Name: Easy Broiled Lobster Tails Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 10-oz lobster tails; 1/4 cup salted butter (melted; 1/2 stick); 2 cloves garlic (crushed); 2 tsp lemon juice; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1 pinch cayenne pepper

There’s something truly satisfying about the delicate sweetness of lobster meat, especially when it’s cooked quickly and simply under the broiler. This Easy Broiled Lobster Tails Recipe brings out that buttery tender flavor with minimal fuss—perfect for a special dinner that makes you feel like a pro without spending hours in the kitchen.

The image shows a cooked lobster tail placed on a white plate. The lobster has two main visible layers: the bottom layer is the reddish-brown shell with specks and texture, and the top layer is the white meat, slightly browned on top with a light char, dotted with small green parsley leaves. The lobster tail is positioned at an angle with the shell on the right side and the meat exposed upwards. To the left of the lobster tail, there are three lemon wedges with a pale yellow color and soft texture. In the foreground, there is a bunch of fresh green parsley with leafy texture. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Broiled Lobster Tails Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Easy Broiled Lobster Tails Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Easy Broiled Lobster Tails Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This recipe feels like a little luxury you can whip up on a weeknight or impress guests with on the weekend. The lobster tails come out juicy and flavorful every single time, and the broiling method is straightforward—no complicated prep, just delicious results.

Speedy Cooking: Lobster tails cook in about 10 minutes, making it one of the fastest fancy seafood dishes you'll find.
Minimal Ingredients: This recipe uses simple pantry staples that pack a punch when combined—no long ingredient lists to stress you out.
Customizable Flavor: The garlic, lemon, and smoked paprika butter mix can be adjusted to suit your taste buds, adding warmth or a little heat as you like.
Impressive Presentation: Butterflying the lobster tails not only cooks the lobster evenly but also makes for a stunning meal presentation that looks way more complex than it is.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of this easy broiled lobster tails recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a role to highlight the lobster’s natural sweetness without overpowering it. Choosing fresh lobster tails and good-quality butter will make a noticeable difference.

Flat lay of four fresh raw lobster tails with bright red shells and white meat visible where butterflied, a small white ceramic bowl of melted golden salted butter, two whole uncracked garlic cloves with smooth white skins, a small white ceramic bowl of bright yellow lemon juice, a small white ceramic bowl of deep reddish-brown smoked paprika powder, and a small white ceramic bowl containing a pinch of vibrant red cayenne pepper powder, arranged symmetrically, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Lobster tails: I recommend 10-ounce tails for a perfect balance of meat and cooking time, but you can adjust based on your appetite.
Salted butter: Melted for brushing; I find salted butter adds just the right amount of seasoning and richness.
Garlic: Freshly crushed garlic gives that punch of savory flavor that complements the lobster.
Lemon juice: Brightens and lifts the flavors, balancing the luscious butter.
Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth and beautiful color.
Cayenne pepper: Just a pinch to provide a gentle kick without overpowering the delicate lobster meat.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love playing with the seasoning on these lobster tails depending on the occasion. You can keep it classic or ramp up the heat or smoky notes. Feel free to tailor it to what you’re in the mood for or what you have on hand—it’s very forgiving.

Lemon Herb Twist: I sometimes swap the smoked paprika for fresh chopped tarragon and parsley to brighten things up with an herby vibe—it’s wonderful for spring dinners!
Spicy Kick: Adding a bit more cayenne or even a dash of chili flakes turns this into a spicy treat for those who love heat.
Decadent Garlic Butter: If it’s a celebration, double the garlic and add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top before broiling—totally indulgent and extra flavorful.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Broiled Lobster Tails Recipe

A close-up image of three cooked lobster tails arranged on a baking tray with white parchment paper. Each lobster tail is split open, showing bright orange-red, slightly charred shells surrounding creamy white and light orange tender meat. One lobster tail is being held gently by a woman's hand, highlighting its soft texture and juicy appearance. The shell has a rough, patterned surface with dark brown and orange hues while the lobster meat looks plump and slightly shiny. The background surface is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Thaw and Prepare Your Lobster Tails

Start by thawing your lobster tails if frozen. I just leave mine in the fridge overnight, or if I'm short on time, I submerge them in a sealed bag in cold water for about 30 minutes. This ensures even cooking and the best texture.

