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Broiled Lobster Tails Recipe + How to Butterfly (VIDEO)

LOBSTAAA!! Broiled Lobster Tails are easier than you think and take only 10 minutes in the oven. Broiled lobster meat is crazy tender, juicy and every bite is bursting with fresh lemon butter flavor.

Watch the video tutorial and learn how to butterfly lobster tails and prepare some mouthwatering lobster.

Broiled lobster tails on platter

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That lemon butter lobster sauce is tantalizingly good. We used it on our most popular Baked Salmon Recipe that won the heart of the internet, and for good reason. Many of you have shared that it’s the only way you make salmon now (which makes my heart go pitter-pat). If you love lobster, I hope this becomes your new favorite way to make Lobster tails.

Broiled Lobster Tails Video:

Butterflying a lobster tail is a simple process and all you need are some good kitchen shears. You’ll be a pro in no time.

This is the best way to cook lobster tail. These look and taste like restaurant quality lobster tails. It is an elegant and romantic dinner idea (think Valentine’s Day!).

drizzling lobster butter over cooked lobster tail

Ingredients for Lobster Tails

  • Lobster tails – about 4 to 6 oz each (or larger).
  • Parsley – adds fresh flavor and color
  • Lemon juice – brightens up the lobster meat and pairs really well with seafood.
  • Dijon mustard – adds depth of flavor and makes these taste gourmet
  • Garlic – infuses into the butter so you’ll savor every bite
  • Olive oil and butter – form a rich dipping sauce for the lobster meat
Ingredients for broiled lobster tails with lobster, butter, lemon, garlic, parsley

How to Buy Lobster Tails:

Before a holiday, lobster tails tend to go on sale along with Crab Legs and Filet Mignon so keep an eye out for that at your local grocery store.

  • Cold Water vs. Warm Water Lobster – Look for cold water lobster tails that have whiter meat and have more tender meat because they are grown slowly in cold waters.
  • Avoid Discoloration – the lobster meat should not have black spots or discoloration. Also, avoid lobster tails that are grayish in color.

How to Thaw Lobster Tails:

If lobster tails are frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, or quick thaw by placing lobster tail in a plastic bag then in a bowl of cold water for 30-60 minutes, or until lobster is flexible and no longer frozen then drain well and pat dry with paper towels.

Tools you will need

  1. Kitchen Scissors – to cut through the shell.
  2. Casserole dish – any broiler-safe dish or skillet will work.
  3. Garlic press – makes the job easier, or you can finely mince.
  4. Saucepan – to heat pan drippings for sauce
  5. Thermometer – to ensure perfect doneness
Broiled lobster tails garnished with parsley

Broiling Time Chart for Lobster Tails

Make sure to broil lobster tails at least 6 inches away from the top heating element (the top of the lobster meat should be 6″ away) for the most even cooking and to prevent scorching. If using large lobster tails, it is a good idea to lower them even further away, about 8 inches away from the top heating element.

  • Small lobster tails (3 to 4 oz), broil 6 to 8 min
  • Medium lobster tail (5 to 6 oz), broil 10-11 min
  • Large lobsters tail (7 to 9 oz), broil 12-15 min

How to tell when Lobster Tails are Cooked?

Broil lobster meat until the meat is opaque (white) in the center and an instant-read thermometer reads 145˚F in the deepest part of the lobster meat.

Baked lobster tails on a platter

HUBBA HUBBA!! Is your mouth watering for Lobster Tail yet?

What to Serve with Lobster

Be sure to serve lobster tails with lemon wedges to squeeze over the cooked lobster meat and serve with that amazing dipping sauce. If you are rounding out your special occasion menu, serve with:

Broiled Lobster Tails Recipe + How to Butterfly Lobster (VIDEO)

5 from 61 votes
Author: Natasha Kravchuk
Broiled lobster meat is crazy tender, juicy and every bite is bursting with fresh lemon butter flavor. Don’t skip that garlic lemon butter to serve.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 4 lobster tails
  • 4 lobster tails, (about 4 to 6 oz each)
  • 1 Tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped, plus more to garnish
  • 2 garlic cloves, pressed or minced
  • 1 tsp dijon mustard
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 4 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided

Instructions

How to Butterfly Lobster Tails:

  • Place lobster tails shell-side up with the tail end away from you. Cut through the top of the shell Snipping through the shell and top portion of the meat as you go. Stop at the base of the tail.
  • Flip the tail over to the see-through side and crack the ribs using both thumbs down the center. This helps open the shell. Remove and discard the vein if you see one.
  • Carefully run your thumbs down the sides of the meat to loosen it from the shell (CAREFUL! Those shells can be sharp!). Lift the meat from the shell, keeping it attached at the base then press the shell together underneath and set the lobster meat back over the top, opening up the meat to butterfly the tails. Butterfly remaining tails and transfer to a casserole dish.

