Use this lobster tail recipe to make broiled lobster tails, brushed with lemon garlic butter sauce for the ultimate seafood entree. Learn how to butterfly lobster tails so you have the perfect presentation for dinner parties and romantic dinners.
This recipe is adapted from my super popular Air Fryer Lobster Tail Recipe! For more delicious seafood recipes, try our Creamy Lobster Pasta or Maryland-style Crab Cake next!
Make a restaurant-quality meal at home with this recipe– it’s the best lobster tail recipe! These broiled lobster tails are slathered in a garlicky, buttery sauce and cooked at high heat until perfectly juicy and tender. After you make this once, your loved ones will request it all the time!
Reasons This Lobster Tail Recipe Works
- Quick & Easy to Make! Lobster is impressive enough for those big moments but simple enough to make on a casual weeknight. It takes just 20 minutes to prepare, and aside from the lobster itself, it’s made with simple ingredients that are pantry staples.
- Absolutely Delicious! Naturally sweet and juicy lobster tails are coated in a herby, butter sauce enhanced with citrus flavor and savory garlic for a mouthwatering main course.
- Great for Special Occasions! Broiled lobster tails with garlic butter are always a decadent treat. Whether it’s a dinner date or Valentine’s Day, it’s a delicious way to indulge and make someone feel special with a dinner for two.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Lobster Tails: They have a mildly sweet, delicate flavor that pairs well with butter. Use fresh or completely thawed lobster. Purchase lobster tails at the grocery store or seafood market. There should be no discoloration on the meat or fishy smell.
Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
- Unsalted Butter: This is the liquid base of your sauce. Use softened, unsalted butter so you can control the amount of sodium.
- Fresh Parsley: Herbs add a pop of freshness and parsley, in particular, adds a peppery, earthy taste.
- Lemon Juice: This tenderizes the lobster and adds a bright citrus taste.
- Smoked Paprika: This adds a smoky flavor to the lobster which makes it even more mouthwatering.
- Garlic Powder: Fresh garlic powder is best for this lobster tail recipe so that the garlic does not burn at high temps while cooking.
- Seasoning: Add sea salt and black pepper to taste.
How to Broil Lobster Tails
- Butterfly The Lobster Tails. Start by cutting the top hard shell of the lobster tail lengthwise through the center with kitchen shears. Do not cut all the way through the bottom of the shell. Spread the shells apart. Using your fingers, gently pull the meat from the inside of the shell and place it on top. Be sure to remove any veins and visible dirt.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture. In a small bowl, add softened butter, seasonings, lemon juice, and fresh parsley. Place half of the mixture into a small dish and set aside for later.
How To Broil Lobster Tails
- Preheat the oven and set to high broil (500°F).
- Season the lobster with salt and pepper to taste. Then, Coat BOTH SIDES of the lobster with the lemon garlic butter mixture. Then place the lobster on an oven-safe dish or baking sheet.
- Cook The Lobster. Broil lobster tails until lightly browned and lobster meat is opaque, about 6 to 10 minutes. The lobster will be white, golden, and tender when done. While the lobster is cooking, melt the reserved butter over medium-low heat to make a dipping sauce
- Serve. Serve the lobster with fresh lemon wedges and a side of the reserved warmed lemon garlic butter sauce.
How Long to Broil Lobster Tails
Broiling is a quick, efficient way to cook lobster tails. Exact cooking times vary based on the size of the lobster tail. It typically takes 6 – 10 minutes to broil lobster tails.
One minute per ounce is a good rule of thumb but you can also use a meat thermometer to check its doneness. Lobster is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F. If the lobster meat is visibly still gray and not white or pink, it’s not done.
Tips To Nail this Lobster Tail Recipe
- Broiled lobster cooks fast so keep an eye on it in order to avoid overcooking.
- It’s OK if you accidentally cut through the meat while butterflying the lobster. However, be careful to not cut all the way through the bottom of the shell.
- Save some prep time by butterflying the lobster a few hours ahead.
What to Serve With Broiled Lobster Tails
- Potatoes: Serve roasted or mashed potatoes as a hearty side dish. Try these easy Air Fryer Potatoes or these Dairy-Free Garlic Mashed Potatoes for something more indulgent.
- Veggies: Serve with roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts for a tasty, low-carb option.
- Wine: Pair your lobster tails with a crisp white wine such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
Storage
Make this lobster tail recipe just before you plan to serve it because it does not reheat so well. That being said, you can still enjoy leftovers. Store leftover broiled lobster tails in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the air fryer or oven until warm.
FAQs
What is the best method of cooking lobster tails?
There are many ways to cook lobster tails and the best method is what is easiest for you, in your kitchen. They are all relatively fast but broiling lobster tails is the quickest and yields tender lobster when done properly.
What are 4 ways to cook lobster tails?
You can broil, bake, poach, or grill lobster tails.
- Broiled: Cook at a high temperature and you can have lobster tails in as little as 6 minutes.
- Baked: Prepare lobster at a lower temperature and it takes a bit longer than broiled lobster tails.
- Grilled: This method is ideal for the summer when you’re hosting a barbeque or making surf and turf.
- Poached: Remove the shell and simmer raw lobster in butter for poached lobster.
How long does it take to broil a lobster tail?
It typically takes 6-10 minutes to broil a lobster tail, depending on its size. Any more than 10 minutes and you risk overcooking it.
Can I broil frozen lobster tails?
It’s important to thaw frozen lobster tails before broiling them in order to ensure even cooking. To thaw them out, let them defrost in the fridge overnight or submerge them in cold water for 30 minutes before cooking.
How high do you broil lobster tails?
Broil lobsters at a temperature of 500°F.
I Hope You Enjoy This Lobster Tail Recipe!
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More Seafood Recipes To Try!
- Gambas al Ajillo
- Creamy Salmon Pasta Recipe
- Easy Lemon Garlic Pasta
- Honey Garlic Salmon Bites
- Pesto-crusted Broiled Sea Bass Recipe
- Best Mahi Mahi Tacos
Lobster Tail Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 4-6oz Lobster Tails
Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
- 3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter softened
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon Sea Salt plus more as to taste
Instructions
- Butterfly The Lobster Tails. Start by cutting the top hard shell of the lobster tail lengthwise through the center with kitchen shears. Do not cut all the way through the bottom of the shell. Spread the shells apart. Using your fingers, gently pull the meat from the inside of the shell and place it on top. Be sure to remove any veins and visible dirt.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture. In a small saucepan, add softened butter, garlic, seasonings, lemon juice, and fresh parsley. Place half of the mixture into a small dish and set aside for later.
- Preheat the oven and set to high broil (500°F)
- Season the lobster with salt and pepper to taste. Then, Coat BOTH SIDES of the lobster with the lemon garlic butter mixture. Then place the lobster on an oven safe dish or baking sheet.
- Cook The Lobster. Broil lobster tails until lightly browned and lobster meat is opaque, about 6 to 10 minutes.The lobster will be white, golden, and tender when done. While the lobster is cooking, melt the reserved butter over medium low heat to make a dipping sauce
- Serve. Serve the lobster with fresh lemon wedges and a side of the reserved lemon garlic butter sauce.
