Grilled lobster tails are the epitome of indulgence, offering a delicious, smoky flavor while keeping the natural sweetness and tenderness of lobster intact. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a luxurious meal, grilled lobster tails are a simple yet impressive dish that’s sure to wow your guests or elevate your dinner. With a few key ingredients and a grill, you can enjoy this succulent seafood delicacy in the comfort of your own home.
The beauty of grilled lobster tails lies in the method of cooking. The lobster meat is naturally delicate and sweet, and grilling it brings out its rich flavors while adding a smoky char that enhances its taste. The key to perfectly grilled lobster tails is not overcooking them, as the meat can easily become tough and rubbery if left on the grill for too long. When done correctly, the lobster is tender, juicy, and full of flavor.
To prepare the lobster tails, start by cutting down the middle of the shell with kitchen scissors or a sharp knife, being careful not to cut through the meat. You can gently pull the meat out of the shell, keeping it attached at the base, and place it on top of the shell for an elegant presentation. This also makes it easier to season and grill the lobster. Before grilling, season the lobster tails with a generous amount of butter, garlic, and lemon juice. The butter adds richness, while the garlic and lemon provide aromatic flavor that perfectly complements the lobster.
Next, preheat your grill to medium-high heat and brush the grates with oil to prevent sticking. Place the lobster tails on the grill, meat side down, and cook for about 5-7 minutes. Flip the lobster tails over, brushing them with more butter and seasoning, and continue grilling for another 3-5 minutes until the meat is opaque and tender. A good rule of thumb is to cook the lobster for about 1 minute per ounce.
For the finishing touch, serve the lobster tails with extra melted butter and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, for added freshness. The combination of smoky char and buttery, garlicky lobster creates a dish that’s both decadent and satisfying. Whether served as the main course or as part of a seafood feast, grilled lobster tails offer a refined dining experience that’s surprisingly easy to make.
Ingredients
- 2 pieces lobster tails fresh, about 6-8 ounces each
- 1/4 cup melted butter unsalted recommended
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoon paprika for color and flavor
- to taste salt and pepper as per preference
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Using kitchen shears, cut the top of the lobster shell lengthwise from the outside, being careful not to cut the meat. Pull apart the shells slightly and brush the lobster meat with the butter mixture.
- Place the lobster tails flesh side down on the preheated grill for 5 minutes. Turn them over and grill for another 3-5 minutes, or until the lobster meat is opaque and cooked through.
- Remove from the grill, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve immediately with extra lemon wedges on the side.
This was absolute heaven! The garlic butter really made it pop. Definitely doing this again.
I dunno, tastes kinda fishy for lobsters, I think I overcooked it 😕. Not sure if I will try again.
Wut’s paprika? Can I use any seasoning? I don’t have lobster tails either… :-/
Lobster tails can be expensive, maybe try shrimp? And just use whatever spices you got, it’s cooking after all!
Paprika is a spice made from dried peppers. You can use cayenne or even chili powder if you want. Just don’t skip the butter and garlic! 😋
This was absolutely delicious! The butter garlic mixture is a game changer!
Lobster tails? Whut? I’m just here for the butter honestly.
Really great recipe! Super easy and perfect for impressing guests. A+
Can you use Old Bay instead of paprika? Asking for a friend. 🤔
Old Bay sounds good! It will give a different flavor but still tasty! 😋
Too much work for a shellfish! Just get a burger! 2 stars.
My grill is broken so I baked it in the oven. Turned out good but not the same.
Y’all really grill lobster? Seems a bit too tricky. I’d stick with shrimp.
Yummmmm! My family loved it! I added some chili flakes for a kick. Will definitely make again! 5 stars!!!
I tried this but my lobster was overcooked. Very sad. Followed the time exactly.
Way too fancy for me, tho I did try it. Not sure I like lobster. 😂
Lobster can be a bit much for some! But if you like the butter and garlic, you might find a way to enjoy it. 😂
Easy and delicious! Just a little too much butter for my taste. Next time I’ll cut it down a bit. 4/5.
I totally get that! Too much butter can mask the lobster’s flavor. Maybe try using olive oil next time for a lighter taste.
Grilled mine for a bit too long, they were chewy. Gotta keep an eye on them next time. 3/5
I don’t understand why people want to grill lobsters. Boiling is way better, don’t you think? 2/5
Lobster tails are expensive! I’d rather spend my money on something else. 1 star.
This is the best lobster tail recipe I’ve tried! The garlic butter was divine. 5 stars!
This was sooo good! The butter mix was perfect! I could eat this every day! 5/5! 🦞
not sure about grilling them…. isn’t that a bit odd? I just used a pan. still turned out ok tho. 3/5