Garlic Broiled Lobster Tails
Succulent lobster tails bathed in garlic‑butter, brightened with lemon and a hint of MSG, perfect for a quick, elegant dinner that impresses guests with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drop lobster tails into boiling salted water and cook for 10 minutes.
- Remove from water and let cool.
- Combine butter, salt, monosodium glutamate, garlic salt, and lemon juice in a small saucepan and keep warm.
- Trim the shell and loosen the lobster meat from the shell.
- Place lobster meat in a shallow pan and baste with the warm butter mixture.
- Broil until brown, basting frequently.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best flavor, use fresh garlic instead of garlic salt if you have it on hand. If you're out of monosodium glutamate, you can skip it or substitute with a bit of soy sauce for added umami. Ensure the lobster tails are fully defrosted before cooking for even heat distribution. Keep an eye on the broiler, as cooking times can vary based on your oven's power.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the garlic broiled lobster tails with a side of garlic butter dipping sauce and a fresh green salad for a light meal. They pair beautifully with Crunchy Almond Baked Fish for a seafood feast. Consider a glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon to enhance the dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover lobster tails can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, basting with leftover butter to keep them moist. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the meat rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Garlic Broiled Lobster Tails contains roughly 25 calories, with 0g protein, 3g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1761mg per serving (77% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh lobster tails instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh lobster tails will yield a more succulent flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as they may cook faster than frozen tails. Keep an eye on them while boiling and broiling to avoid overcooking.
What if I don't have a broiler?
If you don't have a broiler, you can achieve a similar result by baking the lobster tails at 400°F. Place them in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, basting with the butter mixture halfway through, until the meat is opaque and cooked through.
How do I know when the lobster tails are done?
Lobster tails are done when the meat is opaque and firm to the touch, typically taking about 10 minutes of boiling followed by broiling. A good rule of thumb is to check for an internal temperature of 140°F for perfectly cooked lobster.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).