If you’re craving a seafood dish that feels decadent yet surprisingly simple, this Grilled Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Juicy, tender lobster meat grilled to perfection pairs beautifully with a luscious garlic butter sauce that’s bursting with fresh herbs and zesty lemon. Whether you’re impressing guests or treating yourself to a special meal, this recipe brings luxurious flavors and effortless elegance right to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Grilled Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, delivering vibrant flavor, rich texture, and mouthwatering aroma without overshadowing that star ingredient—lobster.
- 4 lobster tails (about 6-8 oz each): Fresh or thawed, they’re the centerpiece of this dish.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Adds creamy richness and carries the garlic flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps keep the lobster moist and tender during grilling.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the butter sauce with aromatic pungency.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Brightens the sauce with a refreshing citrus zing.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: Offers a fresh, herbaceous note and vibrant green color.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds subtle warmth and a touch of smokiness.
- 1 teaspoon sea salt: Enhances the natural sweetness of the lobster.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Provides gentle heat and depth.
- Lemon wedges (for serving): Perfect for squeezing over just-grilled lobster for extra brightness.
How to Make Grilled Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Lobster Tails
Start by carefully cutting down the top of the lobster shell with kitchen shears or a sharp knife, making sure not to slice through the delicate tail meat. This step sets the stage for even cooking and beautiful presentation.
Step 2: Create the Butterfly Effect
Gently loosen the lobster meat from the shell, but keep it attached at the base. Lift the meat out and rest it atop the shell so it fans open like a butterfly—this not only looks impressive but helps the garlic butter soak in evenly.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Mix melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, parsley, paprika, salt, and black pepper together in a small bowl. This sauce is a harmonious blend of flavors that will elevate the natural sweetness of the lobster.
Step 4: Preheat the Grill
Get your grill nice and hot by preheating it to medium-high heat, around 400ºF (200ºC). A well-heated grill ensures a perfectly cooked lobster with those desirable charred edges.
Step 5: Start Grilling the Lobster Tails
Place the tails on the grill with the meat side facing up, and cook for 5-6 minutes. This initial grilling helps start cooking the lobster gently and evenly.
Step 6: Brush the Lobster with Garlic Butter
Generously brush your lobster tails with the prepared garlic butter sauce. This bastes the lobster in flavor and keeps the meat juicy as it cooks.
Step 7: Flip and Finish Grilling
Turn the tails over and continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes until the lobster meat is opaque and firm to the touch. Use a thermometer if you like—an internal temperature of 140ºF (60ºC) means your lobster is perfectly done.
Step 8: Remove from Grill
Once cooked, carefully remove the lobster tails from the grill. The smell alone here is enough to have your guests eagerly ready to dig in.
Step 9: Serve with Extra Garlic Butter
Drizzle more garlic butter over the lobster, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and offer lemon wedges on the side for that final bright pop of flavor. This finishing touch brings your Grilled Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter Recipe to life.
How to Serve Grilled Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of paprika adorn the lobster beautifully while adding a fresh, herbaceous punch. Lemon wedges are essential—not only for that delightful citrus splash but to also visually brighten your plate.
Side Dishes
Pair this rich dish with crisp, refreshing sides to balance flavors—a light mixed greens salad, grilled asparagus, or even a zesty lemon risotto make perfect complements. For a cozy meal, buttery mashed potatoes also work wonders.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this recipe into an occasion by plating the lobster tails on a bed of sea salt or coarse rock salt to keep them steady and add a subtle minerality. You can also serve them on wooden boards with small bowls of extra garlic butter for dipping to encourage friendly, casual sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover grilled lobster tails in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure to store them with some of the garlic butter sauce to keep the meat flavorful and moist.
Freezing
If you want to freeze, remove the lobster meat from the shell, coat it lightly in garlic butter, then place it in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cooked lobster tails maintain quality for up to 3 months but are best enjoyed fresh whenever possible.
Reheating
Reheat leftover lobster gently by warming in a low oven (around 275ºF) wrapped in foil, or briefly in a skillet with a splash of garlic butter to prevent drying out. Avoid the microwave to keep the texture tender and luscious.
FAQs
Can I use frozen lobster tails for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen lobster tails work just fine. Just be sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight before preparing and grilling to ensure even cooking.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No grill? No problem! You can broil the lobster tails in your oven on high, keeping an eye to prevent burning. The broiler will give a similar char and cook the lobster beautifully.
How can I tell when the lobster tails are done?
Look for lobster meat that’s opaque and firm, not translucent or rubbery. Using a thermometer is also helpful—the safe internal temperature is 140ºF (60ºC).
Is it okay to prepare the garlic butter sauce ahead of time?
Yes, making the sauce ahead is convenient and lets the flavors meld beautifully. Just keep it refrigerated and warm gently before brushing on the lobster tails.
Can I add other herbs or spices to the garlic butter?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment by adding fresh basil, thyme, or even a pinch of cayenne for heat. The garlic butter sauce is very flexible and adapts well to your tastes.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter Recipe is a true showstopper that doesn’t require fuss or fancy techniques. The combination of sweet lobster, smoky grill flavor, and a rich garlic butter sauce is pure delight. Give it a try—you’ll soon wonder how you ever lived without it for special dinners or unforgettable celebrations!
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Grilled Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter Recipe
- Total Time: 20-22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This delicious grilled lobster tails recipe features succulent lobster meat brushed with a flavorful garlic butter sauce and perfectly charred on a medium-high grill. Easy to prepare in just 10 minutes of prep time, this elegant seafood dish is perfect for a special occasion or a luxurious weeknight meal. The lobster is butterflied and cooked to tender perfection, then served with fresh lemon wedges for a bright finishing touch.
Ingredients
Lobster Tails
- 4 lobster tails (about 6–8 oz each)
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For Serving
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Lobster Tails: Using kitchen shears or a sharp knife, carefully cut down the top of each lobster shell from base to tip, making sure not to cut through the meat.
- Butterfly the Lobster Meat: Gently separate the shell and loosen the lobster meat, keeping it attached at the base, then lift the meat and rest it on top of the shell creating a butterfly effect for even cooking.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped parsley, paprika, sea salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high, about 400ºF (200ºC), to ensure a good sear and even cooking.
- Grill the Lobster Tails (First Side): Place the lobster tails meat side up on the grill and cook for 5-6 minutes to start forming a nice char and begin cooking through.
- Brush with Garlic Butter: Generously brush the lobster meat with the prepared garlic butter sauce to infuse flavor and prevent drying out.
- Flip and Finish Grilling: Flip the lobster tails shell side down and continue grilling for another 4-5 minutes until the lobster meat is opaque, firm to the touch, and reaches an internal temperature of 140ºF (60ºC).
- Remove from Grill: Carefully take the lobster tails off the grill once fully cooked to avoid overcooking and drying out.
- Serve: Drizzle additional garlic butter sauce over the lobster tails, garnish with extra fresh parsley, and serve immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing.
Notes
- Do not overcook lobster, as it can become tough and rubbery; aim for an internal temperature of 140ºF (60ºC).
- If you don’t have a grill, you can broil the lobster tails in the oven for a similar effect.
- Butterflying the lobster allows for even cooking and a beautiful presentation.
- You can prepare the garlic butter sauce in advance and keep it warm before grilling.
- Use fresh lemon wedges to add a bright zest just before eating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
