Easy Grilled Lobster Tail Recipe

Cooking fancy seafood dishes like lobster can seem tough, but grilling juicy lobster tails at home is easier than you think!

With just a few basic ingredients and tools, plus my easy-to-follow steps, you’ll be enjoying restaurant-quality grilled lobster tails in no time.

Whether you’re looking to spice up your family’s summer cookouts or serve an impressive meal to special guests, this flavorful lobster straight off the grill will surely be a big hit!

What are Lobster Tails?

Lobster tails are the meaty, muscle-filled abdomens of lobsters. When a lobster sheds its shell to grow a new one, these tails can be removed and sold separately. Grilling brings out the sweet, tender flavor of lobster tails.

How to Grill Lobster Tails

Ingredients & Tools Needed

Ingredients:

• 2 lobster tails, about 6 oz each
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1⁄4 teaspoon paprika
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Tools:

1. Basting brush
2. Sturdy tongs
3. Small bowl
4. Aluminum foil
5. Gas or charcoal grill
6. Instant-read thermometer

Prepare the Lobster Tails

1. Thaw If Frozen

• If tails are frozen, place them in the refrigerator for 24 hours to slowly thaw.

2. Cut Lobster Shells

• Once thawed, use kitchen shears to cut lengthwise along the center of the hard top shell.

3. Peel Back the Shells

• Next, peel back the shell to reveal the flesh beneath.

4. Remove Intestinal Vein

• Use your fingers to pull out the vein running through the meat.

5. Slice the Bottom

• Finally, carefully slice along the underside of each tail to butter the meat. Take care not to cut all the way through.

Now the lobster tails are prepped and ready for grilling!

Make Compound Butter

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
• 1⁄2 teaspoon lime zest
• 1 teaspoon lime juice
• 1 small shallot, finely minced
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
• 1⁄4 teaspoon sea salt

1. Let Butter Soften

• Take butter out of the fridge to soften at room temp for 30 minutes.

2. Stir in Flavorings

• Add all ingredients to the butter and mix using a fork until fully blended.

3. Chill Mixture

• Cover bowl and chill butter blend in the fridge for 30+ minutes before using.

Now your tropical cilantro-lime basting butter is ready to brush over grilling lobster!

Grill the Lobster Tails ( Instructions )

1. Prepare the Grill

• Heat gas or charcoal grill to high heat. Carefully oil grates once hot.

2. Place the Tails

• Put lobster meat side down and crack shells facing up to start.

3. Cook Over Direct Heat

• Grill tails over direct high heat for 2 minutes to sear.

4. Turn the Tails

• Use tongs to flip tails over. Grill for 2 more minutes.

5. Start Brushing Butter

• Brush lobster meat with compound butter after flipping.

6. Continue Grilling and Basting

• Grill for 2 more minutes, turn again and baste the other side.

7. Check Doneness

• Cut to ensure the meat is opaque. Grill 30 seconds more if needed.

8. Let Rest

• Take lobster tails off the grill and sit for 2-3 minutes before serving.

Be sure to check and flip the tails frequently while grilling. Keep basting the meat with that yummy compound butter to ensure juicy results!

How long should I grill lobster tails?

Determining the exact grilling time for succulent lobster tails requires paying attention as they cook.

A good rule of thumb is to plan for 8-10 minutes of active cooking over high heat. Start by searing the raw lobster meat side down for just 2 minutes when they first hit the hot grates.

This caramelizes the outside to lock in natural juices. When you flip the tails over after a few minutes to char the shells, begin basting the lobster meat with flavored butter. This helps keep the tails moist and adds extra flavor.

Continue grilling for another 2 minutes, then flip and baste the other side. Check for doneness by slicing into the thickest section of meat. It should look mostly opaque throughout.

If it is still translucent inside, grill for 30 more seconds and check again. Depending on your grill and the thickness of the tails, the total cook time can be 8-12 minutes for tender, foolproof results.

Let the lobster rest off direct heat for 2-3 minutes before serving.

Tips for Grilling Lobster Tails

1. Pick the Right Tails

• Choose fresh or thawed, not frozen, raw lobster tails for the best texture and flavor.

2. Prep Properly

• Slice lobster shells so the meat will cook evenly. Remove the intestine vein from the flesh.

3. Oil the Grates

• Lightly brushing hot grill grates prevents sticking.

4. Use Direct High Heat

• Searing over direct heat caramelizes lobster meat with grill marks.

5. Check Doneness

• Cut into the thickest part of lobster meat to test for opacity as tails cook.

6. Baste Continuously

• Brush flavored butter over meat frequently while grilling to ensure juiciness.

7. Let Lobster Rest

• Give grilled tails 2-3 minutes off the heat before eating so the juices set.

Following these simple tricks will lead to tender, restaurant-worthy grilled lobster every time!

Craft the Perfect Lobster Dinner

1. Pick Bright Vegetables

• Lemon-garlic asparagus
• Buttered sweet corn on the cob
• Seasoned potato wedges
• Crispy Brussel sprouts

2. Add a Fresh Salad

• Mixed greens tossed with vinaigrette
• Topped with tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots

3. Include Bread or Rice

• Crusty bread or rolls
• Steamed white or brown rice
• Quinoa or couscous

4. Embellish the Plates

• Garnish with fresh parsley, dill, or lemon slices
• Serve with melted lemon-garlic butter

5. Set a Nautical Scene

• Scatter seashells and starfish for decor
• Use driftwood, nets, and sand dollars as accents
• Anchor plates with twine knots

With tasty sides and oceanic decor, your grilled lobster dinner will impress!

Tips for Storing & Reheating

1. Refrigerate Correctly

• Place lobster tails in an airtight container after cooking.
• Store in the coldest part of the fridge for 3-4 days max.

2. Freeze for Later

• Wrap tails tightly in plastic wrap if freezing.
• Label the bag with the date and use it within 2-3 months.

3. Microwave to Reheat

• Place lobster on a microwave-safe plate, and cover.
• Heat on High for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.

4. Reheat in Oven

• Put tails in an oven-safe dish, add a splash of stock or water.
• Cover and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes until hot.

5. Be Careful Not to Overcook

• Check tails frequently when reheating.
• Stop heating when lobster meat is piping hot.

Following proper storage methods, and taking care not to overcook, will keep leftover grilled lobster tasting great!

Final Words

Cooking up incredibly tender, juicy lobster tails at home is easy and breezy with this simple grilling recipe.

By learning to pick fresh or thawed tails, prepare the meat properly, whip up flavorful basting butter, and follow tips for perfect grilling, you’ll be serving restaurant-worthy seafood in no time!

Pair the sweet briny lobster with bright vegetable sides and nautical decor for an ocean-themed feast that family and friends will love.

Now that you’ve got the tools to grill fork-tender lobster tails that burst with flavor, why wait for a special occasion?

Impress the whole crew at your next backyard barbecue or weekend cookout with this sensational surf and turf.

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