Name: 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 undeniably indulgent about tender lobster meat kissed by a rich, garlicky buttery glaze that just melts in your mouth. This Broiled Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter Recipe brings that elegance right into your kitchen without any hassle, perfect for a special dinner or when you want to impress with minimal fuss.

A grilled lobster tail is placed on a white plate with a white marbled texture background. The lobster tail has two main layers: the bottom shell layer showing reddish-brown segmented segments with white spots, and the top grilled lobster meat layer, golden orange with slight charring and small green parsley leaves sprinkled on top. To the left of the lobster tail, there are three yellow lemon wedges arranged in a small cluster. At the bottom foreground, there is bright green parsley adding a fresh contrast to the dish. The overall look is bright, with a clean and fresh presentation. 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 Broiled Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Broiled Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Broiled Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, this recipe stole my heart the first time I tried it. It’s straightforward but comes out tasting like you spent hours preparing. Every bite is buttery and garlicky with a little hint of spice, a real crowd-pleaser that’s fancy enough for a celebration yet simple enough for a weeknight treat.

Easy preparation: You only need a handful of ingredients and a few minutes to get this going.
Perfectly tender lobster: Broiling locks in juiciness while giving just a touch of caramelized flavor.
Flavor-packed garlic butter: The combination of garlic, lemon, paprika, and cayenne takes simple butter to a whole new level.
Customizable and quick: You can easily adjust seasoning and cooking times to suit your taste and lobster size.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Broiled Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter Recipe plays a role in creating that perfect balance of rich and zesty flavors. Simple ingredients come together to highlight the lobster’s natural sweetness without overpowering it. When shopping, choose fresh or properly thawed lobster tails, and high-quality butter for the best results.

Flat lay of four fresh raw lobster tails with vibrant red shells, a small white ceramic bowl of melted golden butter, two peeled garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl of bright yellow lemon juice, a small white ceramic bowl filled with deep red smoked paprika powder, and a pinch of bright red cayenne pepper loose on the surface, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, 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 is great, but frozen works fine too—just be sure to thaw properly to avoid chewy meat.
Salted butter: Adds richness and seasoning; melting it lets flavors infuse evenly.
Garlic cloves: Fresh and crushed give that robust aromatic punch you crave.
Lemon juice: Brightens and balances the richness of the butter perfectly.
Smoked paprika: Adds mild smokiness and a lovely color to the butter sauce.
Cayenne pepper: Just a pinch to bring a subtle kick without overpowering.

📝

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

One of my favorite things about this Broiled Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter Recipe is how adaptable it is. I often tweak the heat level or swap smoked paprika for regular, depending on what I have on hand or the mood I’m in. Don’t be afraid to play around and make it your own—after all, cooking should be fun!

Variation: Sometimes I like to add a pinch of fresh thyme or parsley to the garlic butter for a herbaceous twist that brightens the dish even more.
Diet-friendly tweaks: For a dairy-free version, try ghee or a plant-based butter substitute—they both melt nicely and carry the flavors well.

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

A close-up image shows a woman's hand holding one lobster tail above a baking tray lined with white parchment paper on a white marbled surface. There are four lobster tails in total, each split open to reveal the orange, slightly charred shell on the outside and a plump, creamy white lobster meat inside. The lobster meat has a smooth, slightly translucent texture, with hints of light golden-yellow butter or sauce on top. The shells are dark brown with a rugged, patterned texture. The overall look is fresh and cooked, with contrasting colors and textures between the shells and meat. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Thaw and Prep Your Lobster Tails

If your lobster tails are frozen, don’t rush it by thawing at room temp for too long to prevent texture issues. My secret? Submerge them in cold water while still sealed in a bag for about 30 minutes—it speeds things up without compromising quality. Once thawed, use kitchen shears to butterfly each tail carefully, following the shell’s curve and gently lifting the meat out but keeping it attached at the tail fin so it sits perfectly on top for broiling.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

While your lobster tails are prepped, whisk together melted butter, freshly crushed garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and just a pinch of cayenne. I love how the smoky and spicy notes complement the natural sweetness of the lobster meat. Brush generously over each tail, making sure every inch is coated. Don’t be shy here—the butter is the star of the show.

