You can make perfectly grilled lobster tails in less than 10 minutes! They taste great and save you a lot of money if you do it yourself. This is the BEST recipe for grilled lobster tails you will ever make!
Our tradition for New Year’s Eve is to cook some kind of seafood, drink a lot of wine, and play games with our family while we ring in the new year.
Lobster used to be kind of intimidating for me to cook. I was so afraid of under or over cooking it. I bought these when they were on sale a few years ago to use for practice, and I think I’ve gotten better at it over the years!
They are actually pretty simple to make, and can be an affordable gourmet meal when made at home. They are perfect for date nights at home, or special holiday get togethers.
The holiday season is a great time to buy Lobster Tails because they are usually on sale. Right now they are priced at $5 for a 6oz Lobster Tail at my local grocery store. (This post was originally published in 2016 and has since been updated in 2022).
Lobster tails are a delicious and indulgent meal that can feel intimidating for home cooks However, broiling lobster tails is actually quite simple and chances are you’ll make them better than most restaurants! With just a few ingredients and tools, you’ll be enjoying tender, flaky, succulent lobster from your own kitchen
Overview of Broiling Lobster Tails
Broiling is a fast and easy cooking method that involves exposing food to direct radiant heat. When broiling lobster tails, the high heat quickly cooks the outside while gently heating the interior. This results in a nice char while keeping the inner lobster moist and tender.
The process involves just a few steps:
- Prep the lobster tails by thawing, rinsing, and splitting open lengthwise
- Brush the meat with butter and seasonings
- Broil 4-6 inches from heat for 5-8 minutes
- Remove, squeeze lemon, and enjoy!
When done properly the lobster will have a lightly charred exterior while the meat is opaque and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook as this can make the lobster rubbery.
Necessary Ingredients & Equipment
Broiling lobster tails requires just a few simple ingredients:
- Lobster tails – use cold water lobster if possible
- Melted butter – use a high quality butter like grass-fed
- Minced garlic – fresh is best but garlic powder works too
- Lemon juice – enhances flavor and tenderizes meat
Equipment:
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil
- Kitchen shears or sharp knife
- Basting brush
- Meat thermometer (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for perfect broiled lobster tails every time:
1. Prep the lobster tails
- Thaw frozen lobster tails overnight in the refrigerator if using frozen
- Rinse tails under cold water and pat dry
- Using kitchen shears or a sharp knife, cut lengthwise through the top shell from end to end
- Carefully loosen meat from bottom shell and upper shell
- Pull meat towards slit to expose it fully
- Leave tail meat attached at base
- Set lobster tails shell-side up on baking sheet
2. Make garlic butter
- Melt 2 tbsp butter in a small bowl
- Add 1 tbsp minced garlic (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
- Stir to combine
3. Brush and broil
- Use a basting brush to coat lobster meat with garlic butter
- Broil 4-6 inches from heat for 5-8 minutes
- Cook time varies based on size – aim for 1 minute per ounce
- Meat should be opaque and firm when finished
- For added flavor, you can sprinkle with lemon pepper or other seasonings before broiling
4. Finish and serve
- Remove baking sheet from oven
- Give each tail a squeeze of lemon juice
- Enjoy immediately while hot
Helpful Tips
- Choose an oven-safe baking sheet and line with foil for easy cleanup
- Watch carefully to avoid overcooking
- Use a thermometer and remove tails when internal temp reaches 140°F
- Add a dash of paprika or cajun seasoning to the butter for extra flavor
- Refrigerate extra butter to use for dipping while eating
- Serve with lemon wedges, butter, and optional sides like asparagus
Common Questions
What size lobster tails should I use?
- 6-8 oz tails are common, but you can broil any size using 1 minute per ounce as a general guide.
Can I prepare them in advance?
- It’s best to cook lobster tails right before serving. You can prep the ingredients ahead but don’t broil until ready to eat.
What if my lobster meat is mushy?
- This likely means it was undercooked. Make sure to broil for the full cooking time according to the size of your tails.
How do I reheat leftover lobster?
- Wrap in foil with a tablespoon of butter and reheat at 325°F for 5 minutes until warmed through.
Make This Simple Recipe Tonight
Broiled lobster tails make an elegant, impressive meal, but follow this easy method and you’ll see just how doable it is to make at home. The preparation is quick, it uses minimal ingredients, and the broiling cooks the lobster to tender perfection. For buttery, restaurant-quality results, give this recipe a try soon!
How to Butterfly a Lobster Tail
To prepare these beauties, thaw and rinse Lobster Tails.
With a Heavy Duty Kitchen Shears cut the round top side of the Lobster Tails lengthwise.
Start cutting with the bottom blade just under the shell. It’s okay if you cut a little into the meat.
Proceed the cut down the center all the way to the base of the tale.
Grab each side of the shell and gently pry away the shell away from the meat.
Carefully push the lobster tail meat out through the cutout. Place the meat on top of the shell, leaving the end attached to the shell.
How long to broil Lobster Tails
When you put the lobster tails on the oven rack, make sure they are about 4 to 5 inches away from the broiler. Broil on high. Broil for 6 minutes until meat is firm and opaque.
Cooking times depend on how big your lobster tail is, so keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn! Each ounce of lobster tail takes about one minute to cook. So a 6 ounce lobster tail takes about 6 minutes.
I recommend keeping a digital thermometer on hand. They are done when the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees.
Do NOT over cook lobster, it will be tough, chewy and will not taste as good.