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 simply irresistible about lobster tails when they're done right—rich, buttery, and with just a hint of smoky spice. This Easy Broiled Lobster Tails Recipe is my go-to when I want an impressive seafood dish without the fuss. Trust me, it’s perfect for both special dinners and casual weekends.

A close-up of a cooked lobster tail placed on a white plate over a white marbled surface, showing the tail shell with a reddish-brown color and visible segment details. On top of the tail, there is a layer of white lobster meat with an orange seasoning crust that looks slightly charred and sprinkled with small green parsley pieces. To the left on the plate, there are three lemon wedges that are light yellow with a juicy texture. In the front bottom corner of the image, some fresh green parsley sprigs add color contrast. 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

Every time I make these lobster tails, I’m amazed by how quickly they come together and how luxurious they taste. This recipe brings out the lobster’s natural sweetness with just a few simple ingredients and a quick broil.

Simplicity: You only need a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time to create a restaurant-worthy dish.
Speed: Broiling takes less than 15 minutes, so dinner gets on the table fast without sacrificing flavor.
Flavor: The combo of garlic butter, lemon, and a touch of smoky paprika makes each bite pop.
Impressiveness: Whether you’re cooking for yourself or guests, lobster tails look and taste fancy but are surprisingly easy.

Ingredients & Why They Work

In this Easy Broiled Lobster Tails Recipe, every ingredient is chosen to complement the lobster’s naturally sweet meat, balancing richness and brightness. Plus, you can usually find them easily at your local market or seafood counter.

Flat lay of fresh whole lobster tails with bright red shells, two whole uncracked brown garlic bulbs with green stems trimmed to show cloves, a small white ceramic bowl containing melted salted butter glowing golden, a small white ceramic bowl with clear pale yellow lemon juice, a small white ceramic bowl with deep red smoked paprika powder, and a small white ceramic bowl holding vibrant red cayenne pepper powder, all arranged with perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, 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: Fresh or thawed frozen tails work best; I usually go for around 10 ounces each for that perfect size-to-cook-timing ratio.
Salted butter: It adds richness and helps the seasonings stick; melted butter also bastes the meat for juicy results.
Garlic: Freshly crushed garlic infuses the butter with a lovely aromatic bite that makes the lobster irresistible.
Lemon juice: A splash of acidity that brightens the flavors and pairs beautifully with seafood.
Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle, smoky depth without overpowering the delicate lobster meat.
Cayenne pepper: Just a pinch for a hint of heat that wakes up the palate.

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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

I love how versatile this Easy Broiled Lobster Tails Recipe is—you can easily tweak the seasoning or add your favorite herbs to make it truly yours. Don’t hesitate to experiment once you have the basics down.

Variation: Sometimes I swap smoked paprika for Old Bay seasoning for a different kind of seafood flavor punch, which my guests really enjoy.
Herbs: Adding fresh chopped parsley or chives on top right before serving brings a fresh green note and pretty color.
Spice it up: For more heat, sprinkle a little crushed red pepper flakes on the lobster before broiling.
Garlic butter dip: If you want extra indulgence, melt a bit more butter with garlic and lemon on the side for dipping.

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

A close-up image shows a woman's hand holding a lobster tail with the shell split open to reveal the cooked white and orange lobster meat inside. The lobster meat is glossy and layered with a clear texture, sitting within the reddish-brown, segmented shell that curves naturally. Below the lobster tail held in the hand, there are two more lobster tails placed on a white sheet inside a metal tray. The background surface is white with a marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Thaw and Prep Your Lobster Tails

Start by thawing frozen lobster tails overnight in the fridge or place them in a sealed bag submerged in cold water for about 30 minutes to speed things along. Once thawed, preheat your oven’s broiler to 500°F (260°C). Position the rack so the lobster can sit about 4-5 inches from the broiler element—this distance helps them cook evenly without burning.

Step 2: Butterfly the Lobster Tails

Using kitchen shears, carefully cut down the center of the shell, from the wider end toward the tail fins—just through the top shell, not through the bottom. Then, gently pull the meat upward and rest it on top of the shell. This technique not only looks beautiful but also helps the heat reach the meat directly.

Step 3: Make and Brush the Garlic Butter

In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, crushed garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Brush this fragrant mixture generously over the exposed lobster meat. Don’t be shy here—it’s the key to that incredible flavor we’re after.

Step 4: Broil Until Perfectly Cooked

Slide your baking sheet into the oven and broil the lobster tails for about 1 minute per ounce of lobster. For example, 10-ounce tails take roughly 10 minutes. You’re looking for the meat to turn opaque and lightly browned on top. Keep a close eye—it’s easy to overcook lobster, and you want it tender and juicy.

Top Tip

After making this Easy Broiled Lobster Tails Recipe dozens of times, I’ve picked up a few little tricks that will really elevate your results and keep everything stress-free.

Butterfly Technique: Take your time when cutting the shell—using sharp kitchen shears and cutting only the top shell prevents tearing the meat.
Broil Distance: Adjust the oven rack so lobster isn’t too close; too close and the butter might burn before the meat cooks.
Watch the Clock: Set a timer based on tail weight to avoid overcooking, which can make lobster tough and rubbery.
Let Rest: Let lobster rest a few minutes after broiling—this keeps the juices locked in for a tender bite.

How to Serve Easy Broiled Lobster Tails Recipe

broiled lobster tails - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top and add a lemon wedge on the side. The parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, while the lemon lets you brighten each bite just how you like.

Side Dishes

For sides, I love serving these lobster tails with garlic butter roasted asparagus or a light arugula salad sprinkled with shaved parmesan. A creamy risotto or buttery mashed potatoes also pair beautifully for a more indulgent meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For celebrations, I’ve presented lobster tails on a bed of crushed ice with edible flowers and citrus slices—super elegant and a real crowd-pleaser. You can also serve them split with a bowl of warm garlic butter dip for a hands-on experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover lobster tails taste great chilled or reheated. I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Make sure to keep any extra garlic butter separate so the lobster doesn’t get soggy.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze cooked lobster tails since fresh gives the best texture, but if you must, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to a month. Thaw gently in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I recommend warming lobster tails gently in a low oven (around 275°F) wrapped in foil or briefly in the microwave with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in. This prevents them from drying out or turning rubbery.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I know when the lobster tails are done?

The lobster meat should be opaque white with a slight golden brown top from broiling. It should feel firm but still tender when gently pressed. Overcooking will make it tough and rubbery, so timing based on tail size is helpful (about 1 minute per ounce).

Can I use frozen lobster tails?

Yes! Just be sure to thaw them fully overnight in the fridge or quickly in cold water. Proper thawing ensures even cooking and prevents a rubbery texture.

What if I don’t have smoked paprika?

You can substitute smoked paprika with regular paprika for color and a mild flavor, or try a pinch of cayenne with a dash of cumin for smoky heat. Alternatively, Old Bay seasoning is a great choice for seafood lovers.

Can I make this Easy Broiled Lobster Tails Recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the garlic butter mixture in advance and store it in the fridge. The lobster tails are best broiled fresh, but you can butterfly and prep them ahead by a few hours and keep covered in the fridge until ready to cook.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Broiled Lobster Tails Recipe has become one of my favorite ways to bring luxury to any meal without sweating over complicated prep or long cook times. Once you get the hang of the broiling timing and that buttery garlic baste, it’s hard not to want lobster tails on repeat. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how deliciously simple fine dining at home can be!