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Garlic Butter Broiled Lobster Tails

These garlic butter broiled lobster tails are tender, buttery, and full of rich garlic and lemon flavor. Broiled in under 10 minutes and finished with a fresh parsley garlic butter, they make an elegant seafood dinner that is simple enough for entertaining or a special meal at home.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 small lobster tails, about 4 to 5 oz each
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, optional
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Salt, only if needed
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 5 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 tsp lemon zest, optional
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped and divided
  • Lemon wedges, for serving
  • Additional warm melted butter, optional

Equipment

  • Kitchen shears
  • Baking sheet
  • aluminum foil
  • Small mixing bowls
  • pastry brush

Method
 

  1. Set the oven broiler to high and position the rack about 5 to 6 inches from the heat.
  2. Using kitchen shears, cut through the top of each lobster shell. Gently lift the lobster meat over the shell while keeping it attached at the base, then pat dry.
  3. 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. Mix the melted butter, garlic, lemon zest, and half of the parsley. Divide the butter into two bowls, using one portion for brushing before cooking and reserving the other for serving.
  5. 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. Stir the lemon juice and remaining parsley into the reserved garlic butter.
  7. Spoon the fresh garlic butter over the hot lobster tails and serve with lemon wedges and extra warm melted butter for dipping if desired.

Notes

Keep the lobster meat attached at the base when butterflying for an attractive presentation and easier serving.
Position the oven rack about 5 to 6 inches from the broiler for even cooking.
Watch the lobster closely and begin checking for doneness around the 7-minute mark because it cooks quickly under high heat.
Keep the finishing garlic butter separate from the portion used to baste the raw lobster.
Frozen lobster tails may be used after thawing completely in the refrigerator.
The recipe can be doubled, but leave enough space between the lobster tails on the baking sheet so they broil evenly.
Serve with garlic mashed potatoes, steamed asparagus, rice pilaf, or a crisp salad.