Grilled Lobster Tail Recipe
Everything you need to know to learn how to grill lobster tails perfectly, including tips & step-by-step photos! This grilled lobster tail recipe is soft and tender, with the best lemon garlic butter.
This post may contain affiliate links, which help keep this content free.
This grilled lobster tail recipe has a lot in common with my favorite broiled lobster tails, and is the perfect alternative for warm weather. No need to be intimidated by grilling lobster its actually very easy! Ill walk you through the whole process so that youll know exactly how to grill lobster tails, from butterflying them to seasoning to the right technique once they are on the grill.
If you want to take this grilled lobster up a notch, turn it into surf and turf! Add a side of New York strip steak, a reverse sear steak, perfect filet mignon , or even steak bites.
How To Prepare Lobster Tail
Start by choosing lobster tails that are similar in size so that they cook at the same rate. Use sharp kitchen shears to cut down the top of each tail. Place a knife into the cut you made, then cut through the lobster flesh, stopping when you hit the bottom shell. Use your hands to flatten the cut lobster tail. Place a wood or metal skewer through the lobster meat, which will keep it from curling up as it cooks. This cutting technique will allow for the lobster meat to make direct contact with the grill, which gives it more of that great smoky flavor.
How To Thaw Lobster Tails Before Grilling
Thawing lobster tails for grilling is the same as if you were broiling lobster tails. There are two methods you can use:
- Fridge: Thaw the lobster tails in the refrigerator overnight. Make sure to check your tails an hour or so before you plan on cooking them, to ensure they are fully thawed!
- Cold Water: Place lobster tails in a zip lock bag and submerge in water for 30-60 minutes, until thawed completely.
Don’t Miss: Charcoal Pellets For Pellet Grill
How To Season Lobster For Grilling
Were keeping the seasoning really simple
- Before grilling: Brush the lobster tails with olive oil and season with sea salt and black pepper.
- While grilling: Brush with the seasoned garlic butter after flipping. To make it, whisk together melted butter, crushed garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
Is Lobster Better Steamed Or Grilled

I prefer to grill lobster rather than steam it. When you steam lobster, it can get a little water logged which dilutes the flavor of the meat. Grilled lobster has a lot more flavor, and is just as easy to make as the steamed version. Another great option is to broil your lobster tails in the oven.
Once you try these grilled lobster tails, youll never want to eat this delicacy any other way! This recipe is easy enough for a busy weeknight, yet elegant enough to serve to company.
Don’t Miss: The Grill At Quarterfield Station
Buttery Grilled Lobster Tail
Lobster is such a treat, but that doesnt mean you need to go to a fancy restaurant to enjoy it! You can experience restaurant-quality lobster in your home, prepared with your own two hands. Its EASY!
It can be just a tad bit tricky to properly cook a whole lobster, though, so today were keeping it simple with quick and easy Grilled Lobster Tails. No snapping claws, no broken rubber bands, no worries!
I cant even begin to explain to you guys how much I love these buttery lobster tails. They are SO GOOD. Fresh lobster tails are slathered in a garlic and lemon butter sauce and then grilled until tender and juicy. The lobster meat will literally melt in your mouth by the time youre done thats how tender were talking!
Lobster can be enjoyed any time of year, but its especially great in the summertime. Theres nothing like that smoky taste that comes from the grill and combines with all the flavorful herbs and butter is your mouth watering? Just me!?!
Anyway, the bottom line is this: Its time to treat yourself to a delicious seafood dinner you deserve it!
Ideas For Serving Grilled Lobster Tail
For a full-blown steakhouse dinner, serve grilled lobster tail alongside a grilled ribeye steak, air fryer baked potatoes, and your favorite roasted vegetables. Also, dont forget to put out extra lemon wedges and garlic butter.
Hot Tip: Sprinkle the grilled lobster tail with a garnish of herbs. Fresh parsley and chives are great options and add such a nice pop of color.
Recommended Reading: Char Broil Infrared Commercial Grill
Best Grilled Lobster Tail Recipe Delish
- Summary: 25 thg 3, 2022 Brush all over with oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill flesh side down until lightly charred, about 6 minutes. Flip lobster and dollop a
- Matching search results: Simple side dishes are best, as these will let the flavours of the lobster shine. A classic combination is lobster with chips, or you can serve it with crusty bread and a simple green salad. For a main meal, you can add crispy roasted potatoes,
Grilled Lobster Tail Recipe Wholesome Yum
- wholesomeyum.com
- Summary: 24 thg 6, 2021 Grilled lobster tails cook for 5-6 minutes flesh side down, followed by 1-6 minutes flesh side up, depending on the size. TIP: A good rule of
- Matching search results: This grilled lobster tail recipe has a lot in common with my favorite broiled lobster tails, and is the perfect alternative for warm weather. No need to be intimidated by grilling lobster its actually very easy! Ill walk you through the whole
Also Check: Made In Usa Pellet Grill
How To Buy Lobster Tail
Check the meat for any discoloration. If you are buying live lobsters, avoid the sluggish lobsters on the bottom of the tank or container. Look for active lobsters, not motionless ones. Some prefer cold-water lobster over warm-water types, and avoid gray lobsters and those with spots on the tail.
