Easy Broiled Lobster Tail

Broiled lobster tail is a decadent, impressive, yet easy-to-make dinner. While it’s not a budget meal, it can be made at home for a fraction of the cost of eating out. For your next special occasion, here’s the best recipe for broiled lobster tails.

How Do You Broil Fresh Lobster Tails?

The best way to cook lobster is quickly! As with all seafood, you definitely don’t want to overcook it. Here’s how to broil a lobster tail. 

The method I use to broil lobster is 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. Rest the meat on the back of 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 your broiler and place the lobster tails on a baking sheet about two thirds down from the heating element. Broil 7-10 minutes, depending on the size of the lobster, or until meat is opaque and cooked through. 

FAQs About Cooking Lobster Tail

Broiled lobster tail 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!

And when you consider that a visit to a pretty basic chain restaurant can run you $100+ for an ordinary meal for a family of four, why not spend a third of that and make this really special meal at home?

How much lobster should you buy 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 and some veggies and/or rice, 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 does it take to broil a 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. 

When determining how long to broil lobster tail, figure about 7 minutes for a four-ounce tail. For larger tails, add another minute or two.

You’ll know the lobster is done when the meat becomes opaque and somewhat firm to the touch. 

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 do you butterfly lobster tail?

Butterflying a lobster tail is a culinary technique that allows the lobster meat to cook evenly and absorb flavors while creating an impressive presentation. 

To butterfly a lobster tail, begin by using kitchen shears to cut along the top of the shell, starting from the open end and moving towards the tail. Make sure not to cut through the tail completely; you want to leave the bottom shell intact. 

Gently lift the meat from the shell and lay it on top. Cook with the meat side up. 

What to Serve With Lobster Tails

Now that you know how to broil a lobster tail, serve it with more melted, clarified butter and a side dish. Using clarified butter makes it Whole30 compliant as well!

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.

You could also add a steak for a decadent, delicious, low-carb and keto-friendly meal.

Looking for another lobster dish? How about Dublin Lawyer? A creamy Irish preparation from Donal Skehan.

Broiled Lobster Tail

Cynthia

This easy broiled lobster tail uses the shell as a broiling “rack”.

5 from 68 votes

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Prep Time 8 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Seafood

Cuisine Seafood

Servings 4 servings

Calories 240 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 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. 
• Nutritional value is based on weight with shell.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 240kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 8gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 121mgSodium: 205mgPotassium: 102mgSugar: 1gVitamin A: 711IUCalcium: 47mgIron: 1mg

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