Perfectly Broiled Lobster Tails that can be made in less than 10 minutes! These are so delicious, plus you’ll save a ton of money by making these at home! This will seriously be The BEST Broiled Lobster Tail recipe you will ever make!
Our New Year’s Eve tradition typically involves cooking some sort of seafood, drinking lots of wine, and playing games with the family while bringing in the new year.
This year we’re making Broiled Lobster Tails, which is one of my ultimate favs.
Lobster used to be kind of intimidating for me to cook. I was so afraid of under or over cooking it. I started practicing with these quite a few years ago by buying them when they’re on sale, and over the years I think I’ve perfected it!
They are actually pretty simple to make, and can be an affordable gourmet meal when made at home. They are perfect for date nights at home, or special holiday get togethers.
The holiday season is a great time to buy Lobster Tails because they are usually on sale. Right now they are priced at $5 for a 6oz Lobster Tail at my local grocery store. (This post was originally published in 2016 and has since been updated in 2022).
Ingredients
- Lobster Tails – You can use either warm or cold water lobster, but if you have a choice, choose the latter. It has a whiter, firmer meat and tastes so much better. Trust me, I’m a Floridian who has had my share of warm lobster from Florida, but nothing beats the cold water lobster I’ve gotten in Maine! You can buy them frozen or fresh, just make sure you thaw the frozen ones in the fridge overnight prior to broiling.
- Melted Butter – I highly recommend using Salted Grass Fed Butter, Kerrygold is one of my favs. The flavor from Grass Fed Butter is just so much more flavorful!
- Minced Garlic – Fresh minced garlic is the best, but if you don’t have any on hand you can substitute garlic powder for this recipe. Start with just a dash in your melted butter and add more to your liking.
- Fresh Lemon Juice – Lemon juice naturally pairs well with lobster, it also helps make the flesh more tender.
How to Butterfly a Lobster Tail
To prepare these beauties, thaw and rinse Lobster Tails.
With a Heavy Duty Kitchen Shears cut the round top side of the Lobster Tails lengthwise.
Begin the cut with the bottom blade right under the shell, it’s ok if you cut into the meat a bit.
Proceed the cut down the center all the way to the base of the tale.
Grab each side of the shell and gently pry away the shell away from the meat.
Carefully push out the meat of the Lobster Tail through the slit and place the meat on top of the shell with the end still attached to the shell.
How to Cook Lobster Tail in the Oven
In a small bowl mix the melted butter and garlic.
Place the Lobster Tails on a broiling pan or a foil lined baking sheet with a wire rack as pictured below.
Brush the meat of the Lobster with the melted butter and garlic mixture.
How long to broil Lobster Tails
Broil on high, placing the oven rack so that when the lobster tails are on it, they are about 4 to 5 inches away from the broiler. Broil for 6 minutes until meat is firm and opaque.
Cooking times vary depending on the size of your lobster tail, make sure you keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn! Cook time is roughly 1 minute per ounce. So a 6 ounce lobster tail takes about 6 minutes.
I recommend keeping a digital thermometer on hand. They are done when the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees.
Do NOT over cook lobster, it will be tough, chewy and will not taste as good.
Why is my Lobster mushy?
Mushy lobster is most likely under cooked. However if you have cooked it according to the instructions in this recipe, then it may be because you purchased a bad lobster. You can learn more about that here: Diagnosing cheap lobster.
Can you Reheat Lobster?
If by some chance you have leftover lobster, you can reheat it, although it will not taste the same as when it’s fresh out of the oven. Place each lobster tail on aluminum foil and top with a few tablespoons of butter. Wrap foil tightly around each tail and bake them in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-8 minutes or until warm.
You could also cut up the lobster into bite size pieces and add them to risotto, Mac n cheese, or a yummy pasta dish!
Can you Freeze Lobster Tails?
Freezing cooked lobster is not recommended because the texture will change. You can freeze lobster tails by using the method below.
Add 2 quarts of water to a pot along with 1/2 cup non-iodized salt and bring to a boil. Add lobster tails for 60 seconds, then place them in an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
Once they are completely cooled, pat dry and freeze them in freezer bags. They can be frozen 9-12 months.
What to Serve with Lobster Recipes
- Garnishes – I like to serve it with a little dish of melted butter and garlic for dipping the meat into. I also like to squeeze a bit of fresh Lemon over the Lobster as well before eating, it really brings out an amazing flavor!
