Garlic Butter Broiled Lobster Tails

If you’re planning a special seafood dinner, these garlic butter lobster tails are always a great choice. They’re tender, buttery, and full of rich flavor without requiring a lot of effort. Broiling is the key here, giving you perfectly cooked lobster in under 10 minutes, finished with a fresh garlic butter that’s brushed on before and after cooking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Broiling makes it fast and foolproof. No grill or special equipment needed, just your oven’s broiler.
• Double the garlic butter. One batch bastes the lobster while cooking, and a fresh batch finishes it right before serving.
• Elegant but simple. This dish feels like a special occasion but takes only 25 minutes total.
• Great for entertaining. Perfect for date nights, holidays, or any dinner that calls for something extra special.

Ingredients

Lobster Tails

• 8 small lobster tails, about 4 to 5 oz each
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes, optional
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Salt, only if needed

Garlic Butter

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 5 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1 tsp lemon zest, optional
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley, divided

For Serving

• Lemon wedges
• Additional warm melted butter, optional

How to Make Garlic Butter Broiled Lobster Tails

1. Prepare the broiler. Set the oven broiler to high and position the rack about 5 to 6 inches from the heat.

2. Butterfly the lobster. Using kitchen shears, cut through the top of each shell. Gently lift the lobster meat over the shell while keeping it attached at the base, then pat dry.

3. Season the lobster. Brush the lobster tails with olive oil and season with paprika, Old Bay seasoning, red pepper flakes, if using, black pepper, and salt, if needed.

4. Make the garlic butter. Mix the melted butter, garlic, lemon zest, and half of the parsley. Divide the butter into two bowls, using one for brushing before cooking and reserving the other for serving.

5. Broil the lobster. Arrange the lobster tails on a foil-lined baking sheet. Brush with the first portion of garlic butter and broil for 7 to 10 minutes, brushing once more halfway through, until the lobster is opaque and lightly golden.

6. Finish the butter. Stir the lemon juice and remaining parsley into the reserved garlic butter.

7. Serve. Spoon the fresh garlic butter over the hot lobster tails and serve with lemon wedges and extra warm melted butter for dipping.

Tips for the Best Broiled Lobster Tails

• Keep the meat attached at the base when butterflying. This classic presentation makes the lobster easier to eat and looks impressive on the plate.
• Position the rack correctly. About 5 to 6 inches from the heat gives even broiling without burning the tops too quickly.
• Watch closely while broiling. Lobster cooks fast under the broiler, so check for doneness starting around the 7-minute mark.
• Keep the finishing butter separate from the raw lobster butter. This keeps the fresh garlic butter food-safe and bright in flavor.

What to Serve with Garlic Butter Lobster Tails

These lobster tails pair beautifully with garlic mashed potatoes, steamed asparagus, or a simple rice pilaf. A crisp side salad also works well if you want something lighter alongside.

Frequently Asked Questions