If you’re craving something fancy but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, you’re going to love this Broiled Lobster Tail with Herby Garlic Butter Recipe. I absolutely adore how quickly it comes together and the way the garlic butter seeps into the lobster meat, making every bite pure decadence. Whether you’re planning a special dinner or just want to treat yourself, this recipe is fan-freaking-tastic and impresses every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: You’ll have a gourmet-level lobster dish on the table in under 30 minutes.
- Rich, Flavorful Butter: The herby garlic butter takes the lobster to the next level without overpowering it.
- Simple Technique: With a few handy tips, broiling lobster tails is foolproof and foolhardy.
- Impresses Every Time: Perfect for special occasions or when you simply want to feel fancy at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Broiled Lobster Tail with Herby Garlic Butter Recipe are refreshingly simple, yet they come together to create a dish that feels like a luxurious treat. I always recommend using fresh herbs and good-quality butter to get the best flavor.
- Lobster tails: Look for fresh or thawed tails between 12 to 14 ounces for the perfect size—I prefer cold-water lobster tails for their slightly sweeter flavor.
- Herb and garlic butter: Using homemade or high-quality butter mixed with fresh herbs and garlic makes all the difference.
- Sweet paprika: Adds a subtle smoky sweetness and beautiful color on top.
- Lemon wedges: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the richness perfectly.
- Coarse salt and freshly cracked pepper: Season simply but effectively to enhance the lobster’s natural flavor.
- Melted unsalted butter: Optional, but I like to serve a little extra for dipping.
- Fresh parsley or chives: Optional garnish to add freshness and a pop of color.
Variations
I love to tweak this Broiled Lobster Tail with Herby Garlic Butter Recipe depending on the season, guest preferences, or just my mood. Feel free to customize it to truly make it your own—this recipe can take a few creative turns while still staying easy.
- Add a kick: I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne to the garlic butter for a subtle spicy warmth that my family can’t get enough of.
- Different herbs: If you don’t have parsley or chives on hand, try fresh tarragon or thyme for a unique twist.
- Use lemon zest: I like to mix some lemon zest into the herby butter for an extra layer of citrus brightness.
- Healthy twist: Swap butter with olive oil and reduce the quantity if you’re watching fats, still delicious but lighter.
How to Make Broiled Lobster Tail with Herby Garlic Butter Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and butterfly the lobster tails
First things first, preheat your broiler to high. When you prep the lobster tails, I like to squeeze the bottom shell with my fingers—that’s a little trick that makes removing the meat so much easier. You can use kitchen shears to cut straight down the top shell or, like me, take a sharp knife and carefully slice through the shell starting at the tail and working your way toward the front. Then gently pull the lobster meat upward, resting it on top of the shell like a little crown. It looks beautiful and cooks evenly this way.
Step 2: Butter and season the lobster
Next, dollop generous pats of your herby garlic butter right onto the lobster meat—about 2 tablespoons per tail works perfectly. Sprinkle with a pinch of sweet paprika, coarse salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. This step will infuse so much flavor and give the lobster those irresistible browned edges.
Step 3: Broil until perfectly cooked
Place the lobster tails a few inches apart on a baking sheet and slide them onto the middle rack of your oven. Broil for 6 to 8 minutes, depending on the size of your tails. You’ll want to watch carefully because lobsters cook fast—pull them out as soon as the edges turn golden and the internal temperature hits about 135°F. Letting them rest a couple of minutes after broiling helps the juices settle for tender, juicy bites.
Pro Tips for Making Broiled Lobster Tail with Herby Garlic Butter Recipe
- Butter First, Broil After: Adding butter before broiling melts it right into the lobster, giving it unbeatable flavor and moisture.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: I’ve learned the hard way that lobster can easily overcook, so checking for 135°F ensures juicy, not rubbery, meat.
- Butterfly Carefully: Taking your time slicing through the shell without cutting the meat lets it cook evenly and look beautiful plated.
- Don’t Skip Resting: Let the tails rest 1-2 minutes after broiling; trust me, it locks in those delicious juices.
