Servings2
Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time20 minutes
Skill Levelmedium

These grilled lobster tails are quick, easy, and ridiculously delicious! Serve them alongside a beautifully crusted steak and you’ll have a meal that rivals a high-end restaurant. Make these grilled lobster tails at your next BBQ and wow everyone!

Can I use whole lobsters instead of just the tails?

Absolutely! I recommend splitting them the same way - right down the middle lengthwise. Just make sure to clean out the tomalley from the body before grilling! You can also use the end of the knife right by the handle to crack open the claws. Use wood or charcoal to add additional flavor to the claw meat.

Do I have to split the lobster tails in half?

There are many methods on how to open lobster tails for grilling. I love the way recommended in the recipe as it builds a boat for the butter to sit in. You can also use a pair of shears to cut down the top of the shell and pull the meat out to rest on top (see my post here). This way definitely looks better from a presentation standpoint, but all the butter will run off as it grills.

What is the best way to prepare grilled lobster tail?

There are many ways to prepare grilled lobster tail, but a popular method is to split the tail in half lengthwise and then grill it over medium-high heat until the meat is cooked through and slightly charred. You can also brush the lobster tail with herb butter or olive oil and season it with salt, pepper, and other spices to add flavor.

How long does it take to grill lobster tail?

The cooking time for grilled lobster tail can vary depending on the size of the tail and the heat of your grill. Generally, it takes about 8-10 minutes to cook a 4-6 oz. lobster tail on the grill. If you have larger tails, it may take a few more minutes. Make sure to check the internal temperature of the meat to ensure it is cooked through.

How can I tell if grilled lobster tail is done?

To tell if grilled lobster tail is done, you can check the internal temperature of the meat with a meat thermometer. The temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for the meat to be fully cooked. You can also check the color of the meat, which should be opaque and white, rather than translucent and gray.

Can I grill frozen lobster tail?

It is possible to grill frozen lobster tail, but it is recommended to thaw it first for best results. Thawing can be done in the refrigerator overnight or by placing the frozen tail in a sealed plastic bag and submerging it in cold water for 30-45 minutes. Grilling frozen lobster tail can result in uneven cooking and tougher meat.

How do I store leftover grilled lobster tail?

If you have leftover grilled lobster tail, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. When reheating, make sure to do so gently to avoid overcooking the meat.

Ingredients

Main

  • 2 Lobster tails, 8-10 ounces each
  • 2 Lemons, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon Flat-leaf parsley, for garnish

Lemon Garlic Butter

  • 8 tablespoons Unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons Flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Shallot, minced
  • 2 Garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon Sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper

Helpful Tools

Steps

  1. Split the lobster tails in half

    Using a sharp knife, split the lobster tails into 2 halves lengthwise. I recommend this method as it will allow the butter to sit in the shell instead of dripping off - trust me on this one!

  2. Make the lemon garlic butter mixture

    In a bowl, mix the softened butter with the parsley, shallot, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Mix together until smooth.

  3. Preheat the grill

    Preheat the grill to to 425°F.

  4. Grill the lobster tails

    When the grill reaches 425°F, place the lobster tails on the grill flesh side down, and cook for 4-5 minutes. Flip them over and spoon about 1/4 of the butter onto each lobster tail half. As the butter begins to melt, baste with a brush  to coat the entire tail. Cook for approximately 4-5 more minutes until cooked through. I usually aim for an internal temperature of 135-140°F using a thermometer (some people like it cooked less).

  5. Serve the grilled lobster tails

    Sprinkle the grilled lobster tails with parsley (optional) and serve with lemon slices. Enjoy!

Comments

  1. Vin
    September 12th, 2022
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    Summer may be over but that’s not gonna stop me from grilling these lobster tails again. Man, were they good!!! Thanks for the recipe!
    Reply
  2. Greggory
    August 18th, 2022
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    Great lobster recipe. This will be my go to from now on.
    Reply
  3. Melissa
    August 18th, 2022
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    Wow! What a nice treat for my husband and I. He said this was better than any lobster he’s had at a restaurant before. Thank you for the detailed guide to grilling.
    Reply

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