What is lobster? I used to think it was something only fancy restaurants could pull off, a dish reserved for special occasions. What are the best occasions and hefty price tags? How easy is it to make succulent lobster tails? How do I make my own kitchen? What is a lobster tail recipe? What’s more intimidating than baking a pie? If you love the ease of preparing shrimp scampi, you’ll be obsessed with how quickly this comes together.
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What is a broiled lobster tail?
Think of a broiled lobster tail as the elegant, slightly simpler cousin of whole steamed lobster. It’s essentially the tail section of a lobster, split open, seasoned beautifully, and then cooked. Under the broiler until it’s perfectly tender and juicy. What I love about this Lobster Tail Recipe is that you get that amazing, sweet lobster flavor. How do you deal with a lobster without the fuss of dealing with the whole lobster? What is the best part?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some of the best lobster tail recipes?
- Unbelievable Flavor:What is the taste of a banana? The lobster meat becomes incredibly tender and sweet, with a slightly smoky char from the broiler. How does melted butter add sweetness?
- SurprisinglyI promise, this is easier than it looks. The cooking time is less than 10 minutes. Is this recipe easier to make than my go-to lemon herb baked chicken?
- Cost-EffectiveI know lobster isn’t cheap, but it’s a lot cheaper to make at home than ordering it at the store. Plus, you control the quality of the ingredients.
- Versatile DelightWhat are some good appetizers to serve with lobster tails? What are some good uses for lobster rolls?
What I love about this Lobster Tail Recipe is that it feels fancy and impressive, but it’s so good. Easy to make any night of the week. I’ve whipped this up on a random Tuesday just because I was craving something special. What brings joy to the table?
How do I make broiled lobster tails?
Quick Overview
How do I make lobster tails? Beautiful presentation and allowing the butter and seasonings to penetrate the meat. What are some of the best ways to broil a chicken until it’s perfectly cooked, finishing with an additional generous brush of melted butter? The whole process is surprisingly quick, and the results are truly impressive. How do you keep a close eye on lobster tails while they’re under broiler? How do I stop over
Ingredients
For the Lobster Tails:
4 Lobster tails (6-8 oz each): 1 lobster tail per
I always try to get Maine lobster tails if I can, they have the best flavor! Make sure they are thawed before starting.
For the Seasoned Butter:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted. 1 cup s
What is the best butter to use?
2 cloves of garlic, minced.
Freshly minced garlic is a must; the pre-minced stuff just doesn’t have the same flavor.
1 tablespoon lemon juice. 1 teaspoon lime juice, 1
Freshly squeezed is always best!
1/2 teaspoon paprika.
Adds a little smokiness and color.
1/4 teaspoon salt.
I use sea salt for better flavor.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper. 1/4 cup salt.
Freshly ground is best.
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Adds a pop of color and freshness.
What is the step-
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your broiler to high. Position an oven rack about 6 inches from the broiler. Is it safe to clean a baking sheet with foil? I also give the foil a quick spray with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the lobster from sticking to the surface.
Step 2: Prepare the Lobster Tails
Using kitchen shears, cut down the center of the lobster tail shell, starting from the top and ending at the end. Why stop just before tail fan? Be careful not to cut all the way through the meat. Gently separate the shell and lift the lobster meat, loosening it from the bottom shell. Leave the tail fan attached. I find it easiest to use my fingers for this part.
Step 3: Create a Pocket
Gently close the shell and lift the lobster meat so it rests on top of the hull. How does butter pool around meat? I always try to make sure the meat is evenly distributed on top of the shell.
Step 4: Make the Seasoned Butter
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Set aside. I like to add a pinch of red pepper flakes to my mix. I always add it to the mix!
Step 5: Brush the Lobster Tails
What is the best way to brush the lobster meat with seasoned butter? Make sure to get it into all the crevices. I usually reserve a little bit of butter for basting during cooking.
Step 6: Broil the Lobster Tails
Place lobster tails on a baking sheet. Broil for 8-12 minutes, or until the lobster meat is opaque and cooked through. What is the exact cooking time for lobster tails? I always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach 140°F (60°C).
