Lobster Tail Recipe (with Video)

Learn how to cook a restaurant-quality succulent Lobster Tail with tender and juicy results every time. I’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from butterflying the lobster tail to making the best lobster dipping sauce. This is the best way to cook lobster tails.

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

Lobster Tail with Garlic Butter Sauce

If you’re looking for that go-to recipe for lobster, this is the one, and it’s surprisingly easy! Broiling is the best way to cook lobster tails – better than boiling or baking because it locks in the flavor, and it’s fast! The broiled lobster meat is succulent, tender, and juicy, and each bite is packed with flavor, especially after dipping into the warm garlic lemon butter. Dunk it into the melted butter, take it for a swim, watch the excess drip off your fork, and enjoy.

I’m such a fan of lobster – I always have been! Growing up, my mom was allergic to shellfish, so I think that made my Dad and I (both seafood super fans) all the more desperate to get our hands on all of our favorite shellfish – hello Shrimp Scampi and Crab Legs! Of all the lobster I’ve eaten over the years, I still think this is the best way to cook it and eat it – and trust me, you won’t want to miss the buttery dipping sauce. The garlic and dijon sauce was inspired by my wildly popular Baked Salmon and everyone who tries it loves it.

Lobster Tails Video Tutorial

This lobster tails recipe is such a treat. Easy and excellent in flavor and presentation. I hope you fall in love with this recipe as much as my family has.

P.S. I also included step-by-step photo instructions on how to prepare butterflied lobster tails so you can make the most impressive posh-looking lobster tails like a boss :).

Ingredients for Lobster Tail with Lemon Butter

• Lobster Tail – you’ll need 4 lobster tails, about 5 to 6 ounces each. If using larger lobster tails, be sure to broil further away from the broiler so they don’t burn. You can also easily scale the recipe up or down.
• For the Marinade – This is the perfect blend of flavors that work so well on all kinds of seafood – olive oil, parsley, garlic, dijon, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. This combination of flavors is the best seasoning for lobster tail.
• Butter – you’ll need 4 Tbsp total; half to dot the top of the lobster tails before baking and the rest to combine with the pan drippings for the best lobster dipping sauce.

How to Butterfly Lobster Tails

Preparing lobster tails is easier than you think, and kitchen shears make the process quick.

• Use kitchen shears to cut through and split the top shell of the lobster tail, stopping at the base of the tail and snipping through the top portion of the meat as you go.
• Flip the tail over to the back see-through side of the tail and crack the ribs in the center. This will help open the shell.
• Open the shell using your thumbs and fingers and loosen the meat from the shell (remove and discard the grey vein if present). Work carefully – shells can be sharp! Lift the meat from the shell, keeping it attached at the base. Press the shell together and set the lobster meat over the top. The bulk of the lobster meat should be sitting over the top of the shell.

How to Cook Lobster Tails

• Prep – Place rack in center of oven so when you bake, the meaty tops of your lobster tails will be at least 6 inches from the top heating elements. Preheat oven to broil on high heat.
• Make the Marinade – In a small bowl, add the marinade ingredients: 1 Tbsp parsley, 2 pressed garlic cloves, 1 tsp dijon, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/8 tsp pepper, 1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil, and 1 1/2 Tbsp lemon juice. Stir to combine.

3. Arrange butterflied Lobster Tails into a baking dish such as a 9×13 or 8×12 roasting pan with the flesh-side up. Divide the marinade evenly over the tops of each lobster tail and dot each tail all over with 1/2 Tbsp of butter cut into smaller pieces. The butter melts over the lobster tails as they cook, resulting in the best pan drippings.

4. Broil lobster tails on high for 10-11 minutes (or according to the lobster tail size – see chart below). When done, lobster meat should be opaque and white in the center and register an internal temperature of 145˚F on an instant-read thermometer. Transfer lobster tails to a serving platter and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

5. Make the Garlic Lemon Butter: drain drippings from the roasting pan into a small saucepan and combine with the remaining 2 Tbsp butter, bring to a simmer, and remove from heat. Pour over lobster tails or divide into small ramekins and use as dipping sauce. I also serve with lemon wedges to squeeze over the lobster meat.

How Long to Broil Lobster Tails:

You’ll know the lobster tail is done cooking when the meat is opaque and white in the center or it reaches 145˚F on an instant-read thermometer. The shell will also turn a bright red, and the meat should feel firm, not mushy. Make sure you don’t overcook, or the lobster can become tough and rubbery.

• Small lobster tails (3 to 4 oz): 6 to 8 minutes
• Medium lobster tails (5 to 6 oz): 10-11 minutes
• Larger lobster tails (7 to 9 oz): 12-15 minutes (move the rack to the middle of the oven so larger lobster tails don’t burn before they cook through)

Enjoy this incredible lobster tails recipe, my friends and let me know if you try it. I can’t tell you enough how good this is! You’ll just have to find out for yourself! 😉 Thank you so much for pinning and sharing this on social media with your lobster-loving friends. This recipe is so worth discovering! 🙂

Make broiled lobster tails at home for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion and you’ll pay less than half of what you’d drop in a nice restaurant, and GET THIS: it totally tastes gourmet!

Serve Lobster With

You’ll want to keep lobster as the star of the show, so pair it with these simple sides.

• Mashed Potatoes or Baked Potato
• Roasted asparagus
• Caesar Salad
• Roasted Cauliflower
• Risotto
• Sourdough Dinner Rolls

If you’re looking to pair it with steak, check out our Surf and Turf Recipe.

Natasha’s Favorite Seafood Recipes

• Shrimp Tacos
• Ceviche
• Fish Tacos
• Shrimp Boil
• Clam Chowder
• Coconut Shrimp
• Teriyaki Salmon