Nothing says luxury dining quite like perfectly grilled lobster tails sizzling on your backyard grill. We’re here to show you that creating restaurant-quality lobster at home isn’t just possible – it’s surprisingly simple and incredibly rewarding.
Grilling transforms lobster tails into something truly spectacular. The high heat caramelizes the sweet meat while infusing it with that irresistible smoky flavor you can’t get from any other cooking method. Plus, there’s something undeniably impressive about serving up these gorgeous, flame-kissed tails to your family and friends.
Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner for two or hosting a summer celebration, our foolproof grilled lobster tail recipe delivers tender, juicy results every single time. We’ll walk you through each step, from selecting the best tails to achieving that perfect char without overcooking the delicate meat.
Ingredients
We’ve crafted this ingredient list to deliver restaurant-quality grilled lobster tails with minimal effort. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect balance of smoky char and buttery richness.
For the Lobster Tails
- 4 lobster tails (6-8 oz each), thawed if frozen
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
For the Garlic Herb Butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Serving
- 2 lemons, cut into wedges
- Fresh parsley sprigs for garnish
- Additional garlic herb butter for dipping
- Crusty bread or grilled vegetables (optional)
Equipment Needed
Success with grilled lobster tails starts with having the right tools at our disposal. We need exact equipment to handle these delicate shellfish safely and achieve that perfect caramelized finish we’re after.
Essential Grilling Equipment
Our primary cooking tool is either a charcoal or gas grill that can maintain consistent medium to medium-high heat. For charcoal enthusiasts, we recommend using a charcoal chimney to get coals burning evenly for 10-15 minutes until they reach the proper temperature. Gas grill users can simply preheat according to manufacturer instructions.
Cutting and Preparation Tools
Kitchen shears or sharp scissors are absolutely critical for cutting through the tough lobster shells without damaging the delicate meat underneath. We pair these with a sharp knife for scoring the meat and making precise cuts. A stable cutting board provides the workspace we need for safe preparation.
Grilling Accessories
Long-handled grill tongs allow us to flip and move the lobster tails without getting too close to the heat source. We use a basting brush or pastry brush to apply our garlic herb butter mixture evenly across the meat during cooking. This creates those beautiful caramelized layers that make grilled lobster so appealing.
Temperature Control and Safety
A meat thermometer helps us achieve the perfect doneness by checking for an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). This prevents the common mistake of overcooking lobster, which results in tough, rubbery texture.
Optional Enhancement Tools
For those wanting to add smoky depth, wood chips like apple wood can be added to charcoal grills. We can use a small cast iron skillet or pan directly on the grill to keep our butter sauce warm throughout cooking. Long skewers help keep the lobster meat flat against the shell, ensuring even cooking and preventing curling.
| Equipment Category | Essential Items | Optional Items |
|---|---|---|
| Grilling | Grill, Charcoal chimney | Wood chips, Cast iron skillet |
| Cutting | Kitchen shears, Sharp knife, Cutting board | Long skewers |
| Cooking Tools | Grill tongs, Basting brush | Meat thermometer |
| Prep Accessories | Small mixing bowl | – |
Having these tools ready before we start ensures our grilling process flows smoothly from preparation to plating. The investment in quality equipment pays off with consistently excellent results every time we fire up the grill.
Instructions
Now that we have our lobster tails and equipment ready we can begin the grilling process. Follow these step-by-step instructions to achieve perfectly grilled lobster tails with restaurant-quality results.
Prep the Lobster Tails
Using kitchen shears we cut down the top of each lobster tail shell without cutting through the bottom shell. Slice through the lobster meat along the cut to butterfly the tail completely. We flatten the tail with our hands and optionally insert a skewer through the meat to keep it flat during grilling. Brush the lobster meat generously with olive oil and season with salt and pepper for optimal flavor.
Prepare the Garlic Herb Butter
In a small bowl we combine melted butter with minced garlic lemon juice or zest and minced parsley. Microwave the butter mixture in short increments until fully melted and stir to combine thoroughly. This aromatic butter will serve as both a basting sauce and finishing touch for our grilled lobster tails.