How to Serve Broiled Lobster Tail with Herby Garlic Butter Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a sucker for a sprinkle of fresh minced parsley or finely chopped chives—they add a bright, fresh note and make the dish pop visually. A few lemon wedges on the side are essential; a squeeze of lemon juice just before you dig in makes all the flavors come alive. And if you want to go the extra mile, melt a little extra unsalted butter to serve alongside for dipping.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides with this recipe are simple yet elegant—think roasted asparagus, garlic butter green beans, or a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette. I also love pairing it with buttery mashed potatoes or creamy risotto when I want a more indulgent meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I like to serve the lobster tails on a bed of crushed ice sprinkled with sea salt and seaweed for that luxe, seaside vibe. Another fun idea—serve each tail in its shell with a small ramekin of the garlic butter sauce for dipping; it looks fancy but is totally approachable for guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), I recommend placing the lobster tails in an airtight container and refrigerating them. They keep best for up to 2 days. I like to add a little extra butter or olive oil on top to keep the meat from drying out while stored.
Freezing
Freezing broiled lobster tails isn’t my first choice because the texture can soften a bit, but if you need to, wrap each tail tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw slowly overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy again.
Reheating
I reheat lobster gently by placing it in a warm oven (about 250°F) for 10-15 minutes covered with foil, or warming it briefly in buttery skillet over low heat. The key is low, slow heat so it stays tender instead of tough.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen lobster tails for this Broiled Lobster Tail with Herby Garlic Butter Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen lobster tails work great—just be sure to thaw them fully overnight in the fridge before cooking. This helps ensure even cooking and the best texture.
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How do I know when lobster tails are cooked perfectly?
Look for opaque white meat that’s slightly firm, with a light golden brown color from the broiler. A meat thermometer reading 135°F internal is your safest bet to nail that tender, juicy texture without overcooking.
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Can I prepare the herby garlic butter ahead of time?
Definitely! The butter mixture can be made a day or two ahead and stored in the fridge. Just bring it to room temperature before spreading on your lobster tails for even coverage.
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What is the best way to butterfly a lobster tail?
Using kitchen scissors or a sharp knife, cut down the center of the top shell from the exposed meat to the end of the tail. Gently lift the meat up and out of the shell without detaching it fully, then rest it on top. It helps the lobster cook evenly and makes for a stunning presentation.
Final Thoughts
I can’t tell you how many times this Broiled Lobster Tail with Herby Garlic Butter Recipe has made me feel like a pro chef in my own kitchen. It’s quick, elegant, and thanks to the garlicky, herby butter, downright addictive. When friends come over or I’m celebrating, I always reach for this recipe because it never fails to impress—and it’s so simple you’ll want to make it again and again. Trust me, you’re going to want to keep this one in your recipe arsenal.
Print
Broiled Lobster Tail with Herby Garlic Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Broiled Lobster Tail recipe features succulent lobster tails bathed in a savory herb and garlic butter, broiled to perfection until tender and lightly browned. Quick and elegant, it makes an impressive appetizer or a stunning main dish for any special occasion.
Ingredients
Lobster Tails
- 3 lobster tails (12-14 ounces each, cold or warm water)
Butter Mixture
- 6 tablespoons herb and garlic butter
- melted unsalted butter for serving
Seasonings and Garnish
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- lemon wedges for serving
- coarse salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste
- optional minced fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Broiler: Set your oven broiler to high heat to ensure a hot cooking environment for the lobster tails.
- Prepare the Lobster Tails: Pinch the bottom part of the lobster tail shell to compact it, then use kitchen shears or a knife to cut down the top shell from tail to opening, carefully slicing through just the shell. This helps in removing the meat easily.
- Extract Lobster Meat: Gently pull out the lobster meat and position it on top of the shell for presentation. Place the tails on a sheet tray spaced a few inches apart.
- Butter the Lobster: Add approximately 2 tablespoons of herb and garlic butter paprika mixture on top of each lobster meat portion to infuse flavor and richness.
- Broil the Lobster: Place the sheet tray with lobster tails on a middle rack in the oven under the preheated broiler. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, depending on size, until the edges are browned and the internal temperature reaches 135°F.
- Rest the Lobster: Remove the lobster tails from the oven and let rest for 1 to 2 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Serve: Arrange the lobster tails on a serving platter with lemon wedges and additional melted butter if desired. Garnish with optional minced parsley or chives for added color and flavor.
Notes
- This broiled lobster tail recipe is both quick and elegant, making it perfect for appetizers or main courses.
- The herb and garlic butter enhances the natural sweetness of the lobster.
- Careful monitoring of the cooking time ensures lobster is tender and not overcooked.
- Serving with lemon wedges and melted butter adds zest and richness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 146 kcal
- Sugar: 0.04 g
- Sodium: 342 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 0.1 g
- Fiber: 0.02 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 106 mg
