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Welcome to the ultimate guide to cooking lobster tails! With the flavorful butter sauce and ultra quick cooking method, it’s the best lobster tail recipe for holidays, celebrations, and date nights at home. You’ll be surprised how easy it is to make broiled lobster tail – it’s ready in less than 20 minutes – but it’s so much more affordable than getting it out at a restaurant. Keep on reading, because I’m going to cover everything you need to know: how to shop for lobster, how to butterfly lobster tails, how to cook lobster tails, and plenty of side dishes to serve with lobster.
How To Butterfly A Lobster Tail
The best way to broil lobster tails starts with butterflied lobster tails! While this may look complicated, I promise that it’s easier than you probably think.
Here’s how to prepare lobster tails before you cook them:
- Butterfly the lobster. Using kitchen shears, cut down the center of the shell, all the way to the tail, but not cutting the tail. You want to cut through the top of the shell, but don’t cut through the bottom.
TIP: It’s fine if you cut through the meat. In fact, it cooks a bit more evenly if you do. The important part is not to cut through the bottom shell, though.
- Split the shell. Using your thumbs and fingers to spread open the shell, gently push the lobster meat upward, separating it away from the bottom shell. Leave the end attached to the tail fin.
Gently split it open first…
And then continue to open up the shell more, so that it separates away from the meat on the sides…
- Push lobster meat above the shell. Slightly push together the empty shell underneath and place the row of meat on top.
- Place butterflied lobster tail onto a lined baking sheet. See? Your homemade lobster tails are already starting to look like you got them from a fancy restaurant, even before cooking…
How To Cook Lobster Tail
Once you have it butterflied, there are several options for how to cook lobster tail:
- Broiled lobster – This method is in the oven under the high heat of the broiler. My easy lobster tail recipe is broiled!
- Baked lobster – Similar to the broil method, but under normal heat. I find that the high heat of broiling gets a more tender inside than regular baking.
- Poached lobster – Sometimes this is another term for boiled lobster, and sometimes it means simmering the shucked lobster tails in a layer of butter (called butter poaching).
- Boiled lobster – This is one of the simplest methods, as it just involves cooking the tails in boiling water. But, I find the flavor is not as good as lobster cooked with butter.
- Grilled lobster – You can even cook lobster tails on a grill if you like! We don’t have nice weather enough during the year for this to be my go-to method.
As you can probably guess, I think the best lobster recipe is broiled! The cook time is quick (just 10 minutes or less!) and it’s super flavorful from the butter.
How To Broil Lobster Tails
The next step in the best broiled lobster tail recipe is the butter sauce! It’s super quick and easy.
Here’s how to broil lobster tails with butter sauce:
- Mix together butter sauce. Whisk together melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and cayenne.
TIP: Make sure to use crushed garlic, not minced. Crushed will mix better with the other ingredients and prevent burning.
- Brush lobster tails with butter. It’s important to coat all the lobster meat so that it stays nice and juicy – this is the best way to cook lobster tails!
- Broil lobster tails. Broil lobster until the meat is opaque and slightly browned, about 1 minute per ounce of individual tail.
TIP: See the instructions below to calculate how long to broil lobster tails, including examples. They look like this when they are done:
- Garnish and enjoy! Finish your lobster tails with lemon wedges and fresh parsley. You can also serve with melted butter on the side.
How Long To Broil Lobster Tails
The cooking time for broiled lobster will vary depending on the size of the tail. A standard lobster tail is about 5 ounces, so the 10 ounce tails pictured are jumbo!
The general rule of thumb for lobster tail cooking time is about 1 minute per ounce of individual tail.
For example, broil a 10-ounce lobster tail for about 10 minutes. A 5-ounce lobster tail will take about 5 minutes.
How To Cook Frozen Lobster Tails
Cooking frozen lobster tails is just as easy as fresh ones, and depending on where you live, it might be preferable to buy frozen tails. We’re in Minnesota, so I prefer to buy lobster frozen – this way I know it’s fresh when I thaw it out!
Simply thaw your lobster tails (more on that below) and then cook the same way you would cook fresh lobster tails.
How To Thaw Lobster Tails
Thawing out lobster tails is a simple step in this easy lobster tail recipe! You have two options for thawing:
- Fridge: Thaw the lobster tails in the refrigerator overnight. Make sure to check your tails an hour or so before you plan on cooking them, to ensure they are fully thawed!
