Grilled Lobster Tail

When it comes to enjoying lobster, nothing quite compares to the smoky, charred flavor of Grilled Lobster Tail. This dish is a showstopper, whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, planning a romantic dinner, or treating yourself to an indulgent meal at home. Grilled lobster tail is surprisingly easy to prepare and takes only a few minutes on the grill, making it perfect for both novice and experienced home cooks. Plus, grilling enhances the natural sweetness of the lobster, creating a caramelized, slightly crispy edge that pairs beautifully with melted garlic butter, fresh lemon, and a hint of herbs.

This recipe will guide you through everything you need to know to make perfect grilled lobster tails every time, from choosing the best lobster tails to prepping them for grilling, achieving that perfect char, and serving them with a delicious garlic-lemon butter sauce. I’ll also include some tips for variations, serving suggestions, and how to choose sides that complement the rich flavor of lobster. Grilled lobster tail is a versatile dish that’s both luxurious and surprisingly easy to make, so let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Grilling lobster tails takes only a few minutes, and the recipe is simple enough for any level of cooking experience.

Perfect for Special Occasions: Lobster is an impressive dish, ideal for date nights, celebrations, or any time you want to make a meal extra special.

Incredible Flavor: Grilling enhances the lobster’s natural sweetness and creates a delicious, slightly smoky flavor.

Minimal Ingredients: You only need a few ingredients to make this dish, allowing the flavor of the lobster to shine.

Pairs with Everything: Grilled lobster tail is versatile and can be served with a variety of sides like grilled vegetables, salad, rice, or pasta.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 8-10 minutes
• Total time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4 (1 lobster tail per person)
• Serving Size: 1 lobster tail with garlic butter

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 220 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 13g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0g

Ingredients

For the Lobster Tails:

• 4 lobster tails (about 5-6 ounces each)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley)
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Lobster Tails

1. Thaw the Lobster Tails: If you’re using frozen lobster tails, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or place them in a sealed plastic bag and submerge in cold water for 30-45 minutes until fully thawed. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. Butterfly the Lobster Tails: Using kitchen shears, carefully cut down the top shell of each lobster tail from the thickest part down to the tail, stopping just before reaching the end. Be careful not to cut into the meat.
3. Pull Out the Meat: Gently pull the meat up through the shell, keeping it attached at the end. This allows it to sit on top of the shell, creating the classic “butterfly” presentation and ensuring even grilling.
4. Season the Lobster Tails: Brush the lobster meat with olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper. This helps keep the meat moist and adds flavor without overpowering the lobster’s natural taste.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

1. Melt the Butter: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
2. Add Lemon and Parsley: Stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley, then remove from heat. This garlic butter sauce will be brushed over the lobster tails before and after grilling, and also served as a dipping sauce.

Step 3: Grill the Lobster Tails

1. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F. If you’re using a charcoal grill, arrange the coals for direct heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
2. Grill the Lobster Tails: Place the lobster tails meat-side down on the grill. Grill for 4-5 minutes until the meat starts to turn opaque and has nice grill marks.
3. Flip and Baste: Flip the lobster tails so they are shell-side down. Brush generously with the garlic butter sauce and continue grilling for another 3-4 minutes until the meat is fully opaque and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 135-140°F. Avoid overcooking, as lobster can become tough and rubbery.
4. Remove from Grill: Once the lobster tails are done, remove them from the grill and brush with any remaining garlic butter sauce for extra flavor.

Step 4: Serve the Lobster Tails

1. Garnish: Garnish each lobster tail with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a lemon wedge for squeezing over the top.
2. Serve with Garlic Butter: Serve the grilled lobster tails with a side of warm garlic butter sauce for dipping. This enhances the flavor and adds a luxurious touch to the dish.
3. Enjoy: Serve immediately while the lobster tails are still hot. Pair with your favorite sides like grilled vegetables, rice, or a crisp salad.

