Fast & Easy Broiled Lobster Tails Recipe

Introduction

Enjoy a quick and impressive seafood dish with this fast and easy lobster tail recipe. Bursting with buttery, garlicky flavor and a hint of smoky spice, these lobster tails are perfect for a special dinner at home without the fuss.

Ingredients

• 4 lobster tails (10 oz each, or adjust cooking time for other sizes)
• 1/4 cup salted butter (melted; 1/2 stick)
• 2 cloves garlic (crushed)
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: If using frozen lobster tails, thaw them overnight in the fridge or place them in a sealed bag submerged in cold water on the counter for about 30 minutes.
2. Step 2: Preheat your oven to Broil at 500°F (260°C). Adjust the oven rack so the lobster tails on a baking sheet will be 4 to 5 inches from the broiler element.
3. Step 3: Butterfly the lobster tails by cutting down the center of the shell lengthwise with kitchen shears, starting at the opposite end from the tail fins. Cut through only the top shell without cutting the bottom. Gently spread the shell open, pull the meat upward while keeping the end attached to the tail fin, then rest the meat on top of the shell. Place the prepared tails on a baking sheet.
4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, crushed garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Brush this mixture generously over the lobster meat.
5. Step 5: Broil the lobster tails until the meat turns opaque and lightly browned. Cook about 1 minute per ounce of tail; for example, 10 minutes for 10-ounce tails or 5 minutes for 5-ounce tails.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add chopped fresh parsley or a squeeze of fresh lemon over the cooked lobster before serving.
• If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika or a pinch of chili powder can be used instead.
• Try grilling the lobster tails instead of broiling for a smoky char.

Storage

Store any leftover cooked lobster tails in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or steam them briefly to prevent overcooking and drying out the meat.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I cook frozen lobster tails directly without thawing?

It’s best to thaw lobster tails before cooking to ensure even cooking and better texture. Cooking them frozen may result in uneven doneness.

How do I know when lobster tails are fully cooked?

Cooked lobster meat turns opaque white and is firm to the touch. Broiling about 1 minute per ounce of tail typically ensures perfect doneness.

Fast & Easy Broiled Lobster Tails Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 63 reviews

This fast and easy Lobster Tail recipe features succulent lobster tails broiled to perfection with a flavorful garlic, lemon, and smoked paprika butter sauce. Perfect for an elegant yet quick seafood meal that brings restaurant-quality lobster right to your table.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Seafood
• Method: Broiling
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Lobster Tails

• 4 lobster tails (10 oz each, or adjust cooking time for other sizes)

Butter Sauce

• 1/4 cup salted butter (melted; 1/2 stick)
• 2 cloves garlic (crushed)
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper

Instructions

1. Thaw the Lobster Tails: If frozen, thaw the lobster tails overnight in the refrigerator or place them sealed in a plastic bag submerged in cold water on the counter for about 30 minutes until thawed.
2. Preheat the Broiler: Set your oven to broil at 500°F (260°C) and adjust the oven rack to position the lobster tails 4 to 5 inches from the broiler element for optimal cooking.
3. Butterfly the Lobster Tails: Using kitchen shears, cut lengthwise down the center of the lobster shell starting opposite the tail fins, cutting through only the top shell. Gently spread open the shell and lift the meat upwards, leaving it attached at the tail end. Press the shell together underneath and place the lobster meat on top of the shell on a baking sheet.
4. Prepare the Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, crushed garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
5. Brush and Broil: Brush the butter mixture generously over the lobster meat. Broil the lobster tails until the meat becomes opaque and lightly browned, approximately 1 minute per ounce. For example, broil 10-ounce tails for about 10 minutes.

Notes

• Ensure the lobster tails are properly thawed before cooking to ensure even broiling.
• Adjust broiling time according to the weight of the lobster tails for best results.
• Use kitchen shears carefully to avoid cutting through the bottom shell.
• Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
• Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley or a squeeze of extra lemon juice before serving.

Keywords: lobster tail, broiled lobster, seafood recipe, easy lobster, quick lobster tail