- Cold Water: Place lobster tails in a zip lock bag and submerge in water for 30-60 minutes, until thawed completely.
Just make sure they are thoroughly thawed, or they won’t cook evenly.
Lobster Tail Nutrition
Not only is lobster delicious, but it’s also nutritious! This broiled lobster tail recipe is low carb, keto, easily paleo and whole30 (just swap butter with ghee!) and rich in protein.
Here’s a summary of lobster tail nutrition facts, per 10-ounce tail:
- 337 calories
- 13 grams fat
- 50 grams protein
- 0 grams carbs
Where To Buy Lobster Tails
You can buy lobster tails at most grocery stores! If you don’t have a seafood market close to you, many other grocery stores will carry frozen lobsters.
Warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club also typically carry lobster tails, and often have the larger sizes you see pictured here.
Can You Prepare Lobster Tails In Advance?
For the best broiled lobster tail, I recommend cooking it immediately before serving. You can certainly prep things ahead of time, but most seafood is best freshly cooked, and broiled lobster tail is no exception.
Now that you know how to prepare lobster tails, butterfly them and store in the fridge until cooking time. You can also make the seasoned butter ahead. When you’re ready to serve them, it will just take a few minutes to brush on the butter and broil.
What To Serve With Lobster Tails
So you know how to cook lobster tail, but the tricky part is deciding what to serve with it! Of course, you need some lemon wedges and melted butter for the lobster itself.
But what about the sides? There are so many great options, here are a few of my favorite keto low carb side dishes and salads:
- Sauteed Broccoli – Garlic broccoli is the perfect green side to this broiled lobster tail recipe.
- Keto Mashed Cauliflower – For the ultimate decadent meal, pair this creamy side with the best lobster tail recipe. Perfect for date night and holidays.
- Roasted Asparagus – Easy and light side to this baked lobster tail recipe.
- Pan Fried Brussels Sprouts – Bacon, brussels sprouts, and lobster. What a trifecta!
- Easy Creamed Spinach – The classic steakhouse side goes well with this broiled lobster recipe.
Tools To Make Broiled Lobster Tail:
Click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe.
- Multi-Purpose Kitchen Scissors – A good set of kitchen shears is a powerhouse tool in the kitchen and if there’s one thing you need to have for how to prepare lobster tails, this is it!
- Nonstick Baking Pan – I love these pans so much. Easy to clean and nothing sticks!
- Silicone Cooking Utensils Set – This set has every utensil you could ever need, including a marinade brush for the butter mixture that goes on top of this easy lobster.
Reader Favorite Recipes
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RECIPE CARD
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The Best Broiled Lobster Tail Recipe (Fast & Easy)
This guide has all you need to know about cooking lobster tails - how to prepare lobster tails (butterfly them), how to cook lobster tails, and the BEST broiled lobster tail recipe - all in just 20 minutes!
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Instructions
Get RECIPE TIPS in the post above, nutrition info + recipe notes below!
Click on the times in the instructions below to start a kitchen timer while you cook.
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If tails are frozen, thaw them overnight in the fridge, or in a bag submerged in cold water on the counter for about 30 minutes.
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Preheat the oven to Broil (500 degrees F or 260 degrees C). Rinse the defrosted lobster shells. Set the oven rack such that lobster tails placed on a baking sheet would be 4 to 5 inches away from the broiler.
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Butterfly the lobster tails. Using kitchen shears, cut down the center of the shell lengthwise, starting from the end opposite the tail fins, continuing down until you reach the tail but without cutting the tail. You want to cut through the top of the shell, but don't cut through the bottom shell. Use your thumbs and fingers to spread open the shell on top, then gently pull the lobster meat upward, separating it away from the bottom shell, leaving the end attached to the tail fin intact. Slightly push together the empty shell underneath and place the row of meat on top. Place the butterflied lobster tail onto the baking sheet.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and cayenne. Brush the butter mixture over the lobster meat.
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Broil the lobster tails until the meat is opaque and lightly browned, about 1 minute per ounce of individual tail. (For example, broil for 10-ounce lobster tails for 10 minutes.)
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Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1 10-ounce lobster tail
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Nutrition Information Per Serving
Where does nutrition info come from? Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy, sourced from the USDA Food Database. You can find individual ingredient carb counts we use in the Low Carb & Keto Food List. Net carb count excludes fiber, erythritol, and allulose, because these do not affect blood sugar in most people. (Learn about net carbs here.) We try to be accurate, but feel free to make your own calculations.
