These Broiled Lobster Tails are a show-stopping seafood main dish, finished with a bright, buttery garlic lemon sauce.
Whether for a holiday celebration or a special dinner at home, they deliver restaurant-quality flavor with surprisingly simple steps.
Learn how to butterfly lobster tails, broil them to juicy perfection, and serve with a rich dipping sauce made from pan drippings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Elegant yet easy – Impress without the stress
Ready in 20 minutes – Quick prep and fast broil time
Rich flavor – Lemon, garlic, butter, and fresh herbs
Simple ingredients – Most are pantry staples
Perfect for holidays or date nights
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Lobster tails – 5 to 6 oz each; fresh or thawed from frozen
Garlic & parsley – Adds fresh, savory flavor
Dijon mustard – Balances the richness with subtle tang
Lemon juice – Brightens the entire dish
Olive oil & butter – For richness and moisture
Salt & pepper – Essential seasoning
Pro Tips Before You Start
Use kitchen shears to cut through the shell
Don’t skip butterflying – it ensures even cooking
Broil with oven rack 6 inches from heat for best caramelization
Check doneness with an instant-read thermometer (145°F internal temp)
Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor
How to Make Broiled Lobster Tails
Step 1: Prepare the Lobster Tails
Butterfly the tails by cutting through the top of the shell with kitchen scissors.
Crack the underside ribs slightly, then lift the meat and rest it on top of the shell, still attached at the base.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
In a small bowl, mix together:
1 Tbsp parsley, finely chopped, 2 pressed garlic cloves, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, ¼ tsp sea salt
⅛ tsp black pepper, 1½ Tbsp olive oil, 1½ Tbsp fresh lemon juice
Step 3: Arrange the Lobster Tails
Place the butterflied lobster tails into a 9×13 or 8×12 roasting pan.
Divide the marinade evenly over each tail.
Dot each tail with ½ Tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small pieces.
Step 4: Broil
Position your oven rack so the lobster meat sits about 6 inches below the broiler.
Broil on high for 10–11 minutes, or until the meat is opaque, white, and reads 145°F internally.
Transfer to a platter and garnish with extra parsley if desired.
Make the Garlic Lemon Butter
Pan Sauce: After broiling, drain the drippings from the roasting pan into a small saucepan.
Add the remaining 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, bring to a simmer, and remove from heat.
Serve warm as a drizzle or dipping sauce.
What to Serve With Lobster Tails
Garlic mashed potatoes or buttery rice
Steamed asparagus or roasted broccoli
Caesar salad or a light arugula salad
Crusty bread for dipping into garlic butter
Variations and Substitutions
Use ghee or clarified butter for a richer sauce
Add a pinch of paprika or cayenne to the marinade for color and heat
Substitute lime juice for lemon if preferred
Grill the tails instead of broiling for a smoky finish
Storage Tips
Fridge – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days
Reheat gently in a low oven or skillet with a splash of water or butter
Freezing not recommended after cooking, as texture may suffer
FAQs
Can I use frozen lobster tails?
Yes! Thaw them overnight in the fridge before preparing.
How do I know lobster is done?
The meat turns opaque and white and reaches an internal temp of 145°F.
Do I need to remove the vein?
Yes, remove it if visible during butterflying.
Can I double the marinade for more sauce?
Absolutely. It works great as a drizzle or dipping sauce.
Final Thoughts
These Broiled Lobster Tails are a luxurious yet approachable seafood dish.
With fresh herbs, zesty lemon, and garlic butter sauce, every bite is bursting with flavor.
Whether you’re celebrating or just treating yourself, this recipe brings elegance to your dinner table in under 30 minutes.
