Description
Get ready to impress your dinner guests or treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal with this foolproof method for perfectly broiled lobster tails. In just 20 minutes, you’ll be savoring tender, juicy lobster meat with a lightly charred, garlic butter finish that will have your taste buds singing.
This dish may look fancy, but don’t let that intimidate you. With a few simple techniques and a watchful eye, you’ll be able to achieve broiled lobster perfection every single time. So, let’s grab our aprons, preheat the broiler, and get ready to unleash your inner seafood chef!
Ingredients
- 4 lobster tails (fresh or thawed if frozen)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp paprika (for color)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the broiler: Set your oven to broil on high and position the rack about 6 inches from the heat source. This distance allows the lobster tails to cook evenly and develop a gorgeous golden-brown finish.
- Prepare the lobster tails:
- Using a pair of sharp kitchen scissors, carefully cut through the top shell of each lobster tail, starting from the open end and cutting down towards the tip.
- Gently separate the two sides of the shell, exposing the lobster meat inside.
- Using your fingers, carefully lift the lobster meat out of the shell, keeping it attached at the base.
- Place the lobster meat on top of the shell, pressing it down gently to flatten it out.
- Using a pair of sharp kitchen scissors, carefully cut through the top shell of each lobster tail, starting from the open end and cutting down towards the tip.
- Make the garlic butter mixture: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk until well combined.
- Brush the lobster tails: Using a pastry brush or a spoon, generously baste each lobster tail with the garlic butter mixture, making sure to coat the meat evenly.
Be sure to reserve some of the butter for basting during the broiling process.
- Broil the lobster tails: Place the prepared lobster tails on a baking sheet and slide them under the broiler. Cook for 8-10 minutes, keeping a close eye on them to prevent overcooking.
Halfway through cooking, baste the lobster tails with the remaining garlic butter mixture. The lobster meat should be opaque and slightly golden when done.
- Serve and enjoy: Remove the lobster tails from the oven and transfer them to serving plates. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately with extra melted butter and lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
- Don’t overcook: Lobster meat can quickly become tough and rubbery if broiled for too long. Keep a close eye on your tails and remove them from the heat as soon as they’re done.
- For extra flavor: Sprinkle a bit of grated Parmesan cheese over the lobster tails before broiling for an extra burst of savory goodness.
- Want a smoky touch? Swap out regular paprika for smoked paprika to add a subtle, smoky depth to the dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Seafood