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88 Comments
Sharon
I haven’t made this yet, but can’t wait to try it!
I do have a question, would any adjustments need to be made to the recipe if using my air fryer?
Thanks so much! Love your recipes
Wholesome Yum M
Hi Sharon, I have not tested this recipe in an air fryer, so I cannot guarantee you will get the same results. The timing should be the same, but keep a close eye on it so your tails don’t overcook.
Sherana
I made this for a Valentine’s dinner at home. I followed the recipe exactly, even though we had larger tails from Costco and they still came out perfectly. This is my new go-to recipe for lobster for sure!!
Sandy 82579
It looks like a great recipe, but there were so many ads I could only read it one line at a time.
Wholesome Yum M
Hi Sandy, Thanks for the feedback. The ads are used to keep the website up and running. If you are enjoying the content on the site, I do have a Plus membership program that offers an ad-free browsing experience. You can read more about it here: Wholesome Yum Plus
Cali
This recipe was perfect! No complaints! Don’t look any further for another lobster recipe! It’s simple and really lets the lobster shine. The simpler the better and that is what makes this recipe perfect!
Shiva
I have 4 tails all different oz. woul I broil for the total weight of all 4 tails?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Hi Shiva, No, the broil time is per ounce of individual tail, not the sum of all tails. Ideally this is easiest if your tails are the same weight. But if your tails are different sizes, for best results you’d start with the number of minutes that equals the weight in ounces of the smallest tail, then take that one out, and continue broiling the rest until each has reached 1 minute per ounce of that tail weight. Hope that makes sense!
Heather
This was so good! A perfect recipe. Thank you!
Carolyn
Very Yummy, I will make this again. My hubby couldn’t get enough. He is a very picky eater, yet he really liked this recipe. Thank You!
Steph
So easy to make and really tasty! I would make these again!
Eric Ratinaud
This was so so so so delicious! Thank you. I’m so glad I did the tails this way as they complimented the filet mignon perfectly on Valentines Day. Better then a restaurant.
Vernon keune
How close should the lobster tails be to the broiler coil?
Wholesome Yum M
Hi Vernon, About 4-5 inches away from the broiler. See step 2 in the recipe card for more information.
Jennifer
Thank you for the simple and delicious recipe! I do not eat lobster, but wanted to make a special Valentine’s treat for my family and they loved it!
Christie
My husband and I celebrated Valentine’s Day last night with a couple 2 packs of Costco frozen lobster tails, bacon wrapped shrimp (made it for the first time…amazing!) and rice pilaf. We decided to do cook 2 of the tails by boiling and the other 2 by broiling to see which method we preferred. The packaging said the tails were 7-8 oz each so we decided 7.5 min was our cooking time. The boiled tails were tasty but could have come out at 7 min or less as they were sweet but a bit chewy. The broiled tails took a bit longer but we discovered our oven rack was too low and once we raised it the magic happened. These took approx. 8.5 min but if the rack were in the correct position it would have been done in 7.5 min. These were AMAZING! Sweet, juicy and tender with beautiful flavor from the paprika. This will be our go to method and recipe. Thanks so much for all the tips!
Sylvia A Rivas
Easy to follow instructions. Turned out yummy!
Zaina P
This might be a dumb question but when I turn my broiler just says high or low which one do I use!? Lol so excited to make this!
Wholesome Yum M
Hi Zaina, Broiler low temp is 450 degrees, broiler high temp is 550 degrees. I would use low temp and add a minute or two to the cooking time.
Heidi
I will never boil a lobster tail again.
LS
If I could leave more stars, I would! I have looked for this information for years. The pictures and explanation of how to cut and butterfly the lobster and then broil are priceless! Thank you!
Anne Cook
First time I’ve ever broiled lobster; usually boil it. I had to improvise a bit. I didn’t have lemon in the house, and we don’t like cayenne very much, but I used the melted butter, garlic, smoked paprika, and some Tastefully Simple Seafood & Fish Seasoning, and these were fabulous. Didn’t even need to add any extra melted butter at the table. The only issue I had was that the lobster meat didn’t separate from the shell as easily as it looked, and the tails didn’t butterfly evenly. But that didn’t affect the cooking or the taste. Now that I’ve done them this way, I’ll never boil them again. These were better than restaurant tails!
Annie
HI!
