Grilled Lobster Tail with Lemon Herb Butter Recipe
Introduction
Grilled lobster tail is a simple yet elegant dish that brings out the natural sweetness of the seafood with smoky char from the grill. This recipe combines a flavorful herb butter that enhances every bite, perfect for a special dinner or summer cookout.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons freshly sliced chives, plus more for garnish
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley, plus more for garnish
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
- 4 (8-ounce) lobster tails
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for brushing
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium heat. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, chives, parsley, garlic, and salt until well combined.
- Step 2: Using kitchen shears, carefully cut off the top of the lobster shell to expose the meaty portion of the tail. Then, use a knife to cut halfway down the center of the meat without cutting all the way through. Insert a skewer lengthwise through the lobster tail to prevent curling during cooking.
- Step 3: Brush the lobster tails all over with extra-virgin olive oil and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place the lobster flesh side down on the grill and cook until lightly charred, about 6 minutes.
- Step 4: Flip the lobster tails over and spoon a dollop of the prepared butter mixture onto the flesh side. Continue grilling until the lobster is just cooked through, about 5 minutes more.
- Step 5: Remove the lobster tails from the grill, sprinkle with a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, and garnish with additional chives and parsley. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine or a pinch of smoked paprika to the butter mixture.
- Use kitchen shears carefully to avoid cutting into the meat when opening the shell.
- Substitute fresh herbs like tarragon or basil if you prefer a different herbal note.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can broil the lobster tails in the oven for similar results.
Storage
Store leftover grilled lobster tails in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or covered skillet to avoid drying out. Avoid microwaving as it can make the meat tough.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
How do I know when the lobster tail is fully cooked?
The meat should be opaque and firm to the touch, usually turning from translucent to white with a slight pink tint. Avoid overcooking to keep it tender and juicy.
Can I prepare the lobster tails ahead of time?
You can prepare the butter mixture and cut the lobster shells a few hours before grilling, but it’s best to cook the lobster tails fresh for optimal texture and flavor.
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Grilled Lobster Tail with Lemon Herb Butter Recipe
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Grilled Lobster Tail recipe features succulent lobster tails cooked over medium heat on a grill or grill pan, basted with a flavorful blend of melted butter, lemon, fresh herbs, and garlic. The lobster is carefully prepared to enhance tenderness and prevent curling, resulting in a beautifully charred, juicy seafood dish perfect for special occasions or a luxurious meal.
Ingredients
Butter Sauce
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons freshly sliced chives, plus more for garnish
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley, plus more for garnish
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
Lobster
- 4 (8-ounce) lobster tails
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for brushing
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Grill and Butter Mixture: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped chives, parsley, minced garlic, and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt until well combined.
- Prepare the Lobster Tails: Using kitchen shears, carefully cut along the top of each lobster shell from the meaty portion of the tail. Then, with a sharp knife, cut halfway through the lobster meat lengthwise down the center, without cutting all the way through the shell. Insert a skewer lengthwise through the lobster meat to prevent the tail from curling during grilling.
- Season and Grill Lobster: Brush the lobster tails all over with extra-virgin olive oil, and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place the lobster flesh side down on the grill and cook until lightly charred, approximately 6 minutes.
- Flip and Baste Lobster: Flip the lobster tails so the flesh side is up. Spoon a dollop of the prepared butter mixture onto each tail. Continue grilling for about 5 more minutes, until the lobster meat is just cooked through and opaque.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the lobster tails from the grill and sprinkle with a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a slight kick. Garnish with additional chopped chives and parsley. Serve immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.
Notes
- Be careful not to overcook the lobster tails; they cook quickly and become tough if left too long on the grill.
- Using a skewer to hold the lobster meat in place helps maintain a beautiful presentation and even cooking.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level or omit for milder flavor.
- For an indoor alternative, use a grill pan as suggested.
- Brush the lobster shells with oil to prevent sticking and help achieve an even char.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: grilled lobster tail, seafood recipe, lobster barbecue, summer grilling, shellfish dinner
