use?

Unsalted butter is recommended so you can control the seasoning precisely.

Conclusion

Grilled Lobster Tails with Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce is a luxurious yet simple recipe that turns any meal into a celebration. With its smoky grilled flavor, rich buttery sauce, and elegant presentation, this dish is perfect for romantic dinners, special occasions, or whenever you want to impress. Enjoy it fresh off the grill for the best experience.

[tasty-recipe id=”18460″]