Preheat the Grill
We heat our grill to medium-high heat maintaining a temperature of 400-500°F for optimal cooking conditions. Clean the grill grates thoroughly and lightly oil them to prevent the lobster from sticking. Proper preheating ensures even cooking and creates those coveted grill marks on our lobster meat.
Grill the Lobster Tails
Place lobster tails flesh side down on the preheated grill for the initial searing. We grill for about 4-6 minutes until grill marks form and the meat starts to cook through. Flip the tails over so the cut side faces up and baste generously with our prepared garlic herb butter. Continue grilling for another 4-5 minutes or until the meat becomes opaque and reaches an internal temperature of 135-140°F using an instant-read thermometer. Avoid overcooking to prevent the meat from becoming rubbery and tough.
Check for Doneness
The lobster tail is perfectly cooked when the shell turns bright red and the lobster meat appears opaque and firm to the touch. We verify doneness by checking that the internal temperature reaches between 135°F and 140°F with our meat thermometer. Cooking time varies by tail size following the general rule of about 1 minute per side per ounce.
| Tail Size | Total Cooking Time |
|---|---|
| 4 oz | 8 minutes |
| 6 oz | 12 minutes |
| 8 oz | 16 minutes |
Directions for Serving
Remove the perfectly grilled lobster tails from the grill using long-handled tongs to ensure safe handling. Allow the tails to rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to let the juices redistribute throughout the meat.
Transfer each lobster tail to individual serving plates with the meat side facing up to showcase the beautiful grill marks. Brush the warm lobster meat generously with our prepared garlic herb butter while it’s still hot to maximize flavor absorption.
Garnish each plate with fresh lemon wedges positioned alongside the lobster tails for guests to squeeze over their portions. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the buttered lobster meat to add color and enhance the herb flavors.
Serve small ramekins of the remaining garlic herb butter as a dipping sauce on each plate. Warm the extra butter slightly in a cast iron skillet if it has cooled during the grilling process.
Present the grilled lobster tails immediately while they’re still hot for the best texture and flavor experience. Add crushed red pepper flakes as a finishing touch for guests who prefer a subtle heat element.
Complete the presentation by offering crusty bread or grilled vegetables as optional accompaniments to create a well-rounded meal. Position all garnishes and sides within easy reach of your guests to encourage interactive dining.
| Serving Component | Purpose | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Garlic herb butter brush | Flavor enhancement | While hot |
| Lemon wedges | Citrus brightness | Fresh squeeze |
| Extra butter ramekins | Dipping sauce | Serve warm |
| Fresh herb garnish | Visual appeal | Final touch |
Make-Ahead Tips
We can streamline our grilling process significantly by preparing several components ahead of time. Butterflying the lobster tails up to 24 hours in advance saves precious time when we’re ready to grill. Simply cut the shells and score the meat as directed, then cover the prepared tails tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until needed.
Our garlic herb butter benefits tremendously from advance preparation. We recommend making this flavorful compound butter at least 2 hours before grilling to allow the flavors to meld properly. The butter can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, giving us complete flexibility with our meal planning.
| Make-Ahead Component | Storage Time | Storage Method |
|---|---|---|
| Butterflied lobster tails | Up to 1 day | Covered in refrigerator |
| Garlic herb butter | Up to 3 days | Refrigerated in airtight container |
| Seasoning mix | Up to 1 week | Room temperature in sealed jar |
Preparing our seasoning blend beforehand eliminates last minute measuring and mixing. We can combine the kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, and optional cayenne pepper in a small jar and store it at room temperature for up to a week.
The herb butter should be removed from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before grilling to soften slightly for easier brushing. This timing ensures the butter spreads smoothly over the lobster meat without being too hard or completely melted.
We strongly advise against cooking the lobster tails completely ahead of time, as they lose their optimal texture when reheated. But, we can grill the lemon halves alongside our lobster and store them covered in the refrigerator for up to one day if needed for meal prep purposes.
