Mediterranean Garlic Butter Lobster Tails
Tender lobster tails brushed with lemony garlic butter, Mediterranean herbs, and a touch of paprika, then broiled until juicy and lightly golden.
Servings
4 servings
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep: 15 minutes
- Cook: 10–12 minutes
Ingredients
For the Lobster
- 4 lobster tails (5–7 oz each)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper
Mediterranean Garlic Butter
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 5 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp fresh oregano (or ½ tsp dried)
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Optional Garnish
- Chopped parsley
- Lemon wedges
- Crumbled feta
- Kalamata olives
Equipment
- Kitchen shears
- Baking tray or cast-iron skillet
- Small saucepan
- Pastry brush
Step 1: Prepare the Lobster Tails
Using kitchen shears:
- Cut through the top shell lengthwise down the center.
- Stop before cutting the tail fin.
- Gently loosen the meat from the shell using your fingers or a spoon.
- Lift the meat upward and rest it on top of the shell.
This creates the classic “butterflied” presentation.
Pat dry with paper towels.
Brush lightly with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Make Mediterranean Garlic Butter
In a small saucepan over low heat:
- Melt butter.
- Add olive oil.
- Stir in garlic and cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
- Add:
- parsley
- oregano
- thyme
- paprika
- chili flakes
- lemon zest
- lemon juice
Do not boil aggressively — just warm gently.
Step 3: Broil the Lobster
Preheat broiler to high.
Place lobster tails on a baking tray.
Brush generously with garlic butter.
Broil:
- 5–7 oz tails: 7–9 minutes
- Larger tails: 10–12 minutes
Doneness Signs
The lobster is ready when:
- meat turns opaque white
- shell becomes bright red
- internal temp reaches 140–145°F (60–63°C)
Avoid overcooking or the meat becomes rubbery.
Step 4: Final Butter Finish
Immediately after broiling:
- brush with remaining garlic butter
- sprinkle parsley
- add extra lemon juice if desired
Optional Mediterranean toppings:
- crumbled feta
- sliced olives
- tiny diced tomatoes
Mediterranean Serving Ideas
Low-Carb / Keto
- Roasted zucchini
- Greek salad
- Garlic spinach
- Cauliflower mash
Traditional Mediterranean Pairings
- Herbed rice
- Couscous
- Roasted potatoes
- Warm pita
Optional Skillet + Oven Method
For extra flavor:
- Sear lobster meat side down in a hot cast-iron skillet for 1 minute.
- Flip.
- Spoon butter over top.
- Finish in oven at 425°F for 5–7 minutes.
Pro Tips
For Tender Lobster
Do not overcook. Lobster cooks very quickly.
For Extra Flavor
Let the garlic butter sit 5 minutes before brushing.
For Restaurant-Style Browning
Add a small sprinkle of parmesan before broiling.
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~320
- Protein: ~28g
- Fat: ~22g
- Net carbs: ~2–3g
Optional Mediterranean Variations
Greek Style
Add:
- feta
- olives
- oregano
- cucumber salad
Spicy Turkish-Inspired
Add:
- Aleppo pepper
- sumac
- extra lemon
Italian Coastal Style
Add:
- basil
- parmesan
- cherry tomatoes