I would like to cook (broil) 8 10 oz tail how long do I have to cook still 10 minutes?
Thank you.
Wholesome Yum M
Hi Annie, Yes, 10 minutes is still the correct cook time.
Kalea
I tried this recipe for my mother and I tonight and absolutely love it!! Thank you!!
Chris J Schmidt
I have tried many recipes on cooking lobster tails. I’ve tried them on the grill as well. This is the best one by far. It’s not only a recipe, it is a tutorial!
Tonya
I’ve always boiled or steamed lobsters before but this recipe was spot on. Brushing with the buttery blend and then broiling was absolute perfection. Lobster was cooked just right not rubbery at all. Definitely a keeper recipe.
Julie
Great recipe and VERY fast. It was my first time cooking lobster. Mine didn’t look as pretty as the photos, but they sure tasted great!!! Cook time was perfect. 5 oz tails for 5 minutes. We paired with steak and loaded cauliflower casserole.
Sherry Bono
This is an awesome recipe! Super Yummy!
Quick and easy, the butter sauce is delicious.
Judy Vincenty
Excellent! I made 3 lobster tails following this recipe & instructions and they came out “restaurant perfect”. It’s a keeper!
Angelo
Absolutely great advice!
Lisa
Thank you for posting this recipe! Lobsters were easy to prepare and a fail proof recipe – absolutely moist, delicious +++~ Broiling the lil tails created a delish flavor! This is a repeat for certain! Happy New Year 2021!
Harry
Super recipe: well written, easy to follow, produces fantastic result
Marcie Butler
This is the second time I’ve made this recipe & I also shared it with my son who also loves it.
Tracy E Judah
I have never cooked lobster tails before and with your guidance, they came out great! Thanks for keeping it simple, yet delicious. I also love the idea of brushing on the butter sauce combo before cooking, then you don’t have to do dip them in ridiculous amounts of butter after cooking. They’re perfect right out of the oven….:-)
Curt Musser
Exception! 3 Costco tails, 10 oz each, 10 minutes on high, gas broiler, then rest for 2 minutes and back under LOW broiler for 5 minutes. Everything else same. Nailed it!
Anita
I looked up how to cut a lobster properly and the best way to cook. So glad I landed here!! Perfection!! Thank you!!
Ralph
How to keep the lobster from curling when broiling
Wholesome Yum M
Hi Ralph, Feel free to insert a skewer through the tail lengthwise. That will prevent curling.
Chris
Great recipe, I did a full stick of butter thinking a half was not near enough but I had way too much!
Amy
Do you broil them on high or low? TIA!!
Wholesome Yum M
Hi Amy, If your broiler has more than one setting, then use the high setting.
Jill
I’m buying frozen 7 oz lobster tails (2). I can’t wait to cook them. Another thought, I’m from new Orleans and we boil a lot of our seafood. So I’m thinking of boiling them with a little liquid crab boil, garlic and lemon. Maybe I can soak them in a little crab boil, garlic & lemon then broil them. My late husband used to boil us whole lobsters but I never paid attention. I sure wish I had. But overall, broiling them does sound easy and delicious. That’s probably what I’ll do. But my creative juices are stewing, lol. Thank you for your instructions!
Caitlyn
Hi! Am I to include the lobster tail (and meat) when weighing for ounces, or just the actual meat?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Hi Caitlyn, Yes, it’s the weight of the whole tail, not just meat inside.
Bill Bailey
Says there is video, but there is no link to it.
Wholesome Yum M
Hi Bill, The video is in the recipe card. If you can’t see the card, please check your browser settings to make sure you aren’t viewing the website in ‘Reader Mode.’
J.Hart
Trying them now, problem is, I don’t know how many ozs. Thought I would try 10 min., but they are little large.
Wholesome Yum M
Hi J. Hart, That’s okay. The internal temp of a cooked lobster tail is 135 degrees F. If you have a great thermometer (I recommend this Thermapen!) you would be able to pull your tails once they reach 132 degrees F and then will coast to 135.
Linda N Smale
I always wanted to know how to get the lobster on top of shell, WELL, I did it. The lobster was delicious. What a treat. I will be serving lobster more often now that I know how to prepare and cook it. Thanks
Wally
This is a very concise recipe, it was easy to follow and supplied aloof good advice.. Thank you Maya!
Joan
Thank you for the broiled lobster recipe. It was easy and I thought it would be hard. They were flavorful and my husband loved them. I will use this recipe every time.
