BROILED LOBSTER TAIL ULTIMATE RECIPE

Imagine sinking your teeth into tender, succulent lobster meat, infused with a rich, buttery garlic flavor and a hint of lemon – that’s the magic of perfectly Broiled Lobster Tail. This isn’t just a fancy restaurant dish; it’s an incredibly easy gourmet experience you can create right in your own kitchen, and I promise, you’ll be amazed at how simple it is!

Ingredients

For the Lobster Tails:

• 4 Lobster Tails (6-8 ounces each), thawed if frozen
• 4 tablespoons Butter, unsalted
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice, fresh
• 1/2 teaspoon Paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper, freshly ground
• 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Optional Ingredients:

• Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes (for a little heat)
• Lemon wedges for serving

Essential Tools You’ll Need

• Baking sheet
• Kitchen shears
• Small saucepan
• Basting brush
• Oven

Preparing the Lobster Tails: The Butterfly Cut

Okay, this is the step that might seem a little intimidating, but trust me, it’s easier than it looks! The “butterfly cut” helps the lobster cook evenly and allows that delicious garlic butter to really soak in. Here’s how to do it:

1. Get Ready: Place the lobster tail on a cutting board, shell-side up.
2. Make the Cut: Using kitchen shears, carefully cut down the center of the shell, starting from the top (where the tail meets the body) and stopping just before the tail fan.
3. Open it Up: Gently spread the shell open with your fingers.
4. Loosen the Meat: Using your fingers or a spoon, carefully loosen the lobster meat from the shell, leaving the tail fan attached.
5. Lift and Rest: Gently lift the lobster meat up and rest it on top of the opened shell. This “butterfly” shape will cook beautifully.
6. Remove the Vein (Optional): You might see a dark vein running along the back of the lobster meat. If so, gently remove it with the tip of a knife.

Pro Tip: If you’re nervous about cutting the shell, you can ask your fishmonger to do it for you! Most will be happy to help.

Making the Garlic Butter Sauce: Liquid Gold

This is where the magic happens! The garlic butter sauce is what elevates this dish to the next level. Here’s how to make it:

1. Melt the Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
2. Add the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and cook for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
3. Stir in the Flavors: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Taste and Adjust: Give it a taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Want a little more lemon? Add a squeeze! Prefer more garlic? Go for it!

Step-by-Step Instructions: Broiling to Perfection

Now for the fun part! Broiling is a quick and easy way to cook lobster tails, but it’s important to keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking.

1. Preheat the Broiler: Preheat your broiler to high. Position a rack about 6-8 inches from the broiler element.
2. Prepare the Lobster Tails: Place the prepared lobster tails on a baking sheet, shell-side down.
3. Baste Generously: Brush the lobster meat generously with the garlic butter sauce. Make sure to get into all those nooks and crannies!
4. Broil: Place the baking sheet under the broiler and broil for 6-10 minutes, or until the lobster meat is opaque and firm to the touch. The cooking time will depend on the size of your lobster tails, so keep a close watch.
5. Baste Again: Halfway through the broiling time, baste the lobster tails again with the remaining garlic butter sauce.
6. Check for Doneness: The lobster is done when the internal temperature reaches 140-145°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check.
7. Rest: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the lobster tails rest for a few minutes before serving.

Troubleshooting: If your lobster tails start to brown too quickly, you can lower the baking sheet further from the broiler or tent them loosely with foil.

Serving Suggestions: The Grand Finale

Now that you’ve created these beautiful Broiled Lobster Tails, it’s time to enjoy them! Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Simple and Classic: Serve the lobster tails with lemon wedges and a side of melted butter.
• Surf and Turf: Pair them with a perfectly cooked Garlic Butter Steak for a truly decadent meal.
• Seafood Feast: Serve alongside King Crab Legs Oven and Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon for the ultimate seafood extravaganza.
• Elegant Side Dishes: Serve with asparagus, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.
• Comfort Food: Pair it with creamy mashed potatoes or cheesy risotto.

Don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color!

Storing Leftovers (If There Are Any!)

While Broiled Lobster Tail is best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave. Be careful not to overcook them, or they will become tough.

Variations to Try: Spice it Up!

Want to add your own personal touch to this recipe? Here are a few variations to try:

• Spicy Lobster: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for a little kick.
• Herbaceous Lobster: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to the garlic butter sauce.
• Garlic Parmesan Lobster: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the lobster tails before broiling.
• Lemon Herb: Add zest of one lemon and one teaspoon of dried Italian herbs to the garlic butter.

Get creative and experiment with different flavors to find your perfect Broiled Lobster Tail recipe!

If you love Garlic Butter, try these other recipes: Garlic Butter Salmon, Garlic Butter Beef Bites, and Roasted Garlic Soup!

Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This!

Making Broiled Lobster Tail at home is easier than you think! With a few simple ingredients and these easy-to-follow instructions, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that will impress your friends and family. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the delicious taste of perfectly broiled lobster!