Butter-Basted Broiled Lobster Tails

If you’ve ever dreamed of enjoying lobster like it’s a luxury experience—without the fancy restaurant prices—then Butter-Basted Broiled Lobster Tails are your new best friend. Imagine the delicate sweetness of lobster meat, perfectly tender and juicy, topped with a rich, golden butter sauce that’s infused with garlic and a squeeze of fresh lemon. It’s simple, it’s indulgent, and it’s about to elevate any occasion you’re celebrating (or just because you deserve a treat).

Trust me, this recipe will have you feeling like a five-star chef in no time. And the best part? You don’t have to do anything complicated—just a few ingredients, and you’re on your way to a decadent, mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for date night, special celebrations, or when you just want to feel fancy.

Why You’ll Love Butter-Basted Broiled Lobster Tails

Quick & Easy: You won’t believe how simple it is to make this restaurant-worthy dish at home. In under 20 minutes, you’ll have perfectly broiled lobster tails bathed in buttery goodness.

Rich and Flavorful: The combination of butter, garlic, and a squeeze of lemon brings out the best in the lobster, making it tender, juicy, and oh-so-satisfying.

Impressive but Simple: It may look like a gourmet masterpiece, but it’s surprisingly easy to make. You’ll definitely impress your guests (or yourself!) with this decadent seafood dish.

Customizable: Add a little kick with some red pepper flakes, or get creative with herbs like thyme or parsley to give your lobster a personal touch.

Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or just a treat-yourself night, broiled lobster tails are the ultimate special dish.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Ingredients in Butter-Basted Broiled Lobster Tails

Here’s what you need to create this buttery, garlicky lobster magic:

Lobster Tails

These are the stars of the show! Go for high-quality lobster tails, preferably frozen to ensure freshness. You’ll want to use large tails for a truly luxurious bite.

Unsalted Butter

The base of your luscious, golden sauce. Unsalted butter lets you control the seasoning and ensures that the lobster’s natural sweetness shines.

Garlic

A few cloves of garlic add a bold, aromatic flavor to the butter. Trust me, the garlic and lobster combo is nothing short of heavenly.

Lemon Juice

A fresh squeeze of lemon adds the perfect zing, cutting through the richness of the butter and highlighting the lobster’s natural sweetness.

Paprika

For a hint of smoky flavor and a touch of color, paprika is a must. It’s optional, but it adds a lovely warmth to the lobster tails.

Fresh Parsley

For garnish, fresh parsley gives a pop of green and adds a fresh, herby finish. Plus, it just looks pretty on top of the lobster tails.

Salt & Pepper

A little seasoning to bring everything together. The lobster needs just a pinch of salt and a dash of pepper to balance the richness of the butter.

Instructions

Let’s walk through this quick and easy process to get those lobster tails broiled to perfection:

Preheat the Broiler

First things first—set your oven’s broiler to high. Make sure your rack is positioned about 6 inches from the heat source. Preheating is key to getting that golden, slightly crispy finish on the lobster tails.

Prepare the Lobster Tails

Use kitchen shears or a sharp knife to carefully cut through the top of the lobster shell, lengthwise, stopping just before you reach the tail fin. Gently pull the shell apart to expose the lobster meat, and if needed, remove the vein. Pull the lobster meat slightly out of the shell so it sits on top, creating that beautiful “butterfly” effect. It’ll help the meat cook evenly.

Make the Butter Sauce

In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Once melted, add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Then, stir in the lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—this sauce is all about balance, so feel free to tweak it until it’s just right.

Broil the Lobster Tails

Place the prepared lobster tails on a baking sheet, shell-side down. Spoon some of the butter sauce over the lobster meat, coating it generously. Pop the baking sheet under the broiler and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the lobster meat is opaque and lightly golden on top. Keep an eye on them—lobster cooks quickly!

Baste & Finish

Halfway through broiling, spoon more of the butter sauce over the lobster tails to ensure they stay moist and flavorful. Once they’re done, remove the lobster tails from the oven and drizzle with any remaining butter sauce.

Garnish & Serve

Sprinkle the lobster tails with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness. Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges on the side, and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

How to Serve Butter-Basted Broiled Lobster Tails

These lobster tails are so indulgent, they don’t need much else on the plate to shine, but here are a few ways to serve them:

• With Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed asparagus, green beans, or broccoli are great sides that won’t compete with the lobster’s rich flavor but will add a nice crunch.
• Garlic Bread: A crispy, buttery loaf of garlic bread is perfect for sopping up any leftover butter sauce. Trust me, you’ll want to savor every drop!
• Over a Bed of Rice: If you want something a little heartier, serve your lobster tails over a bed of rice or risotto. The rice will soak up the extra butter, and it’s an easy way to round out the meal.
• With a Fresh Salad: A light, crisp salad with a citrusy vinaigrette will add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the lobster. Think arugula, mixed greens, or even a tangy coleslaw.

Additional Tips

• Grill It: If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also grill the lobster tails instead of broiling them. Just grill them on medium heat, brushing with the butter sauce, for a smoky flavor.
• Save the Shells: Don’t toss the lobster shells! They make an excellent base for homemade lobster stock or broth. Simply simmer them with some veggies, herbs, and water for a delicious seafood base.
• Adjust for Flavor: If you prefer more heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the butter sauce or top the lobster with a sprinkle of chili flakes.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen lobster tails?
A1: Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them properly in the fridge before preparing them. Thawing overnight is best, but if you’re short on time, you can defrost them under cold running water.

Q2: How do I know when the lobster is done?
A2: The lobster meat should be opaque and firm to the touch. It should have a slightly golden color on top, and you can also check with a thermometer—lobster is done when it reaches 140°F (60°C).

Q3: Can I make the butter sauce ahead of time?
A3: Yes! You can make the butter sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it gently before basting the lobster.

Q4: How do I store leftover lobster tails?
A4: Store leftover lobster tails in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, wrap them in foil and broil them for a few minutes, or gently heat them in a pan with some butter to keep them moist.

Q5: Can I double the recipe?
A5: Definitely! Just make sure to space the lobster tails out on the baking sheet so they cook evenly. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly, but they should still cook up beautifully.

Conclusion

These Butter-Basted Broiled Lobster Tails are a showstopper, combining the delicate sweetness of lobster with a buttery, garlicky sauce that’s simply irresistible. It’s an elegant, simple dish that makes any meal feel special, and it’s incredibly easy to pull off. Whether you’re celebrating something big or just treating yourself, this dish is guaranteed to make you feel like royalty. Enjoy every bite!

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