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.
OK, this 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 $12 the day before Valentine’s Day. 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!
When you think about the cost in the grand scheme of things, a trip to a pretty basic chain restaurant can run you $60+ for a 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?
Broiled lobster tail takes just minutes to prepare and cook. The shell makes a perfect cooking rack.
Cut the shell almost through to the tail with sharp cooking shears.
Lift the lobster meat out of the shell and rest it on the shell.
kosher salt, white pepper and paprika.
Preheat broiler. Place lobster tails on a baking sheet. Broil 5-7 minutes or until meat is opaque and cooked through.
Serve the broiled lobster tail with more melted, clarified butter…and maybe a steak?
For dessert, how about Meringue Hearts with Fresh Whipped Cream?

- 1 lobster tail per person
- Kosher salt
- White pepper
- Paprika either smoked or sweet
- Melted butter
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Preheat broiler to 450.
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Using sharp kitchen shears, cut shell from top to tail, leaving tail intact.
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Carefully lift the entire lobster out of the shell, keeping the tail meat intact. Close shell and rest meat on the closed shell.
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For each lobster tail, season liberally with kosher salt, white pepper and paprika. Brush with butter.
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Place on baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
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Broil just until meat turns pink, about 7-10 minutes
DessertForTwo says
This is beautiful! I wish I stocked up when lobster was on sale for Valentine’s Day! Our first wedding anniversary is this weekend, so maybe I’ll cook lobster? Thanks for the inspiration 🙂
Cynthia says
Hey! a first anniversary is a reason to celebrate!!! Have fun!
Debi says
Love this easy tutorial! I haven’t had lobster in a while. Throwing a hint around for Mother’s Day!
Cynthia says
Debi, why not? If you got to some cheesy Mother’s Day brunch, it can run upwards of $75 per person!
Katerina says
I love, love lobster and this easy and yummy recipe is bookmarked!
Cynthia says
Aww, thanks Katerina!
Aunt Bee says
Gorgeous photos! What a wonderful post! <3
Cynthia says
Thank you Brandi! You’re a doll!
Charlotte Culpepper says
Why didn’t I check with you when Tyler wanted to cook lobster tails? love your recipe.
Cynthia says
haha, Charlotte! He’s got expensive taste!
KC the Kitchen Chopper says
Cynthia, I love this recipe and the tutorial that goes with. I’m always looking for ways to use Smoked Paprika. YUM. Hope to see this at #theWeekendSocial , Please! http://www.theKitchenChopper.com Tonight 9:00 PM EST 🙂
Christina says
I adore lobster, but have never actually made lobster tails. SO bloomin’ simple, it’s got to be on my upcoming menu…the holidays aren’t over yet! Great pics, too!
christina says
Made them tonight! How fun they are to cook this way! 🙂
Cynthia says
awesome! They’re a nice treat!
allie @ Through Her Looking Glass says
I can’t believe what an easy meal this is Cynthia! Gorgeous pesentation!!! This New England girls says thumbs up.
Ramona W says
Wonderful tutorial! I have never made lobster tail… so this is definitely something that makes me understand how to do it. I know my family would love this meal. 🙂
Melissa @ Treats With a Twist says
I’ve never tackled fresh lobster because I’ve always needed a real how-to! This is awesome.
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
Gorgeous! I can’t believe the great deal you got on these! What a lovely way to make a meal super special!
Leslie says
Your presentation is beautiful, and the cook is perfect! There is a real skill in not overcooking lobster.
Cynthia says
thank you!
Amy @ Little Dairy on the Prairie says
What a great dinner to show someone how much you love them!
Cynthia says
Not the cheapest meal, but when you consider how expensive going out is, it’s a bargain!
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says
WOW – that’s such a great deal you got on lobster tails! Every once in a while, I can find them for 2 for $10 at our stores. This recipe looks so perfect for a fancy night in. Thanks!
Cynthia says
It seems like they go on sale right around Valentine’s Day.
Jessica Robinson says
We grew up in New England! So lobster was relatively affordable. Being in North Carolina now, it’s super expensive. But, well worth the price a few times of year for lobster tail! Looks so delicious!
Cynthia says
especially when you compare it to going out!
Cynthia says
I can’t even imagine how much lobster and crab you must have eaten in New England! I would have thought NC would be as cheap.