The Best Lobster Tail Recipe Ever! (2024)

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This lobster tail recipeis a decadent dinner made with large lobster tails smothered with a buttery garlic herb sauce then broiledunder high heat making these lobster tails tender and juicy. The ultimateindulgence!

Skip the restaurants and make your own fancy meal at home! Start off with Easiest Crab Cakes, add a side ofParmesan Herb Asparagus Fries with Creamy Greek Yogurt and Dad’s Famous Mashed Potatoesmaking this a complete meal.

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The Best Lobster Tail Recipe

Butter Garlic Herb Broiled Lobster is a decadent dinner that comes together quickly and easily. Impress your sweetheart or family with this beautiful lobster tail recipe. I love how simple it is to prepare and broil. Staying home and enjoying this AMAZING dinner together is just what we want to do this year for Valentine’s Day. It is perfect for us and we still get to enjoy a delicious meal without paying the price and having to wait or make reservations in advance.

Lobster tail is one of my favorite meals when eating out. I knew I needed something special this Valentine’s Day. It is full of a buttery garlic herb dip that is slathered on each one. Once you taste the thick, tender, juicy lobster tail it will melt in your mouth. This seafood recipe is mouthwatering! Don’t let this recipe scare you. It is easier than you think!

How to Buy Lobster:

It all starts with a great lobster. This is important! Lobster can be expensive but it doesn’t have to be. You will want to purchase the best without over paying. It is best to buy cold water lobster. You will want to avoid tails that are soaked in sodium tripolyphosphate. This will ensure that is doesn’t taste like ammonia. Make sure that it is not discolored on the meat. When cooking it will turn out mushy and sometimes flavorless. These are great things to look for when purchasing high end seafood.

What you need to Make Perfect Lobster Tail:

Everything is right in your pantry and ready to go. All you need to do is purchase your lobster! This recipe is simple to make and comes together so quickly. It takes less than 20 minutes from preparing to broiling them. I love how simple it is and yet it is decadent and beautiful on a plate. Enjoy this seafood recipe with your loved one or family this Valentine’s Day!

  • Lobster Tails
  • Salt and Pepper
  • Butter
  • Garlic Cloves
  • Paprika
  • Thyme
  • Rosemary
  • Parsley

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How to Cook Lobster:

I can’t stress enough on how simple this lobster tail recipe is. Lobster tails can be intimidating when starring at them in a case at a grocery store but I am here to tell you they are easy and make a holiday or dinner turn into an extra special night. Most ingredients you already have at home even!

After preparing your lobster tails, you will make a butter garlic herb that will be brushed over each of the meat sticking out. I can’t tell you how delicious this is! It is the best part and what makes this lobster meat turn to a golden yellow when baking. It truly just melts in your mouth leaving you speechless.

  1. Get Prepare:Preheat the oven to broil or 500 degrees. Start by preparing the lobster. Using kitchen shears butterfly the tail by cutting down the center. Loosen the meat and pull the lobster meat upward. Salt and pepper the meat and set on a baking sheet.
  2. Whisktogether the garlic herb butter: In a small bowl whisk together the melted butter, garlic, paprika, thyme, rosemary, and parsley. Spread evenly on each one.
  3. Broil:Broil the lobster for about 8-10 minutes or until the meat is opaque and lightly brown on the top. Serve with melted butter if desired.

How to Butterfly a Lobster Tail:

This is a simple process that is only used with scissors. If you prefer not to butterfly your lobster tail that is great too. By butterflying your lobster tail it makes it easier to eat and also has a more elegant look when serving it.

  1. With sharp kitchen shears it is best to cut down the middle of the back towards the lobster tail. The shell side will be up and the lobster tail will be pointed away from you.
  2. Flip the tail over and carefully pull apart the middle of the cut shell and gently place your fingers underneath the lobster meat.
  3. Flip the lobster back over, slowly and carefully pull up the lobster meat in one piece. The meat should still be attached at the bottom of the tail.
  4. Once the lobster meat is on top of the shell take the shell and close it around the bottom of the meat.
  5. As the lobster is being broiled it will expand and have an elegant fan shape presentation similar to the restaurants.

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How Long to Broil Lobster:

I love to broil lobster tails because it is quick and easy plus you still have that beautiful coloring over the meat. It is easy to over cook lobster tails so you will want to be paying close attention to them as they are being broiled. It is best to broil the lobster tails for about one minute per ounce and having the lobster tail about 4 to 5 inches from the heat on the top rack in the oven. The lobster will turn a beautiful opaque in color with a white center. It is best to use a meat thermometer to make sure it doesn’t overcook. The center of the lobster will reach 145*F for best results.