Storage Instructions
Proper storage of our grilled lobster tails ensures we can enjoy this luxury dish even after the initial meal. We recommend letting the cooked lobster tails cool completely at room temperature before placing them in storage containers.
Refrigerator Storage
Store grilled lobster tails in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. We suggest placing them on a bed of paper towels to absorb any excess moisture that might accumulate during storage. The herb butter should be stored separately in the refrigerator and can last up to one week when properly covered.
Freezer Storage
For longer storage we can freeze cooked grilled lobster tails for up to 3-6 months. Wrap each tail individually in plastic wrap before placing them in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. This double protection prevents freezer burn and maintains the lobster’s delicate texture. We always label containers with the date to track storage time.
Thawing Process
When ready to enjoy our frozen lobster tails we transfer them to the refrigerator approximately 24 hours before serving. This gradual thawing process helps preserve the meat’s texture and prevents it from becoming rubbery.
Reheating Methods
We have two preferred methods for reheating our grilled lobster tails. The first involves placing them back on a preheated grill over medium-high heat for 2-4 minutes until warmed through. Our second method uses a 350°F oven for 4-6 minutes. We brush the lobster meat with fresh herb butter during reheating to restore moisture and enhance flavor. The key is avoiding overcooking which can make the meat tough and chewy.
Conclusion
We’ve shown you that grilling perfect lobster tails doesn’t require professional chef skills or expensive restaurant visits. With our straightforward recipe and proven techniques you’ll create succulent smoky lobster that rivals any high-end steakhouse.
The key lies in proper preparation butterflying technique and careful temperature monitoring. Our garlic herb butter elevates the natural sweetness of the lobster while the grill adds that irresistible caramelized char.
Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner or impressive weekend gathering this grilled lobster tail recipe delivers consistent restaurant-quality results every time. Fire up your grill and treat yourself to this luxurious yet achievable seafood masterpiece.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grill lobster tails?
Grilling time depends on the size of the lobster tails. Generally, 4-6 oz tails take 8-10 minutes total, while 8-10 oz tails need 12-15 minutes. Cook flesh side down for 4-5 minutes first, then flip and grill for another 4-6 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 135-140°F.
What temperature should grilled lobster tails reach?
The perfect internal temperature for grilled lobster tails is 135-140°F (57-60°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the meat. This ensures the lobster is fully cooked but not overcooked, maintaining its tender texture and sweet flavor.
How do you prepare lobster tails for grilling?
Start by cutting the top shell lengthwise with kitchen shears, then butterfly the meat by making a shallow cut down the center. Pull the meat slightly above the shell, brush with olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. This preparation helps even cooking and better flavor absorption.
Can you make grilled lobster tails ahead of time?
Yes, you can butterfly the lobster tails up to 24 hours in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator. The garlic herb butter can be prepared at least 2 hours ahead. However, it’s best to grill the tails fresh for optimal texture and flavor.
What’s the best way to store leftover grilled lobster tails?
Store leftover grilled lobster tails in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for 3-6 months. To reheat, use a grill or oven at low temperature, adding moisture with butter or lemon juice to prevent drying out.
What equipment do you need for grilling lobster tails?
Essential equipment includes a charcoal or gas grill, kitchen shears for cutting shells, a sharp knife for butterflying, long-handled tongs for safe handling, and a meat thermometer. Optional items include wood chips for smokiness and a cast iron skillet for warming butter sauce.
How do you prevent lobster tails from overcooking on the grill?
Monitor the internal temperature closely with a meat thermometer, aiming for 135-140°F. Start with flesh side down for proper searing, then flip once. Baste with garlic herb butter to keep the meat moist, and remove from heat as soon as the target temperature is reached.
What should you serve with grilled lobster tails?
Grilled lobster tails pair well with garlic herb butter for dipping, lemon wedges, and fresh herbs like parsley. Popular accompaniments include crusty bread, grilled vegetables, rice pilaf, or a simple salad. Always serve hot for the best texture and flavor experience.
