Tender Broiled Lobster Tails in 20 Mins

Broiled lobster tails have this magical way of making any night feel like a special occasion, even if it’s just a Tuesday. I remember the first time I tried making them myself, a bit intimidated by the thought of fancy seafood. But this simple broiled lobster recipe turned out to be incredibly forgiving and so, so delicious! The aroma of garlic and butter filling my kitchen as they finished under the broiler was divine, and the meat was perfectly tender with just a hint of char. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Broiled Lobster Tails

I’ve discovered that this broiled lobster tails recipe is a true gem for so many reasons. It’s incredibly fast, making it perfect for weeknight dinners when you’re short on time but still want something special. The elegance of lobster without the fuss is a huge win. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple; even if you’re new to cooking seafood, you’ll find this method foolproof.

• Impressive yet easy: It looks gourmet without requiring advanced culinary skills.
• Speedy preparation: You can go from prep to plate in under 20 minutes.
• Deliciously simple: The rich garlic butter sauce enhances the natural sweetness of the lobster.
• Perfect for any occasion: Dress it up for a date night or enjoy it as a luxurious treat.
• Minimal cleanup: Using foil on the baking sheet makes tidying up a breeze.
• Guaranteed success: This is an easy broiled lobster tails method that always delivers.
• Quick and satisfying: Learn how to cook broiled lobster tails that are tender and flavorful every time.

Ingredients for Broiled Lobster Tails

Gathering these few key ingredients is all it takes for a truly memorable meal. For these delicious broiled lobster tails with butter, you’ll need:

• 4 lobster tails (5-6 oz each), thawed if frozen – make sure they’re fully thawed for even cooking
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted – this forms the luscious base of our sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – for that essential aromatic punch
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika (smoked optional) – adds a lovely color and subtle smoky depth
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice – brightens up the rich butter and lobster flavor
• 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (optional) – a classic seafood seasoning that adds a little zing to your broiled lobster tails seasoning
• Salt and white pepper, to taste – to enhance all the other flavors
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish – for a pop of color and freshness
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges, for serving – a must-have for a squeeze of citrus

How to Make Broiled Lobster Tails

Follow these simple steps to achieve perfectly cooked lobster every time. Learning how to broil lobster tails is easier than you think, and I’ve found this method to be the best way to broil lobster tails for a quick, elegant meal.

1. Step 1: Preheat your broiler to high. Position an oven rack about 5-6 inches away from the heat source. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil; this makes cleanup a breeze.
2. Step 2: Prepare the lobster tails. Using sharp kitchen scissors, carefully cut lengthwise through the top shell of each tail, starting at the thick end and going all the way to the tip. Gently pry open the shell with your fingers and lift the lobster meat through the cut so it rests on top of the shell, creating a butterfly effect. Leave the very end of the meat attached to the tail. Pat the exposed meat dry with a paper towel.
3. Step 3: Make the luscious butter mixture. In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, fresh lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning (if using), salt, and white pepper until everything is well combined.
4. Step 4: Brush the lobster tails. Place the butterflied lobster tails on the prepared baking sheet. Generously brush the prepared garlic butter mixture all over the exposed lobster meat.
5. Step 5: Broil the lobster. Carefully slide the baking sheet under the broiler. Broil for exactly 3 minutes. Then, cautiously pull out the sheet and baste the lobster tails with more of the delicious butter mixture. Return to the broiler for another 3-5 minutes. You’re looking for the meat to be opaque, white, firm, and have a lightly browned, beautiful crust on top. This is a key part of knowing how to broil lobster tails perfectly.
6. Step 6: Garnish and serve immediately. Once done, sprinkle the broiled lobster tails with fresh chopped parsley for color. Serve hot, with lemon wedges and any reserved butter sauce for dipping. Enjoy this fantastic seafood meal!

Pro Tips for the Best Broiled Lobster Tails

I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that truly elevate these broiled lobster tails from good to absolutely spectacular. Following these tips ensures a tender, flavorful result every time.

• Don’t overcook: Lobster cooks fast! Watch for the meat to turn opaque white and firm. It’s better to slightly undercook and return to the broiler for a minute than to end up with tough, rubbery meat.
• Thaw completely: Always ensure your lobster tails are fully thawed before you start. I’ve found that partially frozen tails cook unevenly, leading to a less-than-ideal texture.
• Stay close: Broilers are powerful and can char your beautiful lobster tails in seconds. Never walk away when broiling; keep a close eye on them.
• Save that butter sauce: That garlic butter mixture is liquid gold! Make extra if you like, and use it for dipping or drizzling over your finished dish.

What’s the secret to perfect Broiled Lobster Tails?

The real magic lies in the butterfly method, exposing more meat to the heat for even cooking, combined with precise broiling time. This best way to broil lobster tails ensures a tender interior and a delightful golden crust.

Can I make Broiled Lobster Tails ahead of time?

You can prepare the tails (butterfly and brush with butter) up to a few hours in advance and keep them chilled on the baking sheet. However, I strongly recommend broiling them just before serving for the absolute best texture and flavor.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Broiled Lobster Tails?

The biggest pitfall is overcooking, which makes the meat tough. Always watch them closely! Also, ensure tails are fully thawed for even cooking, and never leave them unattended under the broiler to prevent burning.