Broiling Times for Seafood:

Broiling times can vary depending on size and length of the lobster tails. For a smaller lobster tail it is best to cook them about 7 to 9 minutes. Anything over 6 ounces will takes about 7 to 10 minutes long broiling them. The one thing I always have near me when cooking any type of meat is my meat thermometer. I am very cautious on making sure I do not overcook my meat. If you are broiling a larger lobster tail you will want to adjust the oven rack down another inch so it can cook more evenly.

Different Ways of Cooking Lobster Tails:

There are several different variations when cooking lobster tails. I love how simple each of them are and how they all taste just about the same. It is all about preference and what is easiest for you in your kitchen. Lobster tails are cooked quickly and easily. In less than 10 minutes you will have a beautiful and decadent meal on your table anyway you cook them.

  • Broiled: This is my go-to way. It is quick and easy and simple broiled on high heat and up close to top of the over. This makes a tender lobster tail ever time.
  • Baked: Very similar to broiling except under average heat and extra time when cooking.
  • Poached: This is more of a simmer in a layer of butter. It is also known as butter poaching.
  • Boiled: For the easiest and simplest way of cooking lobster boiling it is the way to go. Boil water in a large pot and the lobster tails soak in and boil for minutes. Sometimes the lobster is not quite as tasty though and doesn’t have that rich buttery herb flavor attached to it compared to other ways of cooking.
  • Grilled:If you love to grill, this is for you! Simply add the lobster tails to your grill and let the heat cook the tails evenly and quickly.

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Tips for the BEST Cooked Lobster:

  • Making it ahead: To help save time, butterfly your lobster tails the day of. Too early will discolor the lobster meat.
  • Types of Lobster: Any type of lobster works well. If you prefer spiny lobster that is great too. Just be careful!
  • Butterflying the lobster:If you cut through your meat, it will be okay. Sometimes this will help ensure it is cooked more evenly anyways. You will want to avoid cutting through the bottom shell though.
  • Meat thermometer:Try your best not to overcook the lobster tails. This will help by using a meat thermometer.
  • How long to broil your lobster tail:It is best to broil your lobster tail for about one minute per ounce of lobster tail.
  • Oven settings:Move your oven rack down to the middle setting if you are cooking a large or oversized lobster tail.
  • Female Lobster: It is fun to see a slightly pink lobster meat once it is cooked. This only tells you that it is a female lobster.
  • Can you make lobster tails ahead of time?It is best to enjoy the lobster tail right when it is done broiling. Lobster meat becomes tougher when reheating it.
  • Serving your lobster tail:Serve with lemon wedges and fresh parsley for garnishing the lobster tails.

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Make a Complete Meal!

Make this a complete meal with all the right sides! It is the perfect date night in with these lobster tails. Even a fun and decadent family meal to spoil them all with this special dinner. With Valentine’s Day around the corner, I thought this is the perfect dinner to surprise my family with and have them know how much I love them with this AMAZING meal. My family is going to be so surprised and love everything about it.

This is a simple meal that can start off with a side salad or soup, add a side of vegetables, potatoes and even someCopycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits. End with a Death by Chocolate Cheesecake or a Red Velvet Cake Recipe for a delicious dessert. I am bringing home a restaurant style meal to our family dinner.

  • Garlic Butter String Beans
  • Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes
  • Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower
  • Creamy Grape Salad Recipe
  • Parmesan Garlic Roasted Potatoes

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More Yummy Seafood Recipes to Try:

  • Sticky Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp
  • Mexican Shrimp Skillet
  • Creamy Lemon Parmesan Scallops (Insanely Good!)
  • Creamy Shrimp and Mushroom Pasta
  • Garlic Butter Herb Scallops

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The Best Lobster Tail Recipe Ever!

4.93 from 54 votes

By: Alyssa Rivers

The Best Lobster Tail Recipe Ever is a decadent dinner made with large lobster tails smothered with a buttery garlic herb sauce then broiledunder high heat making these lobster tails tender and juicy. The ultimateindulgence!

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 people

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to broil or 500 degrees. Start by preparing the lobster. Using kitchen shears butterfly the tail by cutting down the center. Loosen the meat and pull the lobster meat upward. Salt and pepper the meat and set on a baking sheet.

  • In a small bowl whisk together the melted butter, garlic, paprika, thyme, rosemary, and parsley. Spread evenly on each lobster tail.

  • Broil the lobster tails for about 8-10 minutes or until the meat is opaque and lightly brown on the top. Serve with melted butter if desired.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 155kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 11gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 111mgSodium: 370mgPotassium: 136mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 501IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 61mgIron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Caribbean, Mediterranean

Tried this recipe?Mention @alyssa_therecipecritic or tag #therecipecritic!

