There are few dishes that make dinner feel instantly special like broiled lobster tail. It looks elegant on the plate, cooks quickly, and the flavor is pure luxury without needing a complicated recipe. Whenever I make this, I’m reminded of cozy celebrations at home — a quiet dinner with music playing, a glass of something nice, and that buttery aroma filling the kitchen.
This method is simple: butterfly the lobster tails, brush them with garlic butter, broil until tender, and finish with fresh lemon juice. It’s the kind of recipe that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to pull off.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
Broiling lobster keeps the meat juicy and tender while giving it a light golden finish. Unlike boiling, which can leach out the flavor, broiling locks in all the natural sweetness. The garlic butter adds richness, and that final squeeze of lemon wakes everything up.
The first time I made this at home, I was surprised by how fast it came together. From thawing to plating, it takes less time than many weeknight dinners. It’s perfect for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, anniversaries, or any night you want to make feel just a little more special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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Lobster Tails – Look for firm, evenly colored tails with no fishy smell.
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Butter – Softened or melted; it keeps the lobster moist.
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Garlic – Minced fresh for the best flavor.
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Parsley – Adds a little brightness.
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Red Pepper Flakes – Optional, for a subtle kick.
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Lemon – Freshly squeezed over the top just before serving.
How to Thaw Lobster Tails
Overnight in the Fridge
I usually place the frozen lobster tails on a plate lined with paper towels and cover them. By morning, they’re perfectly thawed and ready to go.
Faster Cold Water Method
If I’m short on time, I put the lobster tails in a sealed bag and submerge them in cold water, refreshing the water every 15–20 minutes until fully thawed. It’s quick and safe, and the meat stays firm.
How to Butterfly the Lobster Tails
This step makes the lobster look beautiful and helps it cook evenly:
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Using kitchen shears, cut down the top of the shell toward the tail fin.
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Gently spread the shell apart and loosen the meat with your fingers or a spoon.
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Lift the lobster meat out and lay it on top of the shell, keeping it attached at the base.
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Brush it with garlic butter so it’s well coated before broiling.
It’s a small step that makes the final presentation feel restaurant-quality.
How I Cook the Lobster Tails
Broiling (My Favorite)
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Preheat the oven to broil at 500°F.
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Place the rack about 5 inches from the heat source.
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Broil the lobster tails for 7–10 minutes, depending on their size.
You’ll know they’re done when the meat turns opaque and firm, and the edges get a light golden color.
Baking (Another Option)
If you prefer a gentler cook, bake at 450°F for 12–15 minutes.
Steaming (For a Softer Texture)
Place the tails in a steamer basket over boiling water. Steam for 6–12 minutes, depending on size.
I personally prefer broiling because it gives the lobster a richer flavor from the butter and just the right amount of caramelization on top.
Serving Suggestions
When the lobster tails come out of the oven, I drizzle them with more melted garlic butter and a squeeze of lemon juice. That fresh citrus balances the richness beautifully.
Here are some of my favorite ways to serve them:
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With roasted potatoes or buttery mashed potatoes.
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Over a bed of seasoned rice or risotto.
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With a side of roasted asparagus or a simple green salad.
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Alongside a crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon.
It’s a simple pairing, but it feels elegant every time.
Make Ahead Tips
I like to butterfly and season the lobster tails earlier in the day if I’m hosting dinner. That way, all I need to do at mealtime is broil them. The garlic butter can be made in advance too and stored in the fridge — just rewarm gently before brushing it on.
Storage
Lobster tails are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat gently — either steamed or covered in foil in the oven on low heat. Be careful not to overheat, or the meat will turn rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use frozen lobster tails?
Yes. Just make sure to thaw them fully before cooking for the best texture.
How do I know the lobster is done?
The meat should be opaque and firm to the touch. Overcooking can make it tough, so keep a close eye during broiling.
Can I prepare the garlic butter ahead of time?
Absolutely. Make it earlier in the day and keep it in the fridge. Rewarm gently before brushing it on.
Do I need to flip the lobster tails while cooking?
No. Broiling from the top cooks them evenly and gives the best texture.
Garlic-Butter Broiled Lobster Tails
There’s something incredibly elegant about serving lobster tails — and the best part is, they’re surprisingly simple to make.
Ingredients
- 2 lobster tails
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
- ⅓ teaspoon dried red pepper flakes
- ⅛ teaspoon sea salt (if using unsalted butter)
- ⅙ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to broil (500°F / 260°C) and adjust the rack so it’s about 5 inches below the top heating element.
- Using kitchen shears, cut down the center of each lobster tail shell, stopping just before the tail fin.
- Gently pull the meat out and rest it on top of the shell, keeping it attached at the base. A spoon can help loosen the meat if needed.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, garlic, parsley, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Generously brush the lobster meat with the garlic butter, making sure it’s well coated to lock in moisture.
- Broil the lobster tails for 7–10 minutes, depending on their size, until the meat is opaque, white, and firm to the touch. The internal temperature should reach 140–145°F (60–63°C).
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges and extra garlic butter on the side for dipping.
Notes
- If your lobster tails are frozen, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or in a sealed bag under cold running water.
- Brushing on extra butter halfway through broiling enhances both flavor and tenderness.
- For a little added flair, sprinkle extra parsley over the cooked lobster tails just before serving.
Nutrition Information
Yield
2Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 289Total Fat 19gSaturated Fat 11gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 6gCholesterol 122mgSodium 459mgCarbohydrates 7gFiber 1gSugar 1gProtein 23g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thought
Broiled lobster tails with garlic butter prove that you don’t need a complicated recipe to make a meal feel special. A few simple steps, a little patience, and quality ingredients are all it takes.
I’ve made this for birthdays, quiet date nights at home, and even just because I felt like treating myself. Every time, it brings that same sense of occasion. If you’ve never made lobster at home, this is a great place to start — simple, flavorful, and worth every bite.
