Description
Succulent grilled lobster tails, butterflied and brushed with a zesty garlic-lemon butter that infuses the sweet meat with smoky flavor. This impressive yet simple seafood dish is perfect for special occasions or an elegant date night dinner.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 4 lobster tails (8-oz each)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Lobster Tails – If tails are frozen, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or submerge them in a sealed bag in cold water for about 30 minutes until completely thawed. This ensures even cooking and the best texture for your grilled lobster.
- Preheat the Grill – Heat your grill for approximately 15 minutes (or a grill pan for 5 minutes) over medium heat. Proper preheating is crucial for achieving those perfect grill marks and preventing the lobster from sticking to the grates.
- Butterfly the Lobster – Using kitchen shears, cut down the center of each shell lengthwise, starting from the end opposite the tail fins and continuing until you reach the tail without cutting through it. Next, use a knife to cut through the lobster meat along the center ridge, being careful not to cut through the bottom shell. Use your fingers to gently spread open the shell. Insert a skewer lengthwise through the center of the meat to prevent curling during cooking.
- Season the Lobster – Brush the exposed lobster meat with olive oil to prevent it from drying out. Season evenly with sea salt and black pepper for a simple but effective flavor foundation.
- Prepare the Butter Sauce – In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, crushed garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper until well combined. This flavorful mixture will enhance the natural sweetness of the lobster meat while adding depth and richness.
- Initial Grilling – Place the lobster tails on the preheated grill with the flesh side down. Cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until the meat is starting to brown and is almost cooked through. This initial sear locks in moisture and adds a beautiful caramelization.
- Finish Grilling with Butter – Flip the lobster tails and generously brush half of the prepared garlic butter over the lobster meat. Close the grill lid and continue cooking for another 2-4 minutes until the meat is opaque and reaches an internal temperature of 140-145°F. The lobster should be firm yet tender when done.
Notes
- The general rule for cooking lobster tails on the grill is approximately 60-75 seconds per ounce of individual tail weight.
- Fresh lobster tails will have a translucent, grayish color when raw and turn opaque white with red edges when properly cooked.
- Serve immediately after cooking for the best flavor and texture.
- For extra flavor, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, chives, or lemon wedges before serving.
- To check for doneness, the lobster meat should be firm, opaque, and white with no translucent parts.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 lobster tail
- Calories: 327kcal
- Sugar: 485mg
- Sodium: 23g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 227mg