The Best Lobster Tail Recipe Ever! (8)

About Alyssa Rivers

Alyssa Rivers is the author of 'The Tried and True Cookbook', a professional food photographer and experienced recipe-developer. Having a passion for cooking, her tried and true recipes have been featured on Good Morning America, Today Food, Buzzfeed and more.

Read More About Me

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The Best Lobster Tail Recipe Ever! (2024)

FAQs

How to make the most tender lobster? ›

The hands-down best way to cook lobster tails is on the grill. Cooked inside the shell, the meat stays tender and sweet (not fishy!) and takes on a slight smokiness.

Which is the best lobster tail in the world? ›

South African lobster tails are renowned worldwide for their incredible sweetness and tender texture. Once you try these incredible tails you'll be hooked!

Is it better to boil or bake lobster tails? ›

Boiling lobster tails is a great choice because if stored and thawed your lobster tails properly, this is the cooking technique we recommend to minimize your tails sticking to the shell! Boiling is always a safe bet and if you are a first-timer or old-timer, this is the technique you can count on.

How to make the most tender lobster tail? ›

Simply place lobster tails into simmering water and poach for about 5-7 minutes until the meat is opaque and firm. This cooking method rewards a very tender and savory lobster tail. We bet you're craving some sweet, succulent lobster right about now.

How do you cook lobster tails Bobby Flay? ›

Place the tails flesh-side down on the grill and grill until slightly charred, about 3 minutes. Flip over, brush with a generous amount of lemon-red Fresno butter, and continue grilling until just cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes, brushing with butter throughout. Remove from the grill to a platter, flesh-side up.

What are 3 ways to cook lobster tails? ›

Options For Cooking Lobster Tails At Home

When you buy lobster tails, you can steam them, boil them, grill them, bake them, broil them or even smoke them. If you aren't sure which method to use, we strongly recommend boiling your lobster tails because it's your best bet to avoid the tails sticking to the shell.

How do you cook lobster like a pro? ›

Add 1 to 2 Tbsp of salt per gallon of water. Bring to a boil and add lobsters. Start the timer when the water comes back to a boil. You can figure 6-7 minutes for a 1.25-lb lobster, 7-9 minutes for 1.5-lb lobster, and 10-12 minutes for a 2-lb lobster.

How do I stop my lobster from being rubbery? ›

Cook too fast by steaming, and some of the meat gets rubbery. Cook too slowly by roasting, and the meat sticks to the shell. Solution? Steam or boil the lobsters just until the very exterior of their meat sets—about one minute—remove them from the steamer, then finish them off in the oven.

Do you cut lobster tails before boiling? ›

Prep your lobster tails for cooking by cutting the shell back to expose the meat. Using a knife or kitchen scissors, carefully cut the shell lengthwise from top to bottom. Next, fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Make sure to select a pot with enough space that the water will cover the lobster tails.

Are frozen lobster tails worth buying? ›

For the most part, frozen lobster retains much of the flavor of fresh lobster. For distributors and national chains, shipping frozen lobster makes it much easier for markets and people to access Maine lobster worldwide. Another plus is that frozen lobster can be purchased and shipped in bulk to save on costs.

What is the best size lobster tail to buy? ›

Look for lobster tails ranging from 5oz to 12oz. These are smaller tails, and are the prime size for getting a good amount of meat and a quality taste and texture with lobster tails.

Which lobster tail is sweetest? ›

Due to the warm water the rock lobster dwells in, it tends to be a bit brinier in taste. Conversely, Maine lobsters are known for more of a clean, sweet taste. So if clean, delicate, and sweet is the criteria you're looking for in your lobster, there's nothing better than Maine lobster!

Is it better to steam or boil frozen lobster tails? ›

You can boil or steam frozen lobster tail. While it's always best to gently defrost your lobster tails in the refrigerator for 24 hours, both of these methods will defrost your lobster tails more gently than high heat options which would result in rubbery, overcooked meat.

How do you cook lobster tails without drying them out? ›

Cover the pot with the lobster tails in boiling water with a lid. Keeping the pot covered is essential, as this will help steam the lobster tails evenly and thoroughly. Let the lobster tails steam for 8-10 minutes or until they turn bright red. Be careful not to overcook them, making them tough and rubbery.

Do you crack the shell on lobster tail before cooking? ›

Basically, it involves cracking open the hard top shell so the meat underneath can come through. As it cooks, the lobster meat will start to puff up over the shell. High-class restaurants love this showy presentation.

Do you rinse lobster tails before cooking? ›

Cleaning a lobster doesn't just mean rinsing it off, though. Before cooking things like lobster tails, if you aren't planning to boil them, require some rinsing under that exoskeleton.

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