If you’ve ever thought lobster tails were intimidating, this Broiled Lobster Tails recipe will change your mind. These elegant, restaurant-quality lobster tails come together in about 10–15 minutes using your oven broiler. It’s an easy way to make a fancy seafood dinner at home, without any stress.
Broiling lobster tails keeps the meat tender and juicy, while allowing the butter to lightly caramelize on top. This method of broiling delivers perfectly cooked lobster every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Broiled Lobster Tails Recipe
- Fast and easy seafood dinner made in under 15 minutes.
- Restaurant-quality lobster tails at home, with minimal prep.
- Perfect for special occasions or date night, without complicated steps.
- Simple seasoning that highlights the natural sweetness of lobster tails.
How to Prepare Broiled Lobster Tails
- Preheat the oven broiler on high and position a rack about 5–6 inches from the heat source.
- Using kitchen shears, cut down the center of the lobster shell lengthwise, stopping before the tail fin.
- Gently spread the shell and lift the lobster meat out of the shell.
- Remove any visible vein. Rinse, if desired.
- Place the lobster meat on top of the shell and insert a lemon wedge inside the shell.
- Place the lobster tails flesh-side up on a baking sheet.
- Season the lobster meat with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Top each with a tablespoon of butter, cut into two pats.
- Broil for 8–10 minutes, depending on the size of the tails, until the meat is opaque and lightly browned on top.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.






How to Serve and Store
- Serve broiled lobster tails immediately, with drawn butter and lemon wedges.
- Pair with simple sides like roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or a crisp green salad. Lobster tails also pair well with steak, filet mignon, or a light pasta dish for an elegant surf-and-turf dinner.
- Store leftovers by removing the lobster meat from the shell and storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat gently in a skillet with a little butter over low heat, or cover and warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until just heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make lobster rubbery.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use olive oil instead of butter? Yes. However, butter gives lobster its classic rich flavor.
- How do I know when lobster tails are fully cooked? Lobster tails are done when the meat turns opaque white and feels firm to the touch. If the meat is still translucent, it needs more time. Be careful not to overcook, as lobster can become tough quickly.
- Do I need to butterfly lobster tails before broiling? Butterflying is recommended because it helps the lobster cook evenly and creates a beautiful presentation, but it’s not strictly required. If you prefer, lobster tails can also be broiled shell-on.
- Can leftover lobster be used in other recipes? Absolutely. Leftover lobster is great in lobster pasta, risotto, seafood chowder, lobster rolls, or cold lobster salads.
- Can I use the lobster shells to make stock? Yes. Lobster shells are excellent for making homemade lobster stock. Save the shells and refrigerate, or freeze them until ready to use.
More Easy Lobster Tail Recipes to Love
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Broiled Lobster Tails
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- Author: Charlotte Fashion Plate
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 to 4 servings 1x
Description
Quick and easy Broiled Lobster Tails with butter and lemon, ready in under 15 minutes for a simple, restaurant-quality seafood dinner at home.
Ingredients
- 2–4 lobster tails (8–10 ounces each), fresh or fully thawed
- 3–4 tablespoons salted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked)
- Lemon wedges, for broiling and serving
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven broiler on high and position a rack about 5–6 inches from the heat source.
- Using kitchen shears, cut down the center of the lobster shell lengthwise, stopping before the tail fin.
- Gently spread the shell and lift the lobster meat out of the shell.
- Remove any visible vein. Rinse, if desired.
- Place the lobster meat on top of the shell and insert a lemon wedge inside the shell.
- Place the lobster tails flesh-side up on a baking sheet.
- Season the lobster meat with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Top each with a tablespoon of butter, cut into two pats.
- Broil for 8–10 minutes, depending on the size of the tails, until the meat is opaque and lightly browned on top.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges and additional melted butter.
- ENJOY!
Notes
- Thaw frozen lobster tails fully before cooking for even broiling. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or under cold running water for 20–30 minutes.
- Do not overcook. Lobster becomes tough and rubbery if broiled too long. The meat should be opaque, and just lightly golden on top.
- Butter variations: Melted butter can be used in replacement of butter pats. Melted butter can also be flavored with minced garlic, lemon zest, or fresh herbs before brushing on the lobster.
- Serving ideas: Serve with roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or a crisp green salad for a complete seafood dinner.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Easy
- Cuisine: Fish and Seafood
GET TO KNOW ME!

WELCOME! My name is Melissa Latin aka. Charlotte Fashion Plate. Happy to meet you! I am more than just recipes. I love fashion and style too! Most importantly, I love my Family (my Hubby and my Fur Babies). My Husband (aka my “Kitchen Bitch”) means the world to me. He’s pretty damn cool too. Not only is he one of the nicest guys you will ever meet, he also has had a lengthy career in professional hockey. Not only winning two Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins in the early ’90’s, but most recently winning the Calder Cup with the Charlotte Checkers, amongst many other accolades. If you live in Charlotte and play hockey, or have a family member who plays, be sure to contact him!
Our life has changed dramatically in the past few years with the passing of our two goldendoodles, Vegas and Viva. We were lucky enough to have Vegas for five years (totally wish it was longer). Most recently, losing our Viva to a brain tumor in July of 2020. We welcomed our mini goldendoodle 7, almost seven years ago. We just added the amazing Hazel! Of course, I am always posting tons and tons of photos! Be sure to check out my recipe for Pet Bone Broth! This broth is super rich in nutrients and will provide your pet with a multitude of health benefits!
In addition, I’m so very excited to announce I have published my first e-book and paperback, “Mastering Thanksgiving – A Guide to Perfecting Your Thanksgiving Dinner.” Your support would mean the world to me.
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