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.
- Nutritional value is based on weight with shell.
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.
Donald the taco master says
Kinda how i do it. I just use a little olive oil before seasons.
Dan "Jay" Reyes says
This looks appetizing, although I no longer eat lobster anymore.
Cynthia says
why don’t you eat lobster anymore?
Cristina Petrini says
Such a precious ingredient must be cooked in the best way and what else to say, your suggestions will help me not to make mistakes.
Cynthia says
you’re right! This is a pretty easy and fool proof recipe!
Mosaic Artwork says
I am literally drooling! This looks sooooo good!!! I can’t wait to try out your recipe, can’t wait.
Cynthia says
Thank you! I know a lot of people will be dining in this year!
Yeah Lifestyle says
This looks absolutely delicious! I have never cooked lobster tail before but your instructions are so clear, so this is something I would love to try to make myself
Cynthia says
Oh, thank you! I hope you make it soon!
Melissa Cushing says
I am loving this fabulous recipe and I am so making some broiled Lobster Tails! Thank you for sharing as it is hard to find a good recipe and easy to screw lobster up 🙂 I will be pinning this one too!
Cynthia says
Yes, it’s an expensive dish…This is a pretty easy recipe!
Cynthia says
Thank you Melissa! It’s a fairly simple recipe!
Indrani says
Very well presented with pictures. Those detailed steps are extremely helpful.
Thena Franssen says
I think I’ve just found my New Years Eve recipe! I love how simple it is and lobster is one of my favorite foods to eat!
Marysa says
I have never had this dish before. Sounds easy enough to make and would be good for when we have company over.
Catherine says
My mouth is watering! It’s been a while since I’ve prepared lobster tails…they look perfect!