Summer evenings call for something special on the grill, and these grilled lobster tails with garlic butter fit the bill perfectly! Imagine the sizzling sound as the lobster meat meets the hot grates, releasing an irresistible aroma that wafts through the air, tempting everyone around. The moment I drench these tender tails in a rich, garlic-infused butter is when the magic truly happens—each bite bursts with flavor, paired beautifully with a squeeze of fresh lemon.
I used to think grilling lobster was reserved for grand occasions, but I discovered just how easy it can be while prepping for a casual backyard BBQ. With just a few simple ingredients and techniques, you can transform an ordinary gathering into a gourmet seafood feast. So whether you’re celebrating a special milestone or simply enjoying a sunny evening, let’s elevate your grilling game and impress your friends and family with this scrumptious dish!
Why Grill Lobster Tails?
Grilling Lobster Tails is the perfect way to elevate your summer meals!
Simplicity is key: this recipe only requires a few straightforward steps, making it accessible for any skill level.
Rich Flavor comes from the combination of garlic butter and fresh lemon, resulting in a deliciously satisfying dish.
Versatile Option: Serve with grilled veggies or a refreshing salad to complement the luxurious lobster experience.
Time-saving: With just 15 minutes of marination and quick grilling, you’ll be indulging in this gourmet delight in no time!
Perfect for crowd-pleasing occasions, these lobster tails will impress your guests and become the highlight of any BBQ.
Grill Lobster Tail Ingredients
For the Lobster Tails
- Lobster Tails – The star of the dish; choose fresh or thawed for best results.
- Lemon Juice – Provides a bright acidity; lime juice is a great substitute for a different zest.
- Garlic (chopped) – Adds a robust flavor; fresh garlic ensures a stronger aroma and taste.
- Olive Oil – Assists in marinating and grilling; feel free to use melted butter for extra richness.
- Salt – Essential for enhancing flavors; adjust to your personal taste preference.
- Black Pepper – Offers a hint of warmth; freshly ground delivers the best flavor punch.
- Crushed Red Pepper (optional) – Introduces a touch of heat; omit if you prefer a milder dish.
For Serving
- Lemon Wedges – Serve alongside for a fresh, citrusy splash when enjoying your tails.
- Butter (melted) – Use as a decadent dip; salted butter elevates the overall taste beautifully.
- Chopped Chives – Adds a pop of color and freshness; an excellent garnish to enhance presentation.
How to Make Grilled Lobster Tails
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Marinate Lobster: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, black pepper, and optional crushed red pepper. Add the lobster tails, ensuring they are well coated, and let them marinate for 15 minutes.
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Prepare Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, ranging between 400-450°F. This temperature is perfect for achieving those lovely grill marks and smoky flavor.
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Prepare Lobster Tails: Carefully cut through the top of each lobster shell without slicing completely through. This will help the marinade absorb well and present nicely once cooked.
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Skewer Lobster Tails: Insert 12-inch skewers through each tail to keep them flat while grilling. This prevents curling and allows for even cooking.
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Grill Lobster: Place the lobster tails on the grill, cooking for 5-6 minutes on each side until the flesh is firm and opaque, showcasing that irresistible, juicy inviting look.
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Prepare Garlic Butter: While the lobster is grilling, mix melted butter with finely chopped garlic and a squeeze of lemon juice for a rich accompaniment.
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Serve: Once cooked, remove from the grill, arrange the tails on a platter, drizzle with garlic butter, and garnish with chopped chives and lemon wedges for a beautiful presentation.
Optional: Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika on top for extra flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Grilled Lobster Tails?
Looking to create a memorable meal? These luxurious seafood treats will shine even brighter with the perfect sides!
- Crispy Roasted Potatoes: Their golden exterior and fluffy interior provide a delightful contrast to the tender lobster, making for a satisfying bite.
- Grilled Asparagus: The slight char and fresh crunch of asparagus beautifully balance the richness of lobster, bringing a vibrant green element to your plate.
- Garlic Bread: A slice of warm, buttery garlic bread is ideal for soaking up any leftover garlic butter—it’s a flavor match made in heaven!
- Chilled White Wine: A glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio enhances the dish, offering refreshing acidity to cleanse the palate between bites.
- Mixed Green Salad: Bright greens tossed with a zesty vinaigrette add a cooling effect, creating a beautifully light contrast to the rich seafood.
- Coleslaw: The crunch and tanginess of coleslaw provide a refreshing counterpoint, making each lobster bite feel even more indulgent.
- Lemon Sorbet: For dessert, a refreshing lemon sorbet cleanses the palate while echoing the citrus notes in the dish.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet, buttery corn complements the smoky seafood and adds a fun touch to any summer BBQ gathering.
- Herb-Infused Rice: Lightly seasoned rice, infused with herbs, offers a delicate base that absorbs delicious flavors while remaining light and fluffy.
Expert Tips for Grilling Lobster Tails
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Choose Quality Lobster: Opt for fresh or high-quality frozen lobster tails to ensure the best flavor. The freshness significantly impacts the end result.
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Precise Grilling Temperature: Make sure your grill is preheated to the correct temperature (400-450°F) to avoid undercooking or overcooking the lobster tails.
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Avoid Overcooking: Watch the lobster closely while grilling; they cook quickly and should be removed once the flesh is opaque and slightly firm for the best texture.
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Enhance Flavor with Marinade: Allow the lobster tails to marinate for at least 15 minutes; this step is key to infusing flavor into the meat before grilling.
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Use Skewers to Prevent Curling: Inserting skewers through the lobster tails keeps them flat on the grill, ensuring even cooking and a beautiful presentation.
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Serve Immediately: For maximum enjoyment, serve your grilled lobster tails right off the grill, drizzled with garlic butter, and garnished with lemon wedges.
Storage Tips for Grilled Lobster