Lobster Tail (Fast & Easy) Recipe

Introduction

This fast and easy lobster tail recipe brings a touch of luxury to your dinner table with minimal effort. Succulent lobster meat is broiled to perfection with a flavorful garlic butter glaze, making it an impressive yet simple dish for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 4 lobster tails, 10 ounces each (or adjust size as needed)
• 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 your lobster tails are frozen, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or place them in a sealed bag submerged in cold water for about 30 minutes.
2. Step 2: Preheat 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 from the broiler.
3. Step 3: Butterfly the lobster tails by cutting down the center of the top shell lengthwise with kitchen shears. Cut from the end opposite the tail fins toward the tail, stopping before cutting through the bottom shell. Gently pry open the shell and lift the meat, keeping it attached to the tail fin. Arrange the meat on top of the shell and place the tails on the 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 is opaque and lightly browned. Broil for about 1 minute per ounce of lobster tail (e.g., 10 minutes for a 10-ounce tail, 5 minutes for a 5-ounce tail).

Tips & Variations

• For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle fresh parsley or chives over the lobster tails just before serving.
• Try substituting paprika with smoked chili powder for a spicier kick.
• If you don’t have fresh garlic, a pinch of garlic powder can be used instead.

Storage

Store any leftover lobster tails in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven at a low temperature to avoid overcooking, or enjoy cold in salads.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen lobster tails for this recipe?

Yes, frozen tails work well as long as you thaw them completely before cooking using the refrigerator overnight method or cold water bath for quicker thawing.

How do I know when lobster tails are done?

The lobster meat is cooked when it turns opaque and is lightly browned on top. Timing roughly corresponds to 1 minute per ounce under the broiler.

Lobster Tail (Fast & Easy) Recipe

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4.7 from 93 reviews

This fast and easy lobster tail recipe features broiled lobster tails brushed with a flavorful garlic butter sauce infused with lemon juice, smoked paprika, and a hint of cayenne pepper. Perfect for a quick gourmet meal, this method highlights the lobster’s natural sweetness with a beautifully browned finish.

• Author: Elena
• 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 ounces each (or adjust cooking time for different sizes)

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

1. Thaw lobster tails: If using frozen lobster tails, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or submerge them in a sealed bag under cold water for about 30 minutes until fully thawed.
2. Preheat the oven broiler: Set your oven to broil at 500°F (260°C) and position the oven rack 4 to 5 inches from the broiler.
3. Butterfly the lobster tails: Using kitchen shears, carefully cut lengthwise down the center of the top shell of each lobster tail, starting opposite the tail fins and stopping before cutting the bottom shell or tail fin. Spread the shell open and gently lift the lobster meat out from the bottom shell, leaving it attached to the tail fin. Lay the meat on top of the shell for even cooking.
4. Prepare the butter sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, crushed garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper until well combined.
5. Brush lobster tails: Generously brush the butter mixture over the exposed lobster meat, ensuring even coverage and flavor.
6. Broil the lobster tails: Place the prepared lobster tails on a baking sheet and broil until the meat turns opaque and is lightly browned, approximately 1 minute per ounce of tail weight (e.g., 10 minutes for 10-ounce tails, 5 minutes for 5-ounce tails).

Notes

• Adjust broiling time based on the size of the lobster tails to avoid overcooking.
• For best results, use fresh lobster tails if available.
• Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges and melted butter if desired.
• Use kitchen mitts when handling hot baking sheets to prevent burns.
• Butterflying the lobster properly ensures even cooking and presentation.

Keywords: lobster tail, broiled lobster, seafood recipe, garlic butter lobster, quick lobster recipe, easy lobster tails