Description
This fast and easy broiled lobster tail recipe delivers succulent, flavorful lobster meat topped with a buttery garlic sauce and a hint of smoky paprika. Perfect for an elegant yet simple seafood dinner that can be prepared in under 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Lobster Tails
- 4 10-oz Lobster tails (adjust size as needed)
Butter Mixture
- 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
- Thaw lobster tails: If using frozen lobster tails, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or submerge the sealed bag in cold water on the counter for about 30 minutes until thawed thoroughly.
- Preheat the oven broiler: Set your oven to Broil at 500°F (260°C). Position the oven rack so that the lobster tails on a baking sheet will be 4 to 5 inches away from the broiler element for optimal cooking.
- Butterfly the lobster tails: Using kitchen shears, carefully cut down the center of the top shell lengthwise, starting from the opposite end of the tail fins and stopping just before the tail. Gently spread the shell apart and lift the lobster meat upward, keeping it attached at the tail tip. Push the empty shell underneath and lay the meat on top for even cooking.
- Prepare the butter mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, crushed garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Brush this mixture generously over the exposed lobster meat to infuse flavor and keep it moist.
- Broil the lobster tails: Place the prepared lobster tails on the baking sheet under the broiler. Cook for approximately 1 minute per ounce of lobster tail until the meat is opaque and lightly browned. For 10-ounce tails, broil about 10 minutes; adjust time accordingly for different sizes.
Notes
- If you do not have kitchen shears, a sharp knife can be used carefully but kitchen shears offer better control.
- Keep an eye on the lobster as broiling times can vary depending on your oven’s broiler strength to prevent overcooking.
- Serve with additional melted butter or a squeeze of fresh lemon for extra flavor.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to your desired spice level or omit for a milder version.
- Thawing in cold water is faster but ensure lobster tails remain sealed to avoid water contamination.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Seafood, American
Keywords: lobster tail, broiled lobster, seafood dinner, easy lobster recipe, garlic butter lobster
