This Lobster Tail Recipe is elegant, buttery, and surprisingly easy to make at home. With tender lobster meat broiled to perfection and topped with garlic lemon butter, this dish feels restaurant-quality but takes less than 20 minutes to cook. Perfect for special occasions, holidays, or an impressive dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and beginner-friendly
- Ready in under 20 minutes
- Rich garlic lemon butter flavor
- Perfect for holidays or date nights
- Naturally gluten-free and halal-friendly
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 4 lobster tails (5–6 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped, plus more for garnish
- 2 garlic cloves, pressed
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ⅛ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1½ tablespoons olive oil
- 1½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
Instructions
How to Prepare / Butterfly Lobster Tails
Cut the Shell
Use kitchen scissors to cut through the top shell of the lobster tail, stopping at the base. Snip through the top portion of the meat as you go.
Crack the Ribs
Flip the tail over and gently crack the center ribs on the underside. This helps the shell open more easily.
Butterfly
Carefully open the shell and loosen the meat from the shell while keeping it attached at the base. Remove any visible vein. Lift the meat over the shell and rest it on top so most of the meat sits above the shell.
How to Make Broiled Lobster Tails
Prep
Place the oven rack in the upper third or center of the oven so the lobster tops will be at least 6 inches from the heating element. Preheat oven to broil on high.
Make the Garlic Marinade
In a small bowl, mix together parsley, garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, olive oil, and lemon juice.
Arrange
Place butterflied lobster tails in a 9×13-inch roasting pan. Divide the marinade evenly over the tops. Dot each lobster tail with ½ tablespoon of butter, cut into small pieces.
Broil
Broil on high heat for 10–11 minutes (adjust depending on size). Lobster meat should turn opaque white and register 145°F on an instant-read thermometer.
Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with fresh parsley.
Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce
Drain drippings from the roasting pan into a small saucepan. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter and bring to a gentle simmer. Remove from heat and pour over lobster tails or serve as a dipping sauce.
Tips & Tricks
- Do not overcook—lobster becomes rubbery quickly
- Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor
- Smaller lobster tails cook faster
- A meat thermometer ensures perfect doneness
Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10–11 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Dish
Method: Broiled
Cuisine: American / Seafood
Difficulty: Easy
Notes
Serve this lobster tail recipe with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the garlic butter sauce.
Nutrition (Approximate per Serving)
Calories: 320
Protein: 28 g
Carbohydrates: 2 g
Fat: 22 g
FAQ
How do I know when lobster is done?
The meat should be opaque white and reach 145°F internally.
Can I grill lobster tails instead?
Yes, grill flesh-side up over medium heat for 8–10 minutes.
Can I prepare lobster ahead of time?
You can butterfly them in advance and refrigerate until ready to cook.
Why butterfly lobster tails?
It ensures even cooking and beautiful presentation.
Can I freeze cooked lobster?
Yes, but texture is best when enjoyed fresh.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking.
Similar Recipes
Lobster Tail Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 lobster tails 5–6 oz each
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley finely chopped, plus more for garnish
- 2 garlic cloves pressed
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ⅛ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1½ tablespoons olive oil
- 1½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
Instructions
How to Prepare / Butterfly Lobster Tails
- Cut the Shell
- Use kitchen scissors to cut through the top shell of the lobster tail, stopping at the base. Snip through the top portion of the meat as you go.
- Crack the Ribs
- Flip the tail over and gently crack the center ribs on the underside. This helps the shell open more easily.
- Butterfly
- Carefully open the shell and loosen the meat from the shell while keeping it attached at the base. Remove any visible vein. Lift the meat over the shell and rest it on top so most of the meat sits above the shell.
How to Make Broiled Lobster Tails
- Prep
- Place the oven rack in the upper third or center of the oven so the lobster tops will be at least 6 inches from the heating element. Preheat oven to broil on high.
- Make the Garlic Marinade
- In a small bowl, mix together parsley, garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, olive oil, and lemon juice.
- Arrange
- Place butterflied lobster tails in a 9×13-inch roasting pan. Divide the marinade evenly over the tops. Dot each lobster tail with ½ tablespoon of butter, cut into small pieces.
- Broil
- Broil on high heat for 10–11 minutes (adjust depending on size). Lobster meat should turn opaque white and register 145°F on an instant-read thermometer.
- Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with fresh parsley.
Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce
- Drain drippings from the roasting pan into a small saucepan. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter and bring to a gentle simmer. Remove from heat and pour over lobster tails or serve as a dipping sauce.
Notes
Conclusion
This Lobster Tail Recipe is buttery, tender, and full of bright garlic lemon flavor. Whether for a celebration or a special dinner at home, it’s a simple yet impressive seafood dish you’ll love making again and again.