- Vegetables – Try my Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Squash, Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Gorgonzola, Roasted Asparagus or Roasted Rosemary Red Potatoes.
- Rice – Serve with your favorite rice, or if you really want to make it fancy, pair it with a good Risotto!
- Surf and Turf – There’s nothing like lobster paired with a good steak. It goes great with Ribeye as well as New York Strip Steaks!
How to Cook Frozen Lobster Tails
Depending on where you live, it may be difficult to find fresh lobster tails. Buying frozen ones works just as well! You do however need to thaw them first before cooking.
How to Thaw Frozen Lobster Tails
If your lobster tails are frozen, you have a few options for thawing them.
- Fridge: Thaw the lobster tails in the refrigerator overnight. Check them about an hour before cooking to make sure they are thawed out all the way.
- Cold Water: Place lobster tails in a ziplock bag and seal. Place it in a bowl filled with cold water so they are completely submerged for 30-60 minutes. Change the water and check them every 10 minutes.
Like this recipe? Check out my Easy Grilled Lobster Tails recipe! If you try this let me know what you think by leaving a comment below!
And don’t forget to take a picture and Hashtag it #Tastefulventure on Instagram so I can see!
Cheers my friends!
More Seafood Recipes
- Instant Pot Shrimp Boil
- Brown Butter Scallops with Parmesan Risotto
- Creamy Tuscan Salmon
- Blackened Tuna Steaks
- Air Fryer Keto Crab Cakes
- Blackened Shrimp Cobb Salad
- Greek Sheet Pan Salmon Dinner
- Easy Shrimp Risotto
- Low Carb Tuna Cakes
- Easy Brown Butter Scallops
The Best Broiled Lobster Tail
Perfectly Broiled Lobster Tails that can be made in less than 10 minutes! These are so delicious, plus you’ll save a ton of money by making these at home! This will seriously be The BEST Broiled Lobster Tail recipe you will ever make!
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 6 mins
- Total Time: 16 mins
- Yield: 2 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Broiled
- Cuisine: Seafood
Ingredients
- 2 6oz Lobster Tails
- 2 Tbs Melted Butter
- 1 Tbs Minced Garlic
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Thaw and rinse Lobster Tails
- With a kitchen scissors cut the round top side of the Lobster Tails lengthwise.
- Begin the cut with the bottom blade right under the shell, it’s ok if you cut into the meat a bit.
- Proceed the cut down the center all the way to the base of the tale.
- Grab each side of the shell and gently pry away the shell away from the meat.
- Carefully push out the meat of the Lobster Tail through the slit and place the meat on top of the shell with the end still attached to the shell.
- In a small bowl mix the melted butter and garlic.
- Brush the butter over the Lobster meat.
- Place Lobster Tails on broiling pan.
- Broil on high, placing the oven rack so that when the lobster tails are on it, they are about 4 to 5 inches away from the broiler. Broil for 6 minutes until meat is firm and opaque.
- Cooking times vary depending on the size of your Lobster Tail, make sure you keep an eye on the lobster tail so it doesn’t burn! See notes below.
- Serve with drawn butter and lemon wedges for the juice.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Cooking time for lobster is roughly 1 minute per ounce. So a 6 oz lobster takes about 6 minutes to broil. Cook until internal temp is 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Disclaimer: there are Amazon affiliate links in this post
I really liked this recipe. It was super easy to do and my kids loved to help!
Thanks Gerri! They are fun to make, I’m glad your kids loved it too!
It does not say what to do with the lime juice.
The “lemon” wedges are for squeezing on top of the lobster tails after broiling.
Need broiled lobster TAIL RECIPE PLS. REPLY
Hi Carolann, The full printable recipe is right above the ‘comments’ section. Just scroll up a bit:)
Thank for info sounds delicious…Im going to try this recipe this weekend..
Awesome, hope you love this as much as we do!
Hi saw this recipe and going to try it tonight on new yrs eve. Thanks for sharing nancu
Awesome, let me know how you like it!
Lobster tails turned out great eeryone enjoyed them.thanks a mil..nancy
Awesome Nancy, that totally made my day!
I tried broiled lobster tail tonight. Would not recommend, the shells got all burnt and made my house smell terrible!!!
Just made. Quick and delicious. But not picture perfect. Thanks for sharing!