Earl
Simply delicious timing.
Dave
I have two 32 OZ lobster tails. Would I broil these out of shell for approximately 32 minutes? I am afraid to over cook them being that they were so expensive.
Many Thanks
Wholesome Yum M
Hi Dave, Oh my… those are huge lobster tails! Yes, they will need to broil for approximately 32 minutes. I would start checking on them at the 20-minute mark, and every few minutes after that until done.
Debbie
If I have small takes 4oz each I’m making 2 per person would I cook them for 8 min or 4. I’m going to be cooking 8 tales at once. Can’t wait to make them. They look delish
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Hi Debbie, It’s based on the weight of each tail individually, not the total weight. So if you have two (or any number of) 4-ounce lobster tails, it would be approximately 4 minutes total (give or take a minute or so).
GA
A blessing… I’ve always just stuck them under the broiler and smothered with lemon butter afterward… Thank you!
Penny rutledge
It did NOT turn out as pictured. Bummer.
Wholesome Yum M
Hi Penny, I’m sorry your version didn’t look like mine. I hope it was delicious!
Shelby
What rack do you put the baking sheet on for broiling the lobster tails? Thank you!
Wholesome Yum M
Hi Shelby, If you are wanting to broil your lobster tails, then you will want them on the rack closest to the heating element.
Mary
Made for first time for Valentine’s Day dinner. Was great thank you.
Sharon Adamson
I have used this recipe 3 times and love it so much. Thanks
Randy
Hands down best lobster tail ever …can you use garlic paste in the butter recipe instead of 2 cloves garlic chopped?
Wholesome Yum M
Hi Randy, Yes that should work fine.
Sirlei Silveira
Broiled lobster wholesome: The best receipt eveeeer. Hands down.
ANNE LAWTON
Thanks for all of these tips, I’m making broiled lobster tails on New Year’s eve so this is perfect timing.
Kari - Get Inspired Everyday!
This is definitely my idea of the ultimate comfort food, and so easy too!
Jennifer Fisher
Great tutorial and LOL and I sure wish I had this info a few years ago when I won $500 of lobster tails. đŸ™‚
Raia Todd
Such an easy recipe! Thank you!
Jessica
I’ve never been brave enough to make lobster tail, this tutorial is great for me!
Jean Choi
Lobster tails are my favorite! Never knew how easy it is to prepare at home. I’ll definitely be making it more!
Carina
Would love someone to make this for me, looks delicious!
ChihYu
Thank you for this recipe! So good for holiday entertaining or a special dinner!
Heather H
I haven’t made lobster in years but I’m bookmarking this post for the next time I do. I love lobster and this is a wealth of helpful information for how to do it right.
Joanne Kuchemba
If you are broiling 10 12-ounce lobster tails, how long will it take?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Hi Joanne, It would be approximately 12 minutes. It’s 1 minute per ounce of individual tail, it doesn’t matter how many you have.
Conrad P Brassel
I had 3 lobster tails, weighing in at 17 ounces together. I broiled them for 16 minutes (maybe 15.5 minutes) and they came out well overdone. I interpreted the 1 minute per ounce to be a total, which clearly was too much. I’m guessing that each tail was about 5.5 ounces and if/when I prepare lobster tails again, I would broil 17 ounces of tails for 8-10 minutes.
The butter/lemon sauce does work very well. Looking for lobster tails again soon.
fish
No, you would broil a 5.5 oz at 5.5 minutes. Even if you have 10 tails. Its the tail weight, Not the total weight.
Nellie Tracy
You cannot go wrong with this recipe! Absolutely delicious!
Liz
I was looking for something fancy to make for my husband to celebrate some upcoming life events and this is PERFECT! Thank you!!
Katie
So good! This is always a hit at our house, especially for family dinners!
Katie
We all loved this lobster tail! Truly is the best way to do it at home.
Dave
What a great step by step set of instructions on how to broil lobster tails. Makes me feel confident enough to give it a try. Thanks.
Anita
I love all the step-by-step photos. It makes it so easy to make my own broiled lobster tail. And they are delicious and is perfect for special dinners. đŸ™‚
Irina
What a great recipe with tips of how to cook lobster tails. Bookmarking for later to delight guests! Thanks for sharing.
Shadi Hasanzadenemati
I’m making this for the weekend, I bet everyone is going to devour it!