Step 3: Broil to Perfection

Set your oven rack about 4-5 inches from the broiler element and preheat to 500°F (260°C). Place lobster tails on a baking sheet and broil them for about 1 minute per ounce. For example, my 10-ounce tails get broiled for around 10 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the meat turns opaque and gets a lightly browned, caramelized top. Keep a close eye—they can go from perfect to overcooked pretty fast!

Top Tip

This Broiled Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter Recipe has been a go-to for me because of how easily you can nail that elegant flavor and juicy texture every time. From trial and error, I’ve gathered a few tips that really save the day and help avoid common pitfalls.

Butterfly with care: Using sharp kitchen shears makes the butterflying step easier and ensures the lobster meat cooks evenly.
Don’t overcook: Broil just until the meat turns opaque; overcooked lobster gets tough quickly, so timing is everything.
Brush generously: Applying the garlic butter liberally helps the lobster brown beautifully and stay moist.
Adjust spice levels: If you prefer less heat, start with a smaller pinch of cayenne and add more next time once you know your preference.

How to Serve Broiled Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter Recipe

broiled lobster tails - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little freshly chopped parsley or chives on top before serving—it adds a fresh pop of color and a mild herbal note that’s just lovely. A thin slice of lemon on the side is also great for guests to squeeze more brightness as they please.

Side Dishes

This pairs beautifully with simple, light sides like garlic roasted asparagus, buttery mashed potatoes, or my favorite, a crisp green salad with vinaigrette. The buttery richness of the lobster calls for some crunch and acidity on the plate to balance things out.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love plating these broiled lobster tails on large shells or a bed of seaweed salad to give that extra wow factor. Serving them in decorative bowls with a drizzle of extra garlic butter on the side always impresses—presentation really can elevate the experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (though it’s rare in my house!), place them in an airtight container and store in the fridge. I find it best to eat chilled or gently warmed the next day, as lobster can dry out if reheated carelessly.

Freezing

While I prefer fresh, you can freeze cooked lobster tails wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to avoid rubbery texture.

Reheating

I usually reheat lobster by placing the tails in a covered baking dish with a splash of water or broth at 275°F until just warmed through—low and slow to keep them tender and juicy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I know when lobster tails are cooked perfectly?

Lobster tails are perfectly cooked when the meat turns opaque and white all the way through, with slight browning on top. It should feel firm but not rubbery. Broiling for approximately 1 minute per ounce of lobster tail usually yields ideal results. Keep a close eye to avoid overcooking.

Can I use frozen lobster tails for this Broiled Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter Recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen lobster tails are convenient and still delicious. Just make sure to thaw them fully overnight in the fridge or more quickly by submerging the sealed tails in cold water for about 30 minutes before cooking for even texture and best flavor.

What can I serve with broiled lobster tails to round out the meal?

Light and fresh sides work best to balance the rich lobster. I recommend dishes like roasted or steamed asparagus, a crisp mixed green salad, or buttery mashed potatoes. Something with bright, acidic notes such as a lemon vinaigrette really complements the garlic butter flavor.

How do I customize the garlic butter sauce in this recipe?

Feel free to jazz up the garlic butter with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley for added freshness. Adjust the cayenne pepper to your spice tolerance, or add a touch of smoked paprika for smoky depth. You can also swap out regular butter for ghee or dairy-free alternatives if you prefer.

Final Thoughts

This Broiled Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter Recipe is one of those dishes I turn to when I want something that feels luxurious but doesn’t require me to jump through hoops. It’s simple, fast, and full of flavor—perfect for making guests feel special or treating yourself to a restaurant-worthy meal at home. I can’t wait for you to try it and hear how you customize it!