Step 2: Butterfly Like a Pro

Now, this is the magic step. Use kitchen shears to cut lengthwise through the top shell, starting from the wide end near the fins. Don’t cut all the way through the bottom shell—just enough so the meat can be lifted out carefully. Peek under with your fingers to loosen the lobster meat, gently pulling it upwards to rest on top of the shell. This way it cooks evenly and looks stunning plated.

Step 3: Butter It Up

Whisk together melted butter, crushed garlic, fresh lemon juice, smoked paprika, and a pinch of cayenne. Brush this flavorful mix generously over the exposed lobster meat. This buttery glaze creates a golden crust as it broils, sealing in moisture and flavor.

Step 4: Broil to Perfection

Place your lobster tails on a baking sheet and broil them about 4-5 inches from the heat source at 500°F (or 260°C). The rule of thumb I follow is about 1 minute per ounce of lobster tail. So, a 10-ounce tail gets roughly 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them—the meat should turn opaque and get a slight golden brown top without drying out.

Top Tip

After making this easy broiled lobster tails recipe multiple times, I found some little tricks that make a big difference in flavor and texture. These tips helped me avoid common pitfalls and enjoy lobster like a restaurant pro at home.

Butterfly with Care: Don’t rush the shell cutting step—taking your time here means the meat turns out juicy and the presentation is stunning.
Don't Overcook: Lobster can turn rubbery fast. Using the 1 minute per ounce rule and watching the color change helps keep it tender.
Garlic and Butter Balance: Melted butter cools fast, so warm it just before brushing for the best absorption into the meat.
Broiler Distance Matters: Position your oven rack correctly to avoid burning or undercooking—the lobster tails should be close but not too close to the broiler.

How to Serve Easy Broiled Lobster Tails Recipe

broiled lobster tails - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and a touch of herbal brightness. A few lemon wedges on the side are essential—you want that fresh squeeze of citrus to cut through the buttery richness.

Side Dishes

My favorite sides with this recipe are simple and elegant: roasted asparagus, a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette, or buttery garlic mashed potatoes. These let the lobster shine without competing.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ll serve the lobster right on the shells placed atop a bed of sea salt or crushed ice to keep it chilled until serving. Adding a drizzle of herb-infused olive oil or a dollop of lemon aioli is also a nice touch that guests always appreciate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which doesn’t happen often in my house!), store the lobster meat and shell separately in airtight containers in the fridge to keep textures intact. It’s best enjoyed within 1-2 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing

I've frozen cooked lobster once when I had too much, wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then placing it in a freezer bag. It held up well for up to two months, but the texture softens a bit, so fresh is definitely best.

Reheating

To gently reheat, I cover the lobster loosely with foil and warm it in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes, checking often to avoid drying it out. Avoid microwave reheating as it can make the meat rubbery.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I know when the lobster tails are done?

You'll see the meat turn opaque white and the edges start to brown slightly. Cooking about one minute per ounce of lobster tail usually results in perfect, juicy meat without overcooking.

Can I use frozen lobster tails for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them properly overnight in the fridge or quickly in cold water to ensure even cooking and to keep the texture tender.

Why is butter important in this recipe?

Butter adds richness and moisture, helping the meat stay tender as it broils. It also carries the flavors of garlic, lemon, and spices, enhancing the lobster's natural sweetness.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Yes! The recipe calls for a pinch of cayenne, but you can increase it or add chili flakes to suit your heat preference. Just balance it with the butter so it doesn't overpower the delicate lobster taste.

Final Thoughts

One of the things I love most about this Easy Broiled Lobster Tails Recipe is how it turns a special occasion dinner into something you can actually manage on a busy night. With just a few ingredients and some simple steps, you’ll impress yourself and your guests with lobster that tastes indulgent but isn’t intimidating at all. Give it a try—I can’t wait for you to enjoy these succulent, buttery tails as much as I do!