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
Scale
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
