Broiled Lobster Tails
If you’re looking for a show-stopping holiday (or special occasion!) dish that’s surprisingly easy, these Broiled Lobster Tails are it. Rich, buttery, and perfectly cooked in just minutes, they feel indulgent without a lot of fuss—perfect for special dinners or holiday entertaining.
We always make Alaskan King Crab legs for Christmas dinner. And then one year… no one was selling crab legs in Minnesota! We made a last minute pivot to Lobster and we are glad we did! It was about half the price and so easy. In fact, it was so good, we made them again for New Years Eve a week later!
This recipe works beautifully for a low-carb, protein-focused lifestyle because lobster is naturally high in protein and pairs perfectly with simple, flavorful butter. Even if you’re not a seasoned cook, you can make this elegant dish with confidence. We paired it with roasted veggies - like our broccoli or cauliflower!
The best part? You can keep it classic with just butter, or add optional spices for a festive flavor boost. Either way, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy holiday schedules.
Why We Love This Recipe
Quick and easy, ready in ~15 minutes (after you prep the lobster!)
Luxurious, buttery flavor with minimal prep
Family-friendly and approachable for any skill level
Flexible: make it simple or add optional spices for extra flavor
Perfect for special occasions, holiday dinners, or a low-carb treat
Ingredients
For the lobster:
10 lobster tails, thawed
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
Optional seasoning: Mix together the following with your butter
1 tsp garlic powder
1½ tsp dried parsley
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp kosher salt (omit if using salted butter)
1–2 tsp fresh lemon juice
How to Make Broiled Lobster Tails
Thaw the lobster
Move frozen lobster tails to the refrigerator 36–48 hours before cooking. Keep sealed until ready to prep. Forgot to thaw them? Thaw them in a their package in cold water.Preheat the oven
Set oven to Broil (High). Position the rack in the upper third of the oven, about 6 inches from the broiler.Prepare the lobster tails
Using kitchen scissors, cut straight down the top of each shell to the tail. Gently pull the meat up and rest it on top of the shell. Place tails shell-side down on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.Make the butter
Gently melt the butter. Stir in optional garlic powder, parsley, paprika, salt, and lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning—focus on buttery flavor first, bright lemon second.Butter the lobster
Brush a light, even layer of butter over each lobster tail.Broil
Broil on high for 5–6 minutes, until the meat is opaque white and just lightly golden on top. Do not overcook, or the lobster will become tough.Finish and serve
Remove from the oven and immediately brush with remaining warm butter. Serve hot, with extra butter on the side if desired.
Nutrition Information (Approximate)
Per serving (makes 4–5 servings):
Calories ~350 | Fat ~28g | Total Carbs ~0g | Fiber ~0g | Net Carbs ~0g | Protein ~24g
Macros will vary slightly depending on butter and optional seasoning.
Tips and Variations
Keep it simple: Use just melted butter for a classic, buttery flavor. We love it this way with a lemon wedge on the side for a burst of flavor!
Optional flavor boost: Add garlic, parsley, paprika, salt, and lemon juice for a festive, bright finish.
Even cooking: Make sure lobster tails are similar in size for uniform cooking.
Don’t overcook: Lobster cooks quickly; watch for opaque white meat and slight golden edges.
Storage: Best served immediately, but leftovers can be refrigerated up to 1 day and gently reheated.
Why This Recipe Works
These lobster tails are easy, elegant, and fail-proof, making them perfect for busy holiday kitchens or special family dinners. The combination of tender, juicy lobster and warm, melted butter is simple yet luxurious, and you can customize the flavor with optional spices if you like. It’s a festive, low-carb dish that looks impressive on the table but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.
Serve, enjoy, and let everyone marvel at how effortless holiday cooking can be!
Recipe video:
Broiled Lobster tails