You were certainly right on with your recipe. I tried it tonight and it was perfect. Thanks so much for your recipe. It was the best lobster I have ever cooked.
Awesome, so glad you liked it! 😀
Not a three star but a five star.Sorry
This sounds like a super way to cook the tails I’ve just purchased. Hope it is as good as the it sounds. Thank you.
Try adding a few drops of saffron (ground a tiny amount and dilute with hot water) to the butter garlic baste….
That sounds good, I’ll have to try that! 🙂
Very good. Thanks for sharing!0
So glad you liked it Renee!
Delicious and very simple and clear instructions. I especially found the photos helpful when cutting the shells. I will most definitely make these again. Thank you so much.
Thanks for the feedback Ellie! Glad you liked it:)
OMG!! Absolutely delicious.. This was my first time making lobster tails and the recipe was perfect.. Thank you so much.
So happy to hear this! 🙂
I like to sprinkle mine with Paul Prudhomme’s Seafood seasoning.
I’ll have to give that a try Pam!
I did try Thurs and my mother’s birthday dinner was a hit. Thesecond year for surf andturf but the first time adding lobster tasktailrailedtails. Thank you very mugmuch.
I’m so happy to hear this Connie! 🙂
I don’t have shears. Should I wait to get them before I try coming the lobster?
Hey Michelle, you could also carefully use a really sharp knife, but shears work best.
I made this tonite for Valentine’s Day. My husband loved it as well as myself. There was a day when my husband didn’t understand the all the hub about lobster and how great it is. He said the only better tasting lobster he had was in Italy. Go figure. All their food is great.
Lynda
Haha, well it’s hard to beat Italian food:) So glad you enjoyed this recipe!
I like your recipes alot Sara. Good day
Thanks Lynda, you totally just made my day! 🙂
My wife and I tried this recipe for our Valentine’s Day dinner last night, and the tails were FANTASTIC! We were a little worried whether they would be totally cooked because they were 14 oz. each. But your timing suggestions were accurate, and we had no reason to be concerned. This was our first attempt at broiling lobster, and thanks to you it was a very enjoyable experience!
That’s so great to hear Dan!
I love to get ideas from recipe’s that bloggers have shared and this one was awesome! I made it for my family for Valentine’s day dinner, along with lobster ravioli with shrimp lemon butter sauce. Yum! I didn’t pull the meat out like you said to because I didn’t see that part at first lol, but I did pull the shells apart and removed the “vein”. I only sprinkled salt, garlic powder and paprika on the meat before broiling but I made a delicious garlic thyme lemon butter that I spooned over the finished product. (1 stick butter melted, add a few tsp minced garlic, simmer a few moments, add thyme and juice of 1 lemon, bring back to simmer and cool). It was the best lobster I’ve ever had. And it’s a testament to the deliciousness when my 3 year old eats the whole thing, which she did. She didn’t need any help getting the meat out lol Thank you for these instructions and allowing me to make it my own. You helped make our dinner!
Thank you so much Sofia, that just made my day! So glad you and your family enjoyed this recipe! 🙂
I absolutely loved this recipe, I made it tonight for seafood night at home. I added parsley flakes and slap yo mama Cajun seasoning to the mix with the crushed garlic and brushed on… OMG it was amazing!!!
Thanks Kadian! That seasoning sounds delicious!
I am making 24oz lobster tails today for good Friday 2018. What I like to do when I have bigger then your normal lobster tails is, boil them first till the shell turns reddish, then I pull them out of water let them drain and when they are cool I cut them how you cut them. I pull the meat out of the shell how you did then put them on a baking sheet, pour butter over top of them then I put them in the broiler. I broil them for about 15 mins, only a short time because I did boil them first. Then I take out and then I devour them.
Wish I took a picture when they were done, but i didn’t…..our lobsters turned out perfectly for my first time broiling them! Thank you for the easy step by step instructions!
That’s so great to hear Amy!! 🙂
You forgot to tell us when the lobster tail is done.
Hi Don, there’s a recipe card that lists all the instructions, just scroll up a bit:)
I tried this tonight and was sad to find squishy, mushy lobster at the end of 8 minutes broiling on high, top rack. Any suggestions of what I might have missed? I ended up having to flip the meat out of the tail to cook the underside.
It depends on the size of the lobster tail, yours may have been larger. The ones I cooked were 6oz each, I did note cook time can vary on the size of the lobster tail. Anyway, when in doubt always cook until completely done:)