How to Make Broiled Lobster Tails:

  • Preheat oven to Broil on high heat with rack in the center of the oven. Place the rack so the top meaty portion of the lobster tails is about 6″ away from the top heating element.
  • In a small mixing bowl, combine the marinade ingredients: 1 Tbsp parsley, 2 pressed garlic cloves, 1 tsp dijon mustard, 1/4 tsp salt, pinch black pepper, 1 1/2 Tbsp lemon juice and 1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil. Stir to combine then spoon it all over the lobster tails. Dot the top of lobster tails with 2 Tbsp of butter.
  • Arrange lobsters in a rimmed oven-safe casserole and place under the preheated oven broiler to broil 10-11 minutes or according to the lobster tail size chart below. The finished lobster should be white and opaque in the center and register at least 145˚F on an instant read thermometer.

How to Make Lobster Dipping Sauce:

  • As soon as lobster tails come out of the oven, transfer to a serving platter. Pour drippings from the pan into a small saucepan over medium heat. Melt in 2 Tbsp butter and remove from heat just as soon as the mixture starts simmering. Spoon the lobster butter sauce over the tails and serve. You can also serve the sauce in ramekins on the side for dipping.

Notes

Broiling Times for Lobster Tails:
Smaller (3 to 4 oz) lobster tail 6 to 8 min
Medium (5 to 6 oz) lobster tail 10-11 min
Larger (7 to 9 oz) lobsters tail 12-15 min (with rack in middle of oven)
Broil lobster meat until opaque and white in center, or 145˚F.

Nutrition Per Serving

176kcal Calories1g Carbs10g Protein14g Fat6g Saturated Fat103mg Cholesterol429mg Sodium126mg Potassium345IU Vitamin A3.9mg Vitamin C58mg Calcium0.2mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Broiled Lobster Tails Recipe + How to Butterfly Lobster (VIDEO)
Amount per Serving
Calories
176
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
14
g
22
%
Saturated Fat
 
6
g
38
%
Cholesterol
 
103
mg
34
%
Sodium
 
429
mg
19
%
Potassium
 
126
mg
4
%
Carbohydrates
 
1
g
0
%
Protein
 
10
g
20
%
Vitamin A
 
345
IU
7
%
Vitamin C
 
3.9
mg
5
%
Calcium
 
58
mg
6
%
Iron
 
0.2
mg
1
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Dinner, How to, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: how to cook lobster tail, Lobster Tails
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $$$
Calories: 176
Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook

Natasha Kravchuk

Welcome to my kitchen! I am Natasha, the creator behind Natasha's Kitchen (established in 2009), and I share family-friendly, authentic recipes. I am a New York Times Best-Selling cookbook author and a trusted video personality in the culinary world. My husband, Vadim, and I run this blog together, ensuring every recipe we share is thoroughly tested and approved. Our mission is to provide you with delicious, reliable recipes you can count on. Thanks for stopping by! I am so happy you are here.

Read more posts by Natasha

5 from 61 votes (16 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Leah
    February 14, 2021

    I’ve never cooked lobster until today, for Valentine’s Day. I looked up your recipe and Natasha!! I’ve never had lobster so good anywhere, ever. I would have never thought to broil it and the topping. Oh my goodness. Thank you for what you do. I love following your videos. 😁

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      February 14, 2021

      Hi Leah, you are very welcome! Thank you so much for sharing your experience with this recipe, your comments and feedback makes me happy!

      Reply

  • Joan Kowalski
    February 14, 2021

    Just finished prepping my lobster for our Valentine’s Day dinner. Loved watching the video! It helps when you can watch someone else prepare the meal. We’ll be having fresh green beans and twice baked potatoes. Everything is ready for tonight! My granddaughter brought over some chocolate covered strawberries that she made. So we are all set for a wonderful meal and dessert!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      February 15, 2021

      Sounds like a wonderful plan. I hope you and your family will love every recipe that you tried!

      Reply

  • GrammaSue
    February 13, 2021

    Natasha ! We are making these today! (Early V-Day dinner). Your demonstration looks spot-on. We usually grill our lobster, but it’s like 4 degrees out today-so broiling them now. Our lobster’s are 8-10 ounces (yes! Big Boys) so we are broiling according to your scale given and temperature reading. Thanks so much & we love your website! Keep up the great work! xo

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 13, 2021

      I hope you love these! The perfect meal for this holiday!

      Reply

  • Mary Ann Murphy
    February 13, 2021

    Loved the lobster tail. I was always afraid to make them. You make cooking look so easy!
    Great job!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 13, 2021

      I’m glad you enjoyed this recipe, Mary Ann.

      Reply

  • nancy thurow
    February 13, 2021

    Thank you for showing how easy to put the lobster on top of the shell. I will be having tomorrow and I am sure delicious as are all your recipes.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 13, 2021

      You’re welcome, Nancy! I hope you all love this recipe.

      Reply

  • Ashley F.
    February 9, 2021

    Just made these over the weekend and they are SO good! Super easy and quick!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 9, 2021

      Don’t you love how easy this is?! I’m happy you enjoyed this recipe, Ashley!

