Quick Garlic Butter Lobster Tails Broiled in 10 Minutes Easy Recipe
A fast and flavorful recipe for broiled lobster tails with a simple garlic butter sauce, ready in just 10 minutes. Perfect for a quick seafood fix that feels like a special occasion.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 medium-sized lobster tails (about 4–6 oz each), fresh or thawed frozen
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh-squeezed lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Instructions
- Preheat your broiler on high and position the oven rack about 6 inches below the heat source (about 5 minutes).
- Using kitchen shears, cut down the top shell of each lobster tail lengthwise without cutting the meat. Gently pull apart the shell to expose the meat and rest it on top of the shell.
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to blend.
- Brush the exposed lobster meat generously with the garlic butter mixture, reserving a little for basting midway.
- Arrange the lobster tails meat side up on a broiler-safe baking dish or rimmed sheet pan, spaced evenly.
- Broil for 5 minutes with the oven door slightly open if possible, watching the lobster closely as the meat turns opaque and curls slightly.
- Brush the lobster meat again with the reserved garlic butter and continue broiling for another 4-5 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Check for doneness: the meat should be opaque, firm but juicy, and reach an internal temperature of about 140°F (60°C) if using a thermometer.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Notes
Keep a close eye during broiling to avoid overcooking, which makes lobster rubbery. Cutting the shell open is key for juicy meat and better butter penetration. Fresh garlic is preferred but jarred minced garlic works in a pinch. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil or vegan butter. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheated gently in a low oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 lobster tail
- Calories: 180
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 1
- Protein: 15
Keywords: lobster tails, garlic butter, broiled lobster, quick seafood recipe, easy lobster recipe, garlic butter lobster tails, broiled seafood, fast dinner, special occasion seafood