Garlic Butter Lobster Tails
Garlic Butter Lobster Tails
Some nights you want to keep dinner simple. Other nights? You want to feel a little fancy—without the white tablecloth restaurant price tag. These Garlic Butter Broiled Lobster Tails are the easiest way to bring that buttery, indulgent, seafood-splashed luxury home… in under 10 minutes.
Every time I make these, I think of the first time I cooked lobster. I was terrified. But once I figured out this foolproof broiling method, I’ve never looked back. Whether you’re prepping a romantic dinner or pairing it with a steak for surf-and-turf vibes, this lobster tail recipe is all about quick elegance.
And if you need pairing ideas, they’re stunning next to a juicy Rib Eye Steak, Filet Mignon, or Bacon-Wrapped Scallops.
Why You’ll Love These Garlic Butter Lobster Tails
- Ready in just 8 minutes under the broiler
- Minimal ingredients with maximum flavor
- Perfect for any occasion from weeknight indulgence to special celebrations
- Pairs beautifully with steaks, scallops, or a chilled glass of white wine
- Beginner-friendly but tastes like fine dining
Quick Ingredient Overview
Here’s everything you need for this dreamy lobster tail recipe:
- 4 lobster tails (fresh or thawed frozen)
- 1 tsp garlic salt – for flavor depth
- 1 tsp minced garlic – fresh is best
- 4 tbsp butter, melted – compound or unsalted
- Juice of 1 lemon – plus extra lemon wedges for serving
That’s it. No need for fancy ingredients—the broiler does the heavy lifting.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to broil on high.
- Butterfly the tails: Using kitchen shears, cut lobster shells lengthwise (rounded side up) to expose the meat. Gently lift and rest the meat over the shell.
- Make the garlic butter: Melt the butter and stir in minced garlic.
- Season: Brush lobster meat with garlic butter and lemon juice. Sprinkle with garlic salt.
- Broil: Place the tails on a rimmed baking sheet and broil for 5–8 minutes, until opaque and lightly browned on top.
- Serve: Garnish with extra melted butter and lemon wedges. Serve hot!
How do you devein a lobster tail?
Butterfly the tail using kitchen shears along the top shell. Gently pull apart the shell and lift the meat, checking for a dark vein (digestive tract). If visible, gently pull it out and discard.
Can I grill these lobster tails instead?
Yes! Grill over medium-high heat, shell side down, for 6–8 minutes, basting with garlic butter until cooked through.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Lobster Tails
- Use kitchen shears—not a knife—to safely split the shell.
- Don’t overcook! Lobster should be just opaque and slightly firm.
- For a fancier finish, broil a little longer to get golden, slightly crisp tops.
- Compound butter adds extra flavor—try one with herbs or citrus zest.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
- No garlic salt? Use sea salt and a pinch of garlic powder.
- No lemon? A splash of white wine can also brighten the flavor.
- Butter alternatives: Ghee or dairy-free butter works well too.
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F, wrapped in foil with a bit of butter.
- Avoid microwaving—lobster dries out easily.
Nutrition Facts (Per Lobster Tail)
- Calories: 192
- Protein: 19g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Cholesterol: 116mg
- Sodium: 430mg
Join the Conversation
If you try this Garlic Butter Broiled Lobster Tail recipe, leave a comment and a star rating below!
Pin it, share it, and tag me @shannon_ladywarrior when you serve it up!
Looking for more seafood inspiration?
Can’t wait to try this recipe I am concerned with the range of time to broil. How would we know if it is five minutes or more? Does it go by the size? I would hate to overcook lobster tails.
Ines,
So I cooked mine for 8 minutes, but some ovens may run hotter or cooler. You want the meat to be opaque and the shell will get bright red. I would recommend putting it in for 6 minutes and checking it, but it will probably be done! Let me know.
🙂
I used 3oz tails cooked for 5 minutes close to top of oven. Turned out perfect….
Looks delicious, but seems difficult to make.
Carol,
This recipe is one of the simplest recipes you will ever make. Literally you just remove the lobster meat, butter it and broil for 5-8 minutes and your done!
Shannon 🙂
How much lemon juice, garlic and butter do you use?
Hi,
I am so sorry, I can’t believe I forgot to add the recipe. It is all on there now!! Thank you for asking.
Shannon 🙂
how is the butter dipping sauce from the same melted butter you used to season and garnish or did you need to make more
Michelle,
It is from the same sauce I used to cook the lobster, but if you need to make more you can absolutley do that.
Which oven rack do I use to broil…middle or top? Can’t wait to make this!
Hi Peggy,
I used the top rack, I hope you enjoy them 🙂
How much did these lobsters weigh?
Marcia,
5 ounces 🙂
What is the top garnish?
Kathy,
It is chopped thyme and rosemary herbs.
Shannon 🙂
Do you know what the calorie content is?
Hi Kayla
There are 287 per lobster tail. 🙂
I have made lobster tails like these for years – since I learned from the Supper Club I waitress-ed at when I was in high school. They are amazingly easy to make (toughest part is cutting through shell with scissors) and so delicious… they come out perfectly every time. AND, they make a beautiful presentation with those beautiful red shells underneath.
My husband does not like garlic – so I make his without, but I make mine with. PERFECT, every time!
Dawn,
HAHA your right, the hardest part is cutting through those shells!
Yummy
How many ounces are these lobster tails?
Hi Christine,
there are 287 calories per lobster tail.
She used 5oz but works for 3 oz.
It appears you used a few scallions with the herbs as well…
Hi, i’m no cook, as my husband does 99% of the cooking in my house, so i try things out when i do cook and with the exception of octopusn I pretty much love seafood and this recipe is one iiam going to try only i don’t know what broiling is.
Broiling is a setting on your oven that cooks something very fast with little time involved. Usually you can set your broil temperature to low or high broil. For these lobster you want it on high broil
Shannon
Have you ever tried brushing the lobsters with the melted butter and using lime juice instead of lemon? Then use a lemon butter sauce for the dipping of the broiled lobster.
Please don’t wreck your lobster with garlic salt or garlic powder!
eeeeewwwwwww
Nasty.
Just take a few minutes to chop or mince real garlic and saute it in oil and butter (without burning it). It will be worth the time and effort.
Thanks for the tip, I appreciate it, but I liked it the way I made it, but will definitely have to try that sometime.
Ewwwww & Nasty? Come on now! You know better than to say that about someone’s food. If you don’t like her suggestions, that’s fine, but leave the theatrics behind.
I appreciate that Anisha! 🙂
Looks so good but I am confused about numbers 3and 4 in the directions. Is the melted butter with the minced garlic what you are using for the dipping butter?
It is also used to baste the lobster before you broil it. If you don’t want too do it that way you can just use it for dipping sauce.
I never made lobster tails. Can’t wait to try these. Maybe with a little steak, surf and turf. Neither is my husband’s favorite, but he’s getting them. I love both.
These looks so good! Never knew cooking lobster could be so easy. Thanks for the tips
Scottie,
Lobster is so easy and delicious to make
Shannon 🙂
Nice Post. Thanks!
Can you use Ghee instead of so you don’t have milk solids in your dipping sauce?