Pairs well with sides like mashed potatoes or asparagus
Naturally low-carb and high-protein
Easy to scale for a crowd or intimate dinner
Great for surf-and-turf meals
Simple enough for first-time lobster cooks
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Lobster tails (fresh or thawed frozen)
Butter (melted)
Garlic (minced)
Lemon juice
Paprika
Salt and pepper
Fresh parsley or chives (optional, for garnish)
Lemon wedges (for serving)
Directions
Preheat your oven’s broiler on high and position the oven rack about 6 inches from the heat.
Use kitchen shears to cut down the top shell of each lobster tail, stopping at the tail fin.
Gently lift the lobster meat through the shell to rest it on top, keeping it attached at the base.
Place the prepared lobster tails on a baking sheet lined with foil.
In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Brush the butter mixture generously over the exposed lobster meat.
Broil for 8–10 minutes, or until the meat is opaque and slightly golden on top.
Baste once more with the butter mixture halfway through cooking for extra flavor.
Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped parsley or chives.
Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
Servings and timing
Serves 2–4 depending on lobster tail size. Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 8–10 minutes Total time: 20 minutes
Variations
Spicy version: Add cayenne or crushed red pepper to the butter mix
Herb-infused: Mix in thyme, rosemary, or tarragon for a more aromatic flavor
Garlic Parmesan: Sprinkle grated parmesan on top before broiling
Cajun style: Use Cajun seasoning for a smoky, spicy flavor
Asian twist: Add soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil to the butter
Surf and turf: Serve alongside steak for a restaurant-style experience
Smoky paprika: Use smoked paprika for a deeper flavor
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover lobster tails in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the meat rubbery. Freezing cooked lobster tails is not recommended, as the texture may become tough.
FAQs
Can I use frozen lobster tails?
Yes, just make sure they are fully thawed before broiling for even cooking.
How do I know when the lobster is done?
The meat will turn opaque and white with a slight golden top, and the internal temperature should reach 140–145°F (60–63°C).
Should I remove the vein from the lobster?
Yes, if visible, use a knife to gently remove the dark vein from the meat.
Can I prepare them in advance?
You can prep the lobster tails (cut and arrange the meat) a few hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to broil.
What size lobster tails work best?
4 to 6-ounce tails are ideal for even cooking and serving size.
Can I broil them without garlic?
Yes, but garlic adds great flavor. You can also substitute with shallots or skip it altogether.
What should I serve with lobster tails?
Try garlic mashed potatoes, steamed asparagus, rice pilaf, or a fresh salad.
Do I need to flip the lobster tails while broiling?
No, broiling from the top is sufficient. Just rotate the baking sheet if needed for even cooking.
Can I use this method for grilling?
Yes, you can use the same butter mixture and grill the tails over medium-high heat for 5–6 minutes per side.
Is this recipe good for a beginner cook?
Absolutely. It’s simple, fast, and gives you restaurant-quality results with minimal skill required.
Conclusion
Easy Broiled Lobster Tails are a fast, elegant way to enjoy a luxurious seafood dish at home. With just a handful of ingredients and less than 30 minutes start to finish, this recipe delivers impressive flavor and texture without the hassle of traditional lobster prep. Whether for a special occasion or a weeknight treat, it’s sure to be a standout favorite.
Easy Broiled Lobster Tails are a luxurious yet simple seafood dish that comes together in under 30 minutes. Featuring tender, buttery lobster meat broiled to perfection with garlic, lemon, and paprika, this recipe is perfect for special occasions or elegant dinners at home.
Author:Catherine
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:10 minutes
Total Time:20 minutes
Yield:2–4 servings
Category:Main Dish
Method:Broiling
Cuisine:American
Ingredients
2–4 lobster tails (fresh or thawed frozen)
1/4 cup butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped parsley or chives (optional, for garnish)
Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
Preheat your oven’s broiler on high and position the oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source.
Use kitchen shears to cut down the top shell of each lobster tail, stopping at the tail fin.
Gently lift the lobster meat through the shell to rest on top, keeping it attached at the base.
Place lobster tails on a foil-lined baking sheet.
In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Brush the butter mixture generously over the exposed lobster meat.
Broil for 8–10 minutes, or until the meat is opaque and lightly golden. Baste with more butter mixture halfway through cooking.
Remove from oven and garnish with parsley or chives.
Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Notes
Ensure lobster tails are fully thawed before broiling for even cooking.Avoid overcooking—lobster is done when the meat is opaque and firm.Use smoked paprika or cayenne for a spicier or smokier flavor.You can prep the lobster ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to broil.Pair with steak for a surf-and-turf meal or serve with vegetables and starches.
