Name: Butter-Basted Broiled Lobster Tails Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 lobster tails (6-8 oz each); 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; Lemon wedges (for garnish); Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe· 3.9 from 83 reviews

If you are craving a seafood dish that is both elegant and bursting with flavor, this Butter-Basted Broiled Lobster Tails Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender lobster meat, perfectly cooked under a high broiler, then lavishly bathed in a rich, garlicky butter sauce with bright hints of lemon and smoky paprika. This recipe brings restaurant-quality lobster straight to your dining table in about 20 minutes, delivering an irresistible combination of buttery richness and fresh, vibrant notes that will make any meal feel like a special occasion.

Butter-Basted Broiled Lobster Tails Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple yet truly essential ingredients is key to making this dish shine. Each component plays a role in layering flavor, enhancing texture, and creating that irresistible golden finish on the lobster tails.

4 lobster tails (6-8 oz each): Choose fresh or thawed lobster tails for tender, juicy meat that’s the star of the dish.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: The luscious base for basting and flavor infusion, butter adds richness without overpowering the lobster.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic brings a fragrant, savory note that complements the sweetness of the lobster meat beautifully.
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Lemon brightens the butter sauce with a fresh tang that balances the richness perfectly.
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley: Parsley adds a pop of color and a light herbal freshness.
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: This spice infuses a subtle smoky warmth, deepening the flavor profile without heat.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors gently but effectively.
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds mild spice and aroma to round out the seasoning.
Lemon wedges (for garnish): For finishing touches that add aesthetic appeal and an extra zing of citrus.
Fresh parsley (for garnish): Bright green garnish to make every plate inviting and fresh-looking.

How to Make Butter-Basted Broiled Lobster Tails Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Lobster Tails

Start by preheating your broiler to high and positioning the rack about six inches from the heat source — this ensures the lobster meat cooks quickly and gets a beautiful golden top. With kitchen scissors, carefully cut along the top of each lobster shell but stop just before the tail fin. Gently lift the lobster meat out without detaching it, then rest it back on the shell. This technique not only makes the lobster cook evenly but also presents beautifully once plated.

Step 2: Create the Flavorful Butter Mixture

In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, chopped parsley, smoked paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. This butter mixture is a magic elixir that will soak into the lobster, giving each bite a burst of complex, layered flavor while keeping the meat moist and tender.

Step 3: Apply Butter and Broil

Place the prepared lobster tails on a foil- or parchment-lined baking sheet to catch drips and make cleanup easier. Brush the lobster meat generously with the butter mixture, reserving a little to baste halfway through cooking. Broil the lobster for about 8 to 10 minutes, watching closely until the meat turns opaque and golden on top. Basting the lobster tails once midway ensures they stay juicy and imbued with that wonderful buttery garlic essence.

Step 4: Rest and Garnish

Once out of the oven, let your butter-basted lobster tails rest for a couple of minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, making every bite juicy and tender. Finally, garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges to boost the dish’s color and add a refreshing citrus note just before serving.

How to Serve Butter-Basted Broiled Lobster Tails Recipe

Garnishes

Simple garnishes can elevate your presentation and flavor. A scattering of freshly chopped parsley adds bright color and a subtle earthiness, while lemon wedges on the side invite guests to add an extra splash of citrus to their taste. These not only make the dish look inviting but also enhance its fresh and buttery characteristics.

Side Dishes

Pair your lobster tails with sides that complement their rich, buttery nature without overpowering it. Light options like garlic roasted asparagus, a crisp garden salad, or a refreshing cucumber dill salad work beautifully. For a heartier meal, consider creamy mashed potatoes or a delicate risotto to soak up every drop of that luscious butter sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress your guests, serve the butter-basted broiled lobster tails straight in their shells on a large platter with sprigs of parsley, colorful lemon slices, and maybe even edible flowers for an extra wow factor. Another fun presentation idea is to place the lobster meat atop slices of toasted artisan bread with a drizzle of butter sauce for a decadent appetizer experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The lobster meat will keep well for up to two days without losing its delicate flavor or texture, making it perfect for a quick seafood lunch or an elegant salad topping.

Freezing

To freeze leftover lobster tails, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place them in a freezer-safe bag, ensuring no air can get in. While freezing is possible, it may slightly affect the texture of the lobster meat, so fresh is always best for this delicate dish.

Reheating

When reheating, do so gently to avoid toughening the lobster. Warm it in a low oven (about 275°F) for 10-15 minutes or steam briefly until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can cook the lobster unevenly and make it rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use frozen lobster tails for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen lobster tails work wonderfully as long as you thaw them completely in the refrigerator before cooking. This ensures even cooking and preserves the tender texture.

How do I know when lobster tails are fully cooked?

The lobster meat should be opaque and white throughout, with a slight golden color on top. Cooking times can vary, but broiling for 8-10 minutes usually does the trick. Overcooking can make lobster tough, so keep a close eye.

Can I use clarified butter instead of regular butter?

Yes, clarified butter is a great option if you want a cleaner butter flavor that won’t brown as quickly under the broiler. It still provides rich flavor and is fantastic for basting.

What if I don’t have smoked paprika? Can I skip it?

While smoked paprika adds a lovely layer of smokiness, you can omit it or substitute with a pinch of regular paprika or a tiny bit of cayenne if you want a slight kick. The dish will still be delicious.

Is it necessary to baste the lobster while broiling?

Basting keeps the lobster moist and infuses more of the buttery garlic mixture into the meat. While not absolutely necessary, it’s highly recommended to get the best flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the ease and elegance of the Butter-Basted Broiled Lobster Tails Recipe. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply want to treat yourself to something extraordinary, this dish delivers irresistible flavor with minimal fuss. Trust me, once you try it, lobster nights will never be the same. So grab some fresh lobster tails, whip up that buttery garlic sauce, and get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with a meal that tastes decadent but feels effortlessly achievable.