      Reply

  • Natalie
    February 9, 2021

    My mouth is watering!! The lobster is the most tender & juicy ever!! Oh, and that sauce adds so much flavor!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      February 9, 2021

      Thank you for your kind words and good review, Natalie!

      Reply

  • Betsy
    February 9, 2021

    Wow! This is incredible! Such great flavor! I love how easy this is! you really took the scary away from cooking lobster! I’ve never wanted to before because I didn’t want to risk ruining such an expensive food! Thanks!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      February 9, 2021

      You are very welcome, Betsy. I’m glad this recipe was really useful for you! Thanks for your awesome feedback.

      Reply

  • Joan
    January 12, 2021

    can you recommend a vegatable quiche recipe

    Reply

  • Anita Switzer
    January 9, 2021

    I have an easy recipe for broiled lobster tails, yet I wanted to express appreciation for your fabulous video on how to cut open the top, then using both thumbs to break open each rib on the bottom, then flipping it back over to remove and discard the vein (if one is seen), then lifting up the lobster meat from the shell, keeping it attached at the base, pressing together the shell underneath and setting the lobster meat back over the top of the shell to open it up to butterfly the tails. SO helpful, Natasha! Many thanks to you!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 10, 2021

      You are so welcome, Anita. I’m glad that was so useful for you!

      Reply

  • Vereniz Beltran
    January 3, 2021

    Super delicious love this lobster recipe my whole family loved it will definitely make it again and I would definitely recommend people to make this recipe.

    Thank you for sharing this delicious recipe. 👍🏼

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 4, 2021

      I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us!

      Reply

  • Phung
    December 26, 2020

    I was a bit skeptical on the sauce as never used Dijon mustard for lobsters but fantastic and now my go to sauce for lobster tails. Made it for Xmas dinner, a keeper! Thanks Natasha!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 26, 2020

      That’s so great! It sounds like you have a new favorite!

      Reply

  • AdamA
    December 24, 2020

    My family stopped making lobster tails on Christmas Eve years ago because they were never very good – always tough, dry, gross. I decided to try this recipe to resuscitate the tradition and they were AMAZING! Loved by all. Thank you!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 24, 2020

      That’s so great! It sounds like you have a new favorite!

      Reply

  • Joseph
    December 20, 2020

    Hello again .most folks who don’t eat a lot of lobster in their life have not experienced great lobster …Tails available today in most grocery stores are from Canadian waters. Main lobster is a finer breed , and the tails from Australia. are really great and also Caribbean ,,,, they have no large claws , and a sweeter taste. this method for cooking is mainly for show try this recipe just try it ,,,,cut the thin or belly side only , tuck. a thick slice of salted butter under shell both sides top to bottom. wrap each tail in foil the seal on the belly side, at the end away from tail flipper it should extend couple inches so you can fold over before ya fold it over add another slice butter place in a 350 degree oven 15 min or so slide tray out open that last fold push your finger in it will be hot but not burn your finger when done. if not hot back in and go a few minutes. then remove from oven serve with a wild rice and spinach or chard Merry Christmas. ” Good Appetite “

    Reply

  • Kristine
    December 19, 2020

    Easy and impressive. Have made it couple times – never failed.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 19, 2020

      I’m so glad you enjoyed that, Kristine! Thank you for that wonderful review!

      Reply

  • Karyn
    December 19, 2020

    Making these for Christmas Eve for the first time. I will let you know how they come out! These look delicious. 😋

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 19, 2020

      I hope you love this recipe Karyn!

      Reply

  • Ellie
    December 4, 2020

    Delightful and delicious.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 4, 2020

      I’m so glad you enjoyed that, Ellie!

      Reply

  • Cheryl
    November 9, 2020

    Made the broiled lobster tails tonight. My first attempt with lobster tails. Recipe was super easy and fast! Boyfriend rated it 12 out of 10. lol
    Thanks for the recipe.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 9, 2020

      That’s so great! It sounds like you have a new favorite!

      Reply

    • DEB JUDISCH
      February 12, 2021

      Cheryl, I am 65 and your story made me smile due to my own fond memories. As they say, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, so I hope you really like him because I think HE has a keeper!! God bless, my dear! 😉

      Reply

  • Steve
    September 20, 2020

    Unbelievably fantastic!!! I made the butter sauce into a compound butter… it was that good. Thanks so much.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      September 20, 2020

      You are very welcome! I am happy to hear that you enjoyed this recipe together with the sauce.

      Reply

  • Sara
    June 21, 2020

    Do you have a recipe to grill lobster? Thank you!!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      June 21, 2020

      Hi Sara, I only have recipes for Broiled Lobster.

      Reply

    • Dottie
      June 30, 2020

      Natasha, I’m enjoying quite a few of your recipes. Lobster tails. Beef tenderloin, shrimp scampi to name a few. Oh the meatballs were delish also. Keep cooking!

      Reply

      • Natashas Kitchen
        June 30, 2020

        Thank you for that wonderful feedback Dottie! I’m so glad you enjoyed that!

        Reply

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