If you’ve ever dreamed of enjoying a restaurant-quality lobster dinner at home, this is it. These broiled lobster tails with garlic lemon butter are rich, tender, and bursting with flavor—yet surprisingly easy to make. Pair them with a juicy steak and baked potato, and you’ve got the ultimate surf and turf meal that feels luxurious but is totally doable for a weeknight or special occasion.
This buttery, lemony lobster recipe takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish and works perfectly for low-carb, keto, or Whole30 diets. The best part? It tastes just like the kind you’d get from a five-star restaurant but costs a fraction of the price.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Skill Level: Easy to Medium
Servings: 4 lobster tails
Cost to Make: Varies by season
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Lobster tails | 4 (5 to 6 oz each) |
| Fresh parsley, finely chopped (plus more for garnish) | 1 Tbsp |
| Garlic cloves, pressed | 2 |
| Dijon mustard | 1 tsp |
| Salt | 1/4 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1/8 tsp |
| Olive oil | 1 1/2 Tbsp |
| Fresh lemon juice | 1 1/2 Tbsp |
| Unsalted butter, divided | 4 Tbsp |
Instructions
Step 1: How to Prepare and Butterfly Lobster Tails
Start by using sharp kitchen scissors to cut down the top shell of each lobster tail, stopping just before the base. Snip gently through the top of the meat as you go. Turn the lobster over and lightly crack the ribs on the underside to help open the shell.
Carefully spread the shell apart and loosen the meat without detaching it completely. Lift the meat so it rests on top of the shell, leaving the end connected. Press the shell together slightly so the meat sits neatly on top. Remove any visible veins if needed.
Step 2: Prepare the Marinade
In a small bowl, combine parsley, garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, olive oil, and lemon juice. Stir well until the mixture is blended and fragrant.
Step 3: Broil the Lobster Tails
Adjust your oven rack so that the tops of the lobster tails will sit about 6 inches from the broiler element. Preheat the oven to broil on high.
Place the prepared lobster tails in a 9×13 or 8×12 roasting pan. Spoon the marinade evenly over each tail, then top each one with ½ tablespoon of butter cut into small pieces.
Broil for about 10–11 minutes, depending on the size of your lobster tails (refer to the broiling chart below). The meat should turn opaque and white in the center, and a thermometer should read 145°F when fully cooked.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce
Once the lobster is done, pour the drippings from the pan into a small saucepan. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir until smooth, then remove from heat. Pour the sauce over the lobster tails or serve it on the side for dipping.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the lobster tails to a platter, garnish with extra chopped parsley, and serve immediately with melted garlic lemon butter.
Broiling Time Chart for Lobster Tails
- Small (3–4 oz): 6–8 minutes
- Medium (5–6 oz): 10–11 minutes
-
Large (7–9 oz): 12–15 minutes (with rack in the middle of the oven)
Always broil until the lobster meat is white and opaque in the center, reaching 145°F.
This recipe is pure luxury on a plate—flaky, buttery lobster with a hint of lemon and garlic that melts in your mouth. Whether for date night, holidays, or an elegant dinner at home, these lobster tails will make anyone feel special.