Best Ways to Serve Broiled Lobster Tails

Serving your perfectly broiled lobster tails is almost as much fun as making them! I love to present them right on the foil-lined baking sheet to keep them warm and catch any extra garlic butter. A generous sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a beautiful pop of green.

For a truly complete broiled lobster tails for dinner experience, I always serve them with plenty of that rich garlic butter sauce for dipping, alongside bright lemon wedges for a squeeze of citrus. Complementary sides like roasted asparagus, a simple lemon-garlic pasta, or a creamy risotto are fantastic choices that let the lobster shine.

Nutrition Facts for Broiled Lobster Tails

Enjoying these luxurious broiled lobster tails doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your health goals. These figures are based on a single serving, which is one lobster tail prepared with the garlic butter sauce. Remember, these are estimates and can vary slightly based on the exact size of the tails and the specific ingredients you use.

• Calories: 320 cal
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Protein: 23g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 450mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Broiled Lobster Tails

The great news is that leftover broiled lobster tails are still delicious! Once your lobster has cooled completely, store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 1-2 months. Make sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn.

When you’re ready to reheat, the goal is to warm them through without overcooking. My favorite method is to gently reheat them in a skillet with a splash of water or white wine over low heat for a few minutes, just until warmed. You can also reheat them in a preheated oven at a low temperature, around 300°F (150°C), for about 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the lobster rubbery. Enjoying these easy broiled lobster tails again is totally possible!

Frequently Asked Questions About Broiled Lobster Tails

What is the best way to broil lobster tails?

In my experience, the best way to broil lobster tails involves butterflying them so the meat is exposed, brushing generously with a garlic butter mixture, and broiling for a short, precise time. This method ensures the meat cooks evenly and develops a beautiful golden-brown crust.

How long to broil lobster tails at 400?

When broiling at a high heat, typically around 400°F or the broiler’s highest setting, the cooking time for lobster tails is quite short. I usually find that 6-8 minutes total is perfect, with a quick baste in between. It’s crucial to watch them closely to prevent overcooking. For more information on safe internal temperatures for seafood, you can check out foodsafety.gov.

How to tell when broiled lobster tails are done?

You’ll know your broiled lobster tails are done when the meat turns opaque white and feels firm to the touch. The internal temperature should reach about 140°F (60°C). The tops should also have a lovely light browning from the broiler. If there’s any translucency left, give them another minute or two.

Can I grill broiled lobster tails instead of broiling?

Absolutely! While this recipe is for broiling, grilled lobster tails are also fantastic. The process is similar: butterfly the tails, brush with the butter mixture, and grill over medium-high heat for about 4-6 minutes per side, depending on size, until the meat is opaque and cooked through.

Variations of Broiled Lobster Tails You Can Try

While this classic garlic butter recipe is amazing, don’t be afraid to experiment! I love tweaking these broiled lobster tails to suit different moods and dietary needs. Trying different preparation methods and flavor profiles can lead to delightful new discoveries.

• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap the unsalted butter for a good quality dairy-free butter alternative or even olive oil for a delicious dairy-free version of broiled lobster tails.
• Spicy Kick: Amp up the heat by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the butter mixture for spicy broiled lobster tails seasoning.
• Lemon-Herb Twist: Infuse extra freshness by adding finely chopped dill or chives to the butter mixture alongside the lemon juice.
• Oven-Broiled Lobster Tails: If your broiler is acting up, you can achieve similar results by baking these oven-broiled lobster tails at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until cooked through.

Tender Broiled Lobster Tails in 20 Mins

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• Author: basmer1517
• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Broiled lobster tails offer a quick, elegant, and surprisingly simple way to enjoy a luxurious meal at home. Tender lobster meat is bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce and finished under the broiler for a perfect golden-brown crust, making it an impressive yet foolproof dish for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 lobster tails (5–6 oz each), thawed if frozen
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika (smoked optional)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (optional)
• Salt and white pepper, to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges, for serving

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Instructions

1. Preheat your broiler to high. Position an oven rack 5-6 inches from the heat source. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
2. Prepare the lobster tails: Using kitchen scissors, cut lengthwise through the top shell of each tail, from the thick end to the tip. Gently pry open the shell with your fingers and lift the meat through the cut so it rests on top of the shell, like a butterfly. Leave the very end of the meat attached. Pat the exposed meat dry with a paper towel.
3. Make the butter mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, lemon juice, Old Bay (if using), salt, and white pepper. Whisk until well combined.
4. Brush the lobster: Place the butterflied lobster tails on the prepared baking sheet. Generously brush the butter mixture over the exposed lobster meat.
5. Broil the lobster: Slide the baking sheet under the broiler. Broil for 3 minutes. Carefully pull out the sheet and baste the lobster tails with more butter mixture. Return to the broiler for another 3-5 minutes, or until the meat is opaque, white, firm, and lightly browned on top.
6. Garnish and serve: Immediately sprinkle the broiled lobster tails with fresh parsley. Serve hot with lemon wedges and any reserved butter sauce for dipping.

Notes

• Avoid overcooking: Lobster meat turns opaque white and firm at 140°F (60°C).
• Fully thaw before cooking: Frozen spots cause uneven texture.
• Do not walk away while broiling: Broilers can quickly go from golden to burnt.
• Save every drop of butter sauce: It is perfect for dipping or drizzling over sides.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Seafood
• Method: Broiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 lobster tail
• Calories: 320 cal
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 23g

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