How to Cook Lobster Tails

Learn how to make Lobster Tails better than the restaurant! This recipe includes what to buy, how to butterfly, season, and cook these lobster tails to perfection. It's the perfect date-night in or special occasion meal and it only takes 15 minutes!

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Our simple lobster tails recipe is perfect for date night, holidays, or impressing dinner guests. I show you how easy it is to butterfly, and then it cooks in just minutes!

Prep Time10

Cook Time8

Total Time18

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings: Lobster Tails

Calories: 119kcal

Author: Lauren Allen

Cost: 62

Recipe Link

Equipment

Ingredients

6 Lobster Tails , cold water preferred
Seasoning cajun, Old Bay, or paprika

Garlic Butter:

4 Tablespoons butter , melted
3 cloves garlic
2 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

To Butterfly Lobster Tails: Use kitchen shears to cut down the center of the top shell, stopping at the tail fin. Gently pry the shell halves apart with your fingers and use your fingers to loosen the meat from the shell (but keep it attached at the fin).
Lift the meat up, and close the shell halves below it, so the meat can rest on top of the shell. Remove the dark vein if visible, rinse with cold water, and pat dry.
Season: Melt 4 tbsp butter. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 Tablespoons lemon juice. Brush butter over lobster tails, then season lightly with cajun, old bay or paprika. Cook (see below), then
4 Tablespoons butter, 3 cloves garlic, 2 tbsp lemon juice, Seasoning
Cook Lobster Tails (Choose a method, and don't overcook them! Pull it at 140°F, or the meat gets rubbery).
Broil (8-10 minutes) My Preferred Method!: Preheat broiler. Brush tails with garlic butter and season with Cajun, old bay or paprika. Broil for about 7-10 minutes (I pull it out about internal temp 140°Fish—don’t overcook it!).
Bake (12-15 minutes): Preheat oven to 450°F. Brush tails with garlic butter and season with Cajun, old bay or paprika. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the temp reaches 140-145°F.
Grilled (8-12 minutes): Grill at medium-high, cut-side up first for 4-6 minutes, then flip. Baste with butter throughout.
Serve: brush with more garlic butter, saving half for dipping. Serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

Tips for Success:

Use a meat thermometer—it's the only reliable way to avoid overcooking
Pat the tails dry before cooking for better browning. Choose cold water lobster or warm water lobster, if possible.

Make Ahead Instructions: Butterfly Lobster Tails, wash and pat dry. Cover and refrigerate for up to 4 hours ahead of time. Then brush with garlic butter just before cooking.

Nutrition