Buttery Grilled Lobster Tail Recipe: A Coastal Feast at Home

Culinary enthusiasts adore this succulent grilled lobster tail recipe that promises an extraordinary seafood experience.

Coastal kitchens buzz with excitement when preparing such a delectable dish.

Summer evenings become magical with tender, flame-kissed crustacean delights.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike celebrate the simplicity of this method.

Salt, pepper, and butter create a perfect harmony of flavors.

Marine richness meets smoky grilling techniques in this mouthwatering preparation.

Let you unlock the secrets of restaurant-quality seafood right at home.

Why Grilled Lobster Tail Recipe Impresses

• Transform ordinary lobster into a gourmet dish with simple grilling techniques that bring out rich, smoky flavors and tender meat.
• Achieve restaurant-quality results with minimal culinary skills, using basic kitchen tools and straightforward grilling steps that guarantee impressive presentation.
• Impress guests at summer gatherings, romantic dinners, or milestone events with a luxurious seafood dish that feels sophisticated yet approachable.
• Prepare a delectable protein in under 20 minutes, making it an ideal option for busy home cooks wanting a high-end meal without extensive preparation.

Lobster Tail Ingredients List

• Lobster Tails: Succulent seafood centerpiece of the recipe.

• Melted Butter, Garlic, Parsley: Adds rich, aromatic flavor to the lobster.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Provides basic seasoning and enhances taste.

• Lemon Wedges, Chopped Parsley: Provides fresh garnish and bright citrus accent.

Grilling Grilled Lobster Tail Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Lobster Tails

Grab your frozen lobster tails and let them thaw slowly in the refrigerator overnight.

Take sharp kitchen shears and carefully slice through the top shell lengthwise, starting from the meaty section down to the tail tip.

Gently spread the shell open, exposing the tender meat while keeping it connected at the base.

Delicately lift the meat slightly out of its protective shell.

Step 2: Fire Up the Grill

Crank up your grill to a sizzling medium-high heat around 375-400°F.

For charcoal grill enthusiasts, ensure your coals are glowing hot and ready for action.

Step 3: Create Flavor Explosion

• Melted butter
• Minced garlic
• Chopped parsley
• Salt
• Black pepper

Generously brush this flavor-packed mixture over the exposed lobster meat, making sure every inch gets coated.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Place lobster tails shell-side down on the hot grill.

Close the lid and let them cook for 5-6 minutes.

Carefully flip the tails so the meat faces down, then brush on another layer of that incredible butter mixture.

Continue grilling for 4-5 minutes until the meat turns opaque with slightly charred edges.

The meat should reach an internal temperature of 140°F.

Step 5: Serve and Celebrate

Transfer your beautifully grilled lobster tails to a stunning serving platter.

Sprinkle with extra chopped parsley and arrange lemon wedges alongside.

Dive into your seafood masterpiece immediately, perhaps paired with grilled vegetables or a crisp salad for the ultimate dining experience.

Tips for Perfect Grilled Lobster Tail

• Select high-quality, firm lobster tails with a bright color and no strong fishy smell for the best grilling results.
• Cut the shell carefully to expose meat without separating completely, ensuring even cooking and beautiful presentation.
• Maintain medium-high heat to prevent burning and achieve perfect caramelization without drying out the delicate lobster meat.
• Generously brush seasoned butter during grilling to enhance moisture, add rich taste, and create a golden, slightly crispy exterior.
• Watch cooking time closely, as lobster meat becomes tough and rubbery when grilled beyond 6-7 minutes; use meat's opaque appearance and internal temperature of 140°F as doneness indicators.

How to Save Grilled Lobster Tail Leftovers

• Store leftover lobster tails in an airtight container and place in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking. Keep for up to 2 days maximum.
• Place lobster meat on a microwave-safe plate, drizzle with a tablespoon of butter, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking to prevent overcooking.
• Preheat oven to 275°F. Wrap lobster tails in aluminum foil with a splash of butter or broth to retain moisture. Warm for 8-10 minutes until internal temperature reaches 140°F.
• Never reheat lobster more than once. Always add a small amount of liquid like butter or broth to maintain tenderness and prevent rubbery texture.

