Broiled Lobster Tails in Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce

Broiled lobster tails are one of the easiest ways to create a restaurant-quality seafood dinner at home. Splitting the shells and broiling quickly keeps the meat tender and juicy, while a rich creamy garlic butter sauce adds luxurious flavor. Perfect for special occasions, date nights, or whenever you want an elegant meal with minimal effort.

⏱ PREP TIME

Prep: 15 minutes
Broil: 10–12 minutes
Total: ~25 minutes
Servings: 4

🍳 EQUIPMENT

Kitchen scissors
Baking tray
Small saucepan
Brush or spoon (for butter)
Oven with broiler setting

🧾 INGREDIENTS

For the lobster

4 lobster tails (5–6 oz each)
3 tbsp melted butter
Salt & black pepper to taste
½ tsp paprika (optional for color)
Lemon wedges (for serving)

Creamy garlic butter sauce

4 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup heavy cream
¼ cup grated Parmesan
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tbsp chopped parsley
Salt & pepper to taste

📝 INGREDIENT NOTES

Lobster tails: Fresh or fully thawed frozen both work well.
Heavy cream: Gives the sauce its silky texture — avoid milk if possible.
Parmesan: Adds depth and slight saltiness to the sauce.
Paprika: Optional but gives a beautiful restaurant-style finish.

👩‍🍳 INSTRUCTIONS

1️⃣ Prepare the lobster tails

Using kitchen scissors, cut down the top center of each shell lengthwise.
Gently pull the meat upward and rest it on top of the shell (this is called “piggybacking”).
Place on a baking tray.

2️⃣ Season

Brush lobster meat with melted butter.
Sprinkle lightly with salt, pepper, and paprika.

3️⃣ Broil

Place tray under the broiler about 6 inches from heat.
Broil for 10–12 minutes, or until meat turns opaque and lightly golden.
(Internal temp should reach about 63°C / 145°F.)

4️⃣ Make the creamy garlic butter sauce

While lobster cooks:

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in heavy cream and simmer 2–3 minutes.
Stir in Parmesan and lemon juice.
Season with salt, pepper, and parsley.
Cook until slightly thickened.

5️⃣ Serve

Drizzle creamy garlic butter sauce over the hot lobster tails or serve on the side for dipping.
Finish with fresh lemon juice if desired.

🥗 NUTRITION FACTS (approx. per serving)

Calories: ~420
Protein: 32g
Fat: 30g
Carbs: 4g
Sodium: varies by seasoning

⭐ TIPS FOR PERFECT LOBSTER

✔ Do not overcook — lobster becomes rubbery fast
✔ Larger tails need slightly longer broiling
✔ If shells start browning too fast, move tray lower
✔ Butter brushing keeps meat moist
✔ Let rest 2 minutes before serving

🔄 VARIATIONS

Spicy Cajun Lobster – Add Cajun seasoning + chili flakes before broiling.

Lemon Herb Lobster – Add thyme, oregano, and extra lemon zest.

Cheesy Broiled Lobster – Sprinkle mozzarella or extra Parmesan during last 2 minutes.

Simple Garlic Butter Version – Skip cream and use only garlic butter + lemon.