Broiled lobster tail is a decadent, impressive, but easy-to-make dinner. The preparation isn’t difficult, and this meal can be made at home for a fraction of the cost of eating out.
Broiled lobster tail is not a budget meal. Not even a once-a-week meal, at least for us.
We eat out about once a month, so I never feel guilty when I want to splurge on something like broiled lobster tail. I actually bought 3 for $15 the day before Valentine’s Day this year.
This is a special occasion meal…anniversary, birthday, graduation, promotion, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day. There are a lot of reasons to celebrate during the year!
(This was originally posted on February 19th, 2014. As an Amazon Affiliate I earn commission on qualifying purchases.)
When you think about the cost in the grand scheme of things, a trip to a pretty basic chain restaurant can run you $70+ for a pretty run-of-the-mill meal for a family of four. Why not spend a third of that and get a really special meal every once in a while?
What’s the best way to cook lobster?
The best way to cook lobster is quickly! As with all seafood, you definitely don’t want to overcook it! That’s why I love this broiled lobster tail recipe. The lobster cooks quickly and is easy to prepare.
How much lobster should you figure per person?
Lobster is a very rich dish. The lobster tails as pictured average between 4 1/2 and 5 1/2 ounces each. With the clarified butter, some veggies and/or rice, and you’ve got a complete meal. You can certainly buy larger tails with more meat for bigger appetites or pair a smaller tail with a steak.
How long should you broil lobster tail?
Lobster takes almost no time at all to prepare and broil. By the time the broiler has reached the proper temperature, you can have the tails butterflied, seasoned and ready to go. For a four ounce lobster tail, figure on about 7 minutes. For larger tails add another minute or two.
How can you tell when lobster is done?
When the lobster becomes opaque and somewhat firm to the touch, it is done. Plan on 7-10 minutes for lobster tails between 4 and 8 ounces.
Why is my lobster mushy?
Mushy lobster is not a sign of over or undercooked meat. Mushy lobster will most likely be a result of the purveyor freezing, defrosting and then refreezing the fish. This is why it’s important to find a quality fishmonger if you are not able to find fresh lobster. You can read more about diagnosing cheap lobster here.
How to butterfly lobster tail
This method is also called “butterflying”. This classic preparation uses the shell as a natural broiling rack.
First, cut the shell almost through to the tail with sharp cooking shears.
Lift the lobster meat out of the shell, keeping the bottom connected to the shell and rest it on back on the shell.
Season with melted, clarified butter, kosher salt, white pepper and paprika.
I prefer to keep my seasonings simple, to let the flavor of the lobster shine through.
Preheat broiler. Place lobster tails on a baking sheet about two thirds down from heating element. Broil 7-10 minutes, depending on the size of the lobster, or until meat is opaque and cooked through.
Serve the broiled lobster tail with more melted, clarified butter…and maybe a steak for a decadent and delicious low-carb and keto friendly meal. Using clarified butter makes it Whole30 compliant as well!
What do you serve with broiled lobster tail?
Rice and seafood is a classic combination. This Golden Rice Pilaf is a family favorite.
If you’re following a low-carb lifestyle, you can opt for Grilled Vegetables with Lemon-Thyme Butter . The veggies make great leftovers too.
Grilled Vegetables with Lemon Thyme Butter.
Looking for another lobster dish? How about Dublin Lawyer? A creamy Irish preparation from Donal Skehan.
Broiled Lobster Tail
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb lobster tails 4, between 4 and 6 ounces each
- Kosher salt
- white pepper
- paprika either smoked or sweet
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat broiler to 450.
- Using sharp kitchen shears, cut shell from top to tail, leaving tail intact.
- Carefully lift the entire lobster out of the shell, keeping the tail meat intact. Close shell and rest meat on the closed shell.
- For each lobster tail, season liberally with kosher salt, white pepper and paprika. Brush with butter.
- Place on baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
- Broil just until meat turns pink, about 7-10 minutes, depending on size
Notes
- Figure on 4-6 ounces of cleaned and trimmed lobster tail per person.
- Clarified butter can be made ahead and reheated just before serving.
- Lobster is done when the meat is opaque and slightly firm to the touch.Â
- Nutritional value is based on weight with shell.
Edyineth Melgarejo says
This looks so delicious! I will be making this recipe soon!
Just Juan says
This is a really informative post. I really appreciated learning more about preparing lobster tails. Though I’m not a fan, I’ve long been intrigued by them…especially the presentation. I always tell myself that I’ll try just about any food once. Maybe I’ll given them a try in 2022.
Edna says
Made this last night. It came out so good. Thank you Cynthia for sharing.
Amy says
Such a beautiful meal and perfect for a Valentine’s day dinner!
Cynthia says
Thank you Amy!
Andrea says
Oh do these lobster tails look like perfection! Yummy!
colleen says
I adore lobster, but I’ve never cooked it at home. It looks so easy and what a perfect idea for a date night in. Thanks for sharing.
Kris says
I made this for family and they really loved the smokiness the paprika added. Thank you for another fabulous recipe! 🙂
Lisa says
So delish! Lobster is my favorite and this is a great way to cook it!
Julie says
Thanks for this easy tutorial! It comes out perfect every time!
Mona says
Wow, that looks delicious!
Cynthia says
Thanks!
Oscar Armstrong says
Amazing post it was. I am going to share it with my friends and family. Thanks for sharing it!
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