You will want to be sure you buy enough lobster to serve your entire guest list, where applicable. Note the serving size on this recipe and multiply the number of lobster tails you need accordingly!
Grilled Lobster Tail Recipe How To Cook It Like A Pro
Lobster is easy to prepare yet so delicious and elegant. This grilled lobster tail recipe with tips will make you a lobster cooking pro!
Lobster is one of those meals that tend toward the pricey side of things when you dine out. Yes, its an awesome experience to enjoy one at your favorite steak and seafood house, but that price tag! Making lobster at home might seem a bit daunting but you might feel better about the whole experience, budget-wise!
Someincluding medecide to become a lobster grilling pro. You CAN make an amazing lobster dinner at home. Sometimes you just need a few tips and tricks to get started. The first of those being where to get your lobster.
Read Also: Oceana Grill In New Orleans
Why Use Lobster Tails
For many cooks, the idea of dealing with a whole, live lobster is daunting. Lobster tails are a simple alternative and contain most of the meat. You can also buy tails fully picked, dressed and ready to eat. Cooked lobster has bright orange-red shells and the flesh is white and opaque. Uncooked tails have dark-coloured shells usually grey/brown with tints that range from blue/green to red/purple and even small flecks of orange/pink. The flesh is translucent.
Is Grilling Better Than Steaming

Personally, I like grilled lobster better than steamed lobster. In terms of ease, theres no difference between the two processes.
One of the proclaimed benefits of steaming a lobster is that its difficult to overcook it that way, but it can also introduce too much water to the meat. When you grill the lobster, its still quick and easy, and all of the flavors of the meat just shine. Plus the texture comes out perfect every time!
Read Also: Dyna Glo Natural Gas Grill
What To Serve With Grilled Lobster Tails
Classic pairings with lobster are corn on the cob, coleslaw, and potato chips, but any of your favorite summer salads like potato salad, green salad or pasta salad would also be good. If youre in the mood, make some cornbread, too, and dont forget to add extra lemon wedges to the platter.
Simply Recipes / Sally Vargas
The Very Best Grilled Lobster Tail Recipe
Easy and simple, Grilled Lobster Tails are something extra special during the summer months but can actually be made all year long thanks to frozen lobster tails! Ready in minutes and served with a savory Garlic Butter Sauce, you can turn any night of the week into a celebration.
Don’t Miss: Power Xl Smokeless Grill Pro
Open The Lobster Like A Book
3. The remaining soft membrane will keep the sections intact while exposing the meat.
4. Lobster is grilled over direct medium heat. Rub the flesh with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
5. Grill flesh side down for approximately 5-7 minutes, then flip. Figure another 4-5 minutes after you flip the tail. I am using 6-8 oz. tails here.
Cooking Lobster Tails On The Grill
You May Like: California Fish Grill Culver City
How To Prepare Lobster Tails
Cutting is easier with kitchen scissors, rather than using a knife.
How To Butterfly Lobster Tails For Grilling
The first step in any grilled lobster recipe is to prep the lobster. You can butterfly lobster tails for grilling by bringing the flesh over the shell the same way you would for broiled lobster tails, but below Ill show you a different, slightly easier method.
- Cut the lobster shell. Cut down the center of the shell lengthwise, starting from the end opposite the tail fins and going down the the tail, but do not cut the tail.
TIP: Cut the top shell only. You want to cut the top shell and some of the flesh, but not all the way through the bottom shell.
- Cut. Use a knife to cut lengthwise along the center ridge, but again dont cut through the bottom shell.
- Flatten. Use your hands to pry open the tail and then press with your palm to flatten, so that it opens up.
- Skewer. Run the skewer lengthwise through the center of the flesh. This helps to prevent the lobster tail from curling up on the grill.
TIP: Soak your skewers in water first, so they dont start a fire on the grill. Simply place them in a shallow pan filled with water for 30-60 minutes and weigh down with a bowl to keep them submerged.
You May Like: Ninja Foodi Grill 6 In 1
Clawed Vs Clawless Lobsters
While there are lots of different kinds of lobster out there, the crustaceans fall into two main categories: clawed lobsters and those without claws. The most common and popular clawed lobster is the Maine lobster, which comes from the cold waters off the northern Atlantic coast. It has two distinctive meaty front claws and four more pairs of legs, and it is whats most often depicted when you see pictures of whole steamed lobsters. Lobsters without claws, known as spiny or rock lobsters, have five sets of legs that are all the same size and often live in warmer waters, like those the Caribbean and off the coast of Florida. All of the edible meat in spiny lobsters is in the tail.
