If you’re looking to impress with something quick, indulgent, and just plain delicious, you need to try my Broiled Lobster Tails with Herb Garlic Butter Recipe. This dish is all about that tender lobster meat bathed in a fragrant, buttery herb garlic blend, broiled to perfection. Trust me, when I first tried this technique, I was hooked — it’s elegant enough for a special occasion but easy enough for a weeknight treat. Keep reading, and I’ll share all my tips to help you nail it every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast and Foolproof: It takes less than 15 minutes to prep and cook, giving you lobster luxury without fuss.
- Burst of Flavor: The herb garlic butter adds a savory richness that perfectly complements the lobster’s sweetness.
- Visual Wow Factor: Lifting the meat onto the shell creates a stunning presentation that guests love.
- Versatile and Easy: You can dress it up or keep it simple, and adjust herbs or spices to your liking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Choosing the right ingredients is half the battle won here. I always recommend fresh lobster tails—whether cold or warm water sourced—and a homemade herb garlic butter that really elevates the dish. Simple additions like paprika and fresh lemon wedges bring subtle layers of flavor.
- Lobster tails: Opt for 12–14 ounce tails for a generous serving and even cooking.
- Herb and garlic butter: Fresh garlic and herbs like parsley blend beautifully in butter for maximum flavor.
- Sweet paprika: Adds a mild smokiness and gorgeous color when broiled.
- Lemon wedges: A squeeze of lemon brightens and balances the richness.
- Coarse salt and freshly cracked pepper: Season simply to enhance the natural lobster taste.
- Melted unsalted butter for serving: I like extra butter on the side for dipping.
- Optional minced fresh parsley or chives: A fresh garnish adds a lovely pop of color and aroma.
Variations
I love making this Broiled Lobster Tails with Herb Garlic Butter Recipe my own depending on the season or mood. Whether adding a little heat or switching up the herbs, there’s room to get creative without losing the core flavors.
- Spicy Kick: I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the butter — it gives a subtle warmth that my family adores.
- Different Herbs: Swap parsley for fresh tarragon or basil to change up the herbal notes, especially great in summer.
- Cooking Method: If you don’t have a broiler, you can use the grill for a slightly smoky twist, which I’ve tried successfully on warm weekend evenings.
- Dietary Tweaks: For a lighter version, reduce butter slightly and finish with a squeeze of extra lemon for brightness.
How to Make Broiled Lobster Tails with Herb Garlic Butter Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Lobster Tails for Perfect Broiling
First things first: get your lobster tails ready by loosening the meat from the shell. I find it easiest to gently squeeze the tails at the base—that little pinch helps the meat release when you cut along the shell. You can use kitchen shears or a sharp knife; I personally prefer a knife for more control, slicing down from the tail towards the body just until the shell halves but keeping the bottom intact. Then, pull the meat up and rest it right on top of the shell for that beautiful presentation. It’s a simple step but makes such a difference when you serve.
Step 2: Slather with Herb Garlic Butter and Season
Now, dollop about two tablespoons of your herb garlic butter over each tail, making sure it seeps into the crevices of the lobster meat. This is where all the magic happens—the butter keeps the lobster moist and infuses every bite with rich, herby goodness. Sprinkle a little sweet paprika over the top for color and a mild smoky note. Don’t forget a pinch of coarse salt and cracked pepper for that essential seasoning balance.
Step 3: Broil to Succulent Perfection
Place your lobster tails on a sheet tray spaced a few inches apart and slide them into your preheated broiler on the middle rack. Broil on high for 6 to 8 minutes—the timing depends on their size. Keep a close eye as you cook; you want the lobster edges to brown lightly without overcooking. The trick I learned is to watch for an internal temperature of about 135°F; that guarantees tender meat without dryness. Remove and let them rest for a minute or two to allow juices to settle.
Step 4: Serve with Lemon and Extra Butter
Serve immediately with plenty of lemon wedges and melted unsalted butter on the side for dipping. Adding fresh herbs like minced parsley or chives for garnish not only brightens the plate but also adds a subtle fresh aroma. This is comfort and elegance on a plate — every time.
Pro Tips for Making Broiled Lobster Tails with Herb Garlic Butter Recipe
- Don’t Skip the Rest: Letting the lobster rest post-broil helps retain juiciness, so be patient even if you’re eager to eat.
- Watch Your Heat: Broilers vary wildly, so stay close during cooking to avoid burning the butter or drying the meat.
- Use Fresh Garlic: I find fresh garlic in the butter makes a huge flavor difference compared to pre-minced or powdered options.
- Shell Handling: Be gentle when lifting meat onto the shell—too rough can crack it and ruin the presentation.