Side Dishes for Grilled Lobster Tail

• Pair with Crisp Chardonnay: Select a lightly oaked California Chardonnay to complement the rich, buttery flavor of grilled lobster tail, enhancing the seafood's delicate sweetness without overpowering its natural taste.
• Serve with Garlic Butter Roasted Asparagus: Create a side dish that mirrors the grilled lobster's garlic butter notes, using roasted asparagus spears to add a fresh, green vegetable element that provides textural contrast and nutritional balance.
• Match with Citrus Quinoa Salad: Prepare a light quinoa salad with lemon zest, fresh herbs, and a touch of olive oil to provide a refreshing counterpoint to the decadent grilled lobster, adding brightness and a nutritious grain component to the meal.
• Select Champagne or Sparkling Wine: Choose a dry, crisp champagne or sparkling wine to cut through the richness of the butter and lobster, creating a celebratory dining experience with effervescent acidity that cleanses the palate between bites.

Flavor Options for Grilled Lobster Tail

• Oven-Baked Lobster Tails: Replace grilling with oven baking at 425°F for 12-15 minutes, using the same seasoning method.
• Air Fryer Lobster: Cook lobster tails in air fryer at 380°F for 5-7 minutes, perfect for smaller kitchen spaces and quick preparation.
• Vegan Seafood Alternative: Substitute lobster with king oyster mushrooms or hearts of palm, using similar grilling techniques and butter-style seasoning for plant-based diets.
• Low-Sodium Version: Use herb-infused olive oil instead of butter, replace salt with fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary for healthier preparation while maintaining robust flavor profile.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen lobster tails for this recipe?

Yes, frozen lobster tails work perfectly. Thaw them slowly in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture and flavor.

• How do I know if the lobster tail is fully cooked?

Look for opaque white meat and an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). The meat should look firm and slightly charred on the edges.

• What if I don't have a grill?

You can use a grill pan on the stovetop or broil the lobster tails in the oven. Adjust cooking time to ensure even cooking and prevent overcooking.

• Do I need special tools to prepare lobster tails?

Kitchen shears are helpful for cutting the shell, but a sharp knife can also work. A meat thermometer helps ensure perfect doneness.

Grilled Lobster Tail Recipe

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4.5 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Grilled Lobster Tail brings Mediterranean coastal flavors right to your dinner plate. Buttery herbs and perfect char create an elegant seafood experience you’ll savor with pure culinary delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 lobster tails

Butter and Seasonings:

• 4 tablespoons (60 ml) butter, melted
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Garnish:

• Lemon wedges, for serving

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Instructions

1. Defrost lobster tails overnight in the refrigerator to ensure even thawing and optimal texture.
2. Using sharp kitchen shears, carefully slice through the top shell from meaty portion to tail tip, creating a butterfly-like opening without fully separating the meat from the shell.
3. Gently separate the shell, exposing the succulent meat while maintaining connection at the tail base, then delicately lift the meat slightly out of its protective casing.
4. Ignite the grill and heat to medium-high temperature around 375-400°F, ensuring even heat distribution across the cooking surface.
5. Craft a luxurious seasoning blend by mixing melted butter with aromatic garlic, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper.
6. Lavishly coat the exposed lobster meat with the herb-infused butter mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.
7. Position lobster tails shell-side down on the preheated grill grates, then close the lid to create a controlled cooking environment.
8. Grill for approximately 5-6 minutes, allowing the shell to absorb direct heat and impart subtle smoky flavors.
9. Carefully rotate the tails, revealing the meat side, and apply an additional layer of seasoned butter.
10. Continue grilling for 4-5 minutes until the meat transforms to a opaque white with delicate charred edges, reaching an internal temperature of 140°F.
11. Transfer the perfectly grilled lobster tails to an elegant serving platter, garnishing with fresh parsley sprigs.
12. Accompany with zesty lemon wedges and serve immediately, complemented by light summer sides like grilled vegetables or crisp salad.

Notes

• Always thaw lobster tails slowly in the refrigerator to maintain their delicate texture and prevent bacterial growth.
• Use sharp kitchen shears for precise cutting, ensuring the shell is split cleanly without damaging the tender meat.
• Butterfly the lobster tail carefully by gently separating the meat from the shell while keeping it attached at the base for an elegant presentation.
• Check grill temperature with a reliable thermometer to prevent overcooking, which can make the lobster meat tough and rubbery.
• Opt for unsalted butter to control seasoning and prevent the dish from becoming too salty.
• For a low-carb or keto-friendly option, serve with a side of roasted vegetables instead of traditional carbohydrate-heavy sides.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg