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
Scale
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