Grilled Lobster Tails With Lemon

- foodnetwork.com
- Summary: For the grilled lobster tails: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lobster tails and boil for 4 minutes. Remove and drain well. Split each
- Matching search results: Simple side dishes are best, as these will let the flavours of the lobster shine. A classic combination is lobster with chips, or you can serve it with crusty bread and a simple green salad. For a main meal, you can add crispy roasted potatoes,
Also Check: Pit Boss Pbcbg1230 Pellet And Gas Combination Grill
Tips To Perfect Grilled Lobster Tails & Faqs
- Make sure to have plenty of lemon wedges on the side to squeeze on top for even more lemon juice if youd like it!
- Brush melted butter over the top of lobster as it cooks for a gorgeous golden red appearance.
- Serve with melted butter, a butter mixture with old bay stirred in, or lemon juice sprinkled on top.
Heres A Link To Our Favorite Inexpensive Instant
If you decide to purchase something at Amazon after following my affiliate link, I receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you, which I use to pay for web hosting and services for this blog. Thanks for supporting SRFD!
Looking for a few more great lobster recipes? How about this easy 6 Minute Instant Pot Lobster Risotto from The View from Great Island yum! For a great bowl of total comfort food, try this Lobster Mac and Cheese from A Family Feast. Finally, dont miss this recipe for Savory Lobster Fusillifrom Big Bears Wife it looks perfectly delicious.
FREE EMAIL BONUS
Recommended Reading: Easy Off Bbq Grill Cleaner
On Preparing Grilled Lobster Tail
Now that weve covered how to butterfly the lobster tail, its time to season and grill.
- Make the Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk the melted butter with pressed garlic and lemon juice. Set aside.
- Season the Lobster Tail: Using a grill brush, spread oil on top of the lobster meat. Sprinkle the tops with salt.
- Grill the Lobster Tail: Place the tails on a grill preheated to 400°F flesh side down. Grill the flesh for about 5 minutes, or until grill marks form. Next, flip the tail over and grill until the flesh turns opaque .
- Finish the Lobster Tails with Butter: Finally, brush the lobster tails with the butter mixture. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Buttery Rich And Succulent Lobster Tail On The Grill Is A Real Treat At A Fraction Of The Cost You Would Pay When Dining Out
Change it up this summer and treat your family to a special dinner that doesnt require a second mortgage to pay for it. Id never think about taking the whole family out for grilled lobster tail. However, I can pick up frozen lobster tails at my local grocery store for about $35.00 for a package of four.
Thats probably less that it would cost for one person to enjoy a great dinner in a good restaurant. I know sometimes we like eat out, and sometimes we like to eat outside!
You May Like: Best Burgers On Grill Recipe
How To Make Grilled Lobster Tail:
- Using kitchen shears, make a lengthwise cut through the shell down the back of each lobster tail, stopping when you reach the tail fin.
- Turn the tails around and using the shears, cut the top tail fin to meet the other cuts.
- Using a sharp knife, cut through only the lobster meat following the line you just made in the shells.
- Dont cut through the bottom shell portion, just the lobster meat.
How Long To Grill Lobster Tails
Grilled lobster tails cook for 5-6 minutes flesh side down, followed by 1-6 minutes flesh side up, depending on the size.
TIP: A good rule of thumb for lobster tail grill time is about 60-75 seconds total time per ounce of individual tail. For example, if your lobster tails are 8 ounces each, youll grill them for 480-600 seconds total, which is 8-10 minutes. Out of that total time, 5-6 minutes would be flesh side down and the remaining time would be after flipping.
Individual Lobster |
---|
4-6 minutes |
You May Like: The Capital Grille Fort Lauderdale
How To Grill Lobster Tail
Take any grilling menu to the next level!
There is no better way to send Dad a happy Father’s Day message than a meal off of the grill! Whether its grilled steak, grilled chicken, or grilled pork chops at the barbecue, Dad is sure to love anything on the menu that is charred and smokey. But if you’re looking for something extra special, maybe even a little luxurious, try these grilled lobster tails. They are quick to cook and the perfect treat to elevate any summer dinner.
How do you cook lobster tails on the grill?
Lobster tails are easy to cook! Start with lobster tails, fresh or thawed. This recipe uses a quick, 15-minute marinade to infuse the lobster with flavor and moisture. Make a cut through part of the shell and flesh to allow the marinade to soak in. Skewers help to keep the tails flat while grilling and help them to cook evenly throughout. From there, just heat a grill very hot , and sear on both sides.
How long does it take to grill lobster tails?
Once the grill is hot, these are quick to cook! Lobster tails can vary by size, but usually only slightly. The cook time is pretty similar for different sizes. Grill the tails for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, until the flesh is firm and opaque.
Do you have to boil lobster tails before grilling?
What do you serve with grilled lobster tails?