Name: Easy Broiled Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter 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 indulgent about the perfect lobster tail, and this Easy Broiled Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter Recipe brings that luxurious taste right into your home kitchen in under 20 minutes. The garlic butter glaze gives the tails a rich, flavorful finish that’s hard to resist and super simple to achieve.

A cooked lobster tail with four main parts is shown on a white plate. The bottom layer is the reddish-brown shell with small white spots, covering the tail segments. Above it is a layer of orange, grilled lobster meat with slight charring and rough texture. The top layer is white lobster meat with light brown grilled marks and small green parsley pieces sprinkled over it. Two lemon wedges with pale yellow flesh and a bunch of fresh green parsley are placed on the left side near the lobster tail 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 with Garlic Butter Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Easy Broiled Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Easy Broiled Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I honestly think this easy broiled lobster tails with garlic butter recipe is a game-changer for anyone wanting restaurant-worthy seafood at home without fuss. It's quick, elegant, and packed with flavor — perfect for a special occasion or a lovely weeknight treat.

Quick and Simple: You’ll have perfectly cooked lobster tails in about 20 minutes, from prep to plate.
Delicious Garlic Butter Flavor: The garlic butter sauce not only adds richness but enhances the lobster’s natural sweetness.
Minimal Ingredients Needed: No need for complicated sauces or marinades — just simple pantry staples that come together beautifully.
Impressive Presentation: Broiling lobster tails splits them open, giving a natural, eye-catching look that’s fun to serve and eat.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Easy Broiled Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter Recipe plays a key role — from the sweetness of the lobster to the smoky warmth of paprika and the fresh zing of lemon juice. Choosing good quality lobster tails and fresh garlic really makes these flavors sing.

Flat lay of four fresh lobster tails with vibrant red shells and creamy white meat exposed, a small white bowl filled with melted golden salted butter, two whole uncracked brown garlic cloves, a small white bowl containing bright yellow lemon juice, a small white bowl with deep red smoked paprika powder, and a small white bowl holding fine red cayenne pepper powder, all arranged symmetrically with perfect balance 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:The star of the show – fresh or thawed frozen lobster tails work perfectly; aim for tails around 10 ounces so they cook evenly.
Salted butter: Adds creaminess and helps carry the garlic flavor; salted butter also seasons the lobster gently.
Garlic: Fresh garlic brings pungency and depth — don’t substitute with powders here, fresh is worth it.
Lemon juice: Brightens and balances the richness of the butter, making the whole dish pop.
Smoked paprika: A subtle smoky note that elevates the dish beyond basic garlic butter.
Cayenne pepper: Just a pinch brings warmth and a hint of spice—feel free to adjust depending on your heat tolerance.

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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

While I often stick to the classic garlic butter version here, playing with the flavors or the degree of spice makes for fun tweaks. It’s your kitchen—make this easy broiled lobster tails with garlic butter recipe truly yours.

Variation: I love adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives right after broiling for a burst of color and freshness – highly recommend giving it a try!
Spicy Kick: If you’re a pepper lover, doubling the cayenne or adding a dash of chili flakes really wakes up the butter sauce.
Lemon Twist: Try swapping lemon juice with a splash of white wine vinegar or lime juice for a slightly different tangy note.
Dietary Modifications: For a dairy-free version, use melted coconut oil or a non-dairy butter substitute – the method stays just as easy.

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

A close-up image shows a woman's hand holding a large lobster tail with its shell split open to reveal the cooked lobster meat inside. The lobster meat has a shiny, slightly translucent white and orange color with some grilled marks on top. There are two more lobster tails in the background on a white marbled surface, each showing a similar texture and colors, with the shells dark brown and orange. The whole scene appears fresh and juicy, focusing on the rich texture of the lobster meat. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Thaw and Prep Your Lobster Tails

If you’re using frozen lobster tails, I find thawing them overnight in the fridge yields the best texture. In a pinch, you can submerge the tails sealed in a plastic bag in cold water for about 30 minutes. Just don’t rush this – lobster needs to be thawed properly to cook evenly and stay tender.