Step 7: Baste (Optional)
During the last few minutes of broiling, baste the lobster tails with the remaining seasoned butter. I always do this, it really makes a difference!
Step 8: Garnish & Serve
Remove the lobster tails from the broiler and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately with extra melted butter or lemon wedges, if desired. These are best served hot!
What to Serve It With
These broiled lobster tails are incredibly versatile and can be served in so many ways!
For a Romantic Dinner: Serve with a side of creamy risotto and roasted asparagus. A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs perfectly.
For a Casual Get-Together: Serve with grilled corn on the cob, a simple salad, and crusty bread for dipping in the butter sauce. A light beer or a sparkling lemonade would be great choices.
For a Surf and Turf Feast: Pair with a grilled steak, roasted potatoes, and a side of steamed green beans. A bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot complements the richness of the meal.
For a Simple Weeknight Meal: Serve with a baked potato and a side salad. This is a quick and easy way to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
My family loves when I serve these with a side of garlic bread; it’s perfect for soaking up all that delicious butter sauce!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Broiled Lobster Tails
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks for making perfect broiled lobster tails every time:
Don’t Overcook: This is the most important tip! Overcooked lobster meat is tough and rubbery. Keep a close eye on the lobster tails while they’re under the broiler and check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
Use High-Quality Lobster Tails: The better the quality of the lobster tails, the better the flavor. I always try to get Maine lobster tails if I can.
Thaw Properly: Make sure the lobster tails are completely thawed before cooking. This will ensure that they cook evenly.
Don’t Skip the Butter: The seasoned butter is what makes these lobster tails so delicious. Don’t skimp on the butter, and make sure to brush it generously over the lobster meat.
Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings to create your own unique flavor. Some other great options include Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
Serve Immediately: These are best served hot, right out of the broiler. The longer they sit, the tougher the meat will become.
I once tried adding a little bit of Dijon mustard to the butter sauce, and it was amazing! It added a nice tanginess that balanced the sweetness of the lobster.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have leftover broiled lobster tails (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store and reheat them:
Refrigerator Storage: Store the cooked lobster tails in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to let them cool completely before storing.
Freezer Instructions: Wrap the cooked lobster tails tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Instructions: The best way to reheat broiled lobster tails is to gently steam them or bake them in a low oven (250°F) until heated through. Be careful not to overcook them, or they will become tough. You can also microwave them, but they may become a bit rubbery.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to store the lobster tails, it’s best to add the fresh parsley garnish just before serving, as it can wilt during storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Lobster Tail Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect way to elevate any meal, whether it’s a special occasion or just a regular weeknight. The incredible flavor and surprising ease of preparation make it a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. If you enjoyed this, you might also like my garlic butter shrimp or my baked salmon with lemon and herbs. They are both great quick and easy seafood dishes. Happy cooking and bon appétit! Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. I would love to hear what you served with it and any additions or alternatives you might have made. Did you find the recipe easy to follow? Share this Lobster Tail Recipe with your friends and family and spread the deliciousness!
Garlic Herb Buttered Lobster Tails
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 large lobster tails about 10-12 ounces each, thawed if frozen
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter melted
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 2 teaspoons dried herbs such as thyme and oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 0.25 teaspoon red chili flakes optional, for a hint of heat
- 1 fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
- 2 lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Thaw the lobster tails overnight in the refrigerator or quickly in cold water if frozen. Pat them dry with paper towels.
- Preheat your oven's broiler to high and position an oven rack about 4 inches from the top.
- Using kitchen shears, cut through the top hard shell of each lobster tail lengthwise. Gently lift the lobster meat so that it sits atop the shells.
- In a bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, dried herbs, black pepper, and red chili flakes, whisking until well mixed.
- Brush the lobster meat generously with the seasoned butter mixture using a pastry brush.
- Place the lobster tails on a baking sheet and broil for 10-12 minutes until the meat is opaque and slightly golden, basting once halfway through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for a perfect finish.