How to Serve Broiled Lobster Tails with Herb Garlic Butter Recipe
Garnishes
I usually stick with a simple sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives for that pretty green pop of color and slight herbal lift. Sometimes, I add a quick zest of lemon on top for extra brightness that guests always notice and appreciate.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides with these lobster tails? Garlic roasted asparagus or a crisp mixed greens salad with a citrus vinaigrette. Occasionally, I’ll serve buttery mashed potatoes or even a light quinoa pilaf — something to soak up that rich herb garlic butter.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I love plating these lobster tails on a bed of sea salt or crushed ice with edible flowers and microgreens garnishing the edges. It makes the dish feel like a real event centerpiece and always wows my dinner guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover lobster tails wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for 1 to 2 days but are best enjoyed fresh. Reheating is gentle to avoid rubbery meat.
Freezing
While I prefer fresh for this recipe, you can freeze cooked lobster tails wrapped well in foil and placed in a freezer bag. They’ll keep up to 2 months, but the texture may slightly change when frozen.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the lobster tails in a low oven (around 275°F) covered loosely with foil for 10-15 minutes. Adding a little melted butter before reheating helps keep the meat moist. Avoid microwaving to prevent toughness.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen lobster tails for this Broiled Lobster Tails with Herb Garlic Butter Recipe?
Yes! Frozen lobster tails work perfectly well. Just make sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight before broiling. This ensures even cooking and the best texture.
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How do I know when lobster tails are done?
The internal temperature should reach around 135°F, and the meat will be opaque and firm to the touch but still tender. Overcooking makes the lobster tough, so keep a close eye when broiling.
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Can I prepare the herb garlic butter ahead of time?
Absolutely! Making the butter mixture a day in advance lets the flavors meld beautifully. Just store it in a covered container in the fridge and bring it to room temperature before using.
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What herbs work best in the garlic butter?
Fresh parsley is classic, but I also love tarragon, chives, or even a little dill. Choose herbs based on what you have on hand or your personal preference to customize your flavor.
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Is broiling better than grilling for lobster tails?
Both methods work well! Broiling is great for convenience and more even heat, especially indoors. Grilling adds a smoky flavor and is perfect if you want a charred finish — I recommend trying both to see what you prefer.
Final Thoughts
I’m so excited for you to try this Broiled Lobster Tails with Herb Garlic Butter Recipe—it’s been a game-changer in my kitchen because it’s fast, reliable, and downright scrumptious. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just want to treat yourself midweek, this recipe delivers all those buttery, garlicky flavors with an impressive presentation. Give it a go and see how it becomes your new favorite seafood indulgence!
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Broiled Lobster Tails with Herb Garlic Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Broiled Lobster Tail recipe features succulent lobster tails bathed in a rich herb and garlic butter, broiled to perfection with a lightly browned, tender finish. Quick and elegant, it’s perfect for a special appetizer or a luxurious main course, served with lemon wedges and optional melted butter for extra flavor.
Ingredients
Lobster Tails
- 3 lobster tails (12-14 ounces each), cold or warm-water
Herb and Garlic Butter
- 6 tablespoons herb and garlic butter
- Melted unsalted butter for serving
Seasonings and Garnishes
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- Coarse salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges
- Optional: minced fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Broiler: Set your oven broiler to high and allow it to fully preheat so the lobster tails will cook evenly and develop a nice browned edge.
- Prepare the Lobster Tails: Squeeze the bottom part of each lobster tail shell to help release the meat easily. Use kitchen shears or a knife to carefully cut down the top of the shell from the open end towards the tail tip, stopping before the tail fin.
- Expose the Meat: Gently pull the lobster meat out and lift it above the shell, laying it on top for a beautiful presentation. Place the prepared tails on a sheet tray, spaced a few inches apart.
- Add Butter and Seasoning: Dollop about 2 tablespoons of herb and garlic butter on each lobster tail meat, sprinkle with sweet paprika, and season with coarse salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste.
- Broil the Lobster: Position the tray on the middle oven rack and broil the lobster tails for 6 to 8 minutes, depending on size, until the edges brown nicely and the internal temperature reaches 135°F. This ensures the meat stays tender and juicy.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the lobster tails rest for 1 to 2 minutes. Serve on a platter with plenty of lemon wedges and optional melted unsalted butter for dipping. Garnish with minced parsley or chives if desired.
Notes
- This dish shines for its simplicity and quick cooking, creating a luxurious yet easy-to-make seafood treat.
- You can serve the broiled lobster tails as an elegant appetizer or as the star main dish of a special meal.
- Make sure not to overcook the lobster as it can become tough; an internal temperature of 135°F is ideal for tender meat.
- Using warm-water lobster tails helps reduce defrosting time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 146 kcal
- Sugar: 0.04 g
- Sodium: 342 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 0.1 g
- Fiber: 0.02 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 106 mg