Step 2: Butterfly the Tails

Here’s the trick that makes your presentation pop: use kitchen shears to cut lengthwise through the top shell, starting from the base to just before the tail fin. Then, gently pull the lobster meat upward so it sits right on top of the shell. This lets the butter and heat reach the meat directly for perfect cooking.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce and Brush It On

Whisk together melted butter, crushed garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl. Brush this golden mixture generously over the lobster meat. Don’t be shy here — the butter keeps the tails juicy and adds so much flavor when broiled.

Step 4: Broil Until Perfectly Opaque and Golden

Set your oven to broil (around 500°F / 260°C) and position the rack so the tails are about 4 to 5 inches from the heat source. Broil the tails for about 1 minute per ounce — so a 10-ounce tail usually takes around 10 minutes. Keep a close eye, as broilers vary. The meat should turn opaque with a light golden crust on top but not dry out.

Top Tip

From multiple attempts cooking lobster tails, I’ve learned that timing and heat distance are everything. Broilers can differ wildly, so starting with these guidelines but visually checking the lobster helps avoid overcooking — which is the biggest pitfall.

Butter Evenly: Make sure every bit of lobster meat gets brushed with garlic butter for consistent flavor throughout.
Keep an Eye on Color: The lobster should be opaque and just starting to brown lightly on top; any more and it may get rubbery.
Use Kitchen Shears Carefully: I found it easier to cut slowly and steadily to avoid cracking the shell or damaging the meat.
Rest Before Serving: Let the lobster tails sit a minute after broiling to let juices redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.

How to Serve Easy Broiled Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter Recipe

broiled lobster tails - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I typically sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a few chives over the tops for that fresh green pop. A lemon wedge on the side is practically mandatory — a squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens every bite and complements the richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are simple and don’t compete with the lobster: garlic roasted asparagus, a light mixed green salad with citrus vinaigrette, or buttery mashed potatoes. Rice pilaf with herbs also pairs wonderfully if you want a little extra comfort on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I’ve plated the lobster tails atop a bed of lemon-infused risotto or served them as the star alongside colorful grilled vegetables arranged in a spiral. Serving them directly in their shells on pretty ceramic plates adds that extra touch of sophistication, too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover lobster tails store best in an airtight container in the fridge and are best eaten within 1-2 days. I wrap mine tightly with plastic wrap first to avoid any fishy odors transferring to other foods.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked lobster tails, but I recommend freezing before broiling for the best texture after reheating. When freezing cooked tails, wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer bag; try to use within 1 month for optimal flavor.

Reheating

To reheat leftover tails, gently warm them in a low oven (around 250°F) covered with foil to keep them moist. I avoid microwaving as it often toughens the meat. A quick brush of warmed garlic butter before serving helps refresh flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I know when lobster tails are fully cooked?

Lobster meat should turn opaque and have a firm but tender texture once fully cooked. A good rule of thumb is to broil about 1 minute per ounce of lobster tail, but always watch for that color change and avoid overcooking to keep the meat juicy.

Can I use frozen lobster tails for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just thaw them properly — overnight in the fridge is best or submerged in cold water for about 30 minutes. Proper thawing ensures even cooking and prevents toughness.

Can I add other seasonings to the garlic butter?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with fresh herbs such as thyme or tarragon, or add a little Dijon mustard to the butter for a tangy twist. The garlic butter base is very versatile and welcomes personal touches.

What's the best way to serve lobster tails for a special occasion?

Serving the lobster tails butterflied on individual plates with garnishes like fresh herbs and lemon wedges always impresses. Pair with simple elegant sides like asparagus or risotto and a glass of chilled white wine to elevate the meal experience.

Final Thoughts

This easy broiled lobster tails with garlic butter recipe holds a special place in my kitchen rotation whenever I want to treat myself or impress guests without spending hours cooking. The ease, elegance, and downright delicious results make it a winner every time. I hope you have as much fun making it as I do sharing it — enjoy your lobster feast!