How to Serve Grilled Lobster Tail

Grilled lobster tail is an indulgent main course that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some serving ideas:

• With Grilled Vegetables: Serve alongside grilled asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers for a light and healthy side.
• With Rice or Quinoa: A side of rice pilaf, jasmine rice, or quinoa makes for a filling yet simple accompaniment.
• With Pasta: Pair with creamy pasta like fettuccine alfredo or linguine with olive oil and garlic for a luxurious meal.
• With a Fresh Salad: Serve with a simple mixed greens or Caesar salad for a refreshing contrast to the rich lobster.
• With Garlic Bread: Serve with garlic bread or crusty rolls to soak up the leftover garlic butter.

Additional Tips for Success

1. Choose High-Quality Lobster Tails: Fresh lobster tails are ideal, but if you’re using frozen, make sure to thaw them properly for the best texture and flavor.
2. Don’t Overcook the Lobster: Lobster meat cooks quickly, and overcooking can make it tough and chewy. Keep an eye on the grill and remove the tails as soon as the meat turns opaque and reaches 135-140°F.
3. Use an Instant-Read Thermometer: If you’re unsure if the lobster is done, use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature, aiming for 135-140°F.
4. Season Lightly: Lobster has a delicate, sweet flavor, so a little olive oil, salt, and pepper are enough. The garlic butter sauce adds plenty of flavor without overpowering the lobster.
5. Serve Immediately: Grilled lobster tail is best enjoyed hot off the grill. The longer it sits, the more the meat can lose its tenderness.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Grilled Lobster Tail: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a spicy kick.
2. Herb-Infused Butter: Use a combination of fresh herbs like thyme, basil, and chives in the butter sauce for a more complex, herbaceous flavor.
3. Cajun-Style Lobster Tail: Season the lobster with Cajun seasoning instead of salt and pepper for a southern-inspired twist.
4. Lemon-Garlic Parmesan Lobster: After grilling, sprinkle a bit of grated Parmesan over the lobster meat for a cheesy, savory finish.
5. Butterflied and Stuffed Lobster Tail: For an extra decadent meal, add a spoonful of crabmeat stuffing on top of the butterflied lobster meat before grilling.

Freezing and Storage

• Storing Leftovers: Place any leftover grilled lobster tails in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Lobster is best enjoyed fresh, so only grill as much as you plan to eat.
• Reheating: Reheat leftover lobster tails by wrapping them in foil and placing them in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the lobster tough.
• Freezing: You can freeze raw lobster tails for up to 3 months, but freezing grilled lobster is not recommended, as it will affect the texture.

Special Equipment

• Kitchen Shears: These are essential for cutting through the tough lobster shell when butterflying the tail.
• Instant-Read Thermometer: This helps ensure the lobster is perfectly cooked without overcooking.
• Grill Brush: For brushing the grill grates with oil to prevent the lobster tails from sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I grill lobster tails from frozen?
No, lobster tails should be thawed completely before grilling to ensure even cooking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or in cold water.

2. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but be careful with additional salt as salted butter may make the dish too salty. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

3. Can I make this recipe without a grill?
Yes, you can broil lobster tails in the oven. Place them on a baking sheet and broil on high for 5-7 minutes, basting with garlic butter halfway through.

4. Can I use whole lobsters for this recipe?
Yes, but grilling whole lobsters requires a different technique, and cooking times will vary. This recipe is designed specifically for lobster tails.

5. How do I know when the lobster is cooked?
The meat will turn opaque and white, and should reach an internal temperature of 135-140°F. The shell will turn bright red as well.

Conclusion

Grilled Lobster Tail is an exquisite dish that’s surprisingly easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. The sweet, tender meat of the lobster paired with rich, garlicky lemon butter creates a flavor experience that’s truly indulgent yet approachable. Grilling brings out the best in lobster, giving it a slight char and smoky depth that enhances its natural sweetness. This recipe is quick, requires only a few ingredients, and delivers restaurant-quality results. Whether you’re treating yourself, impressing guests, or celebrating a special moment, grilled lobster tail is sure to be a memorable, crowd-pleasing dish. Serve it with your favorite sides, and enjoy every delicious, buttery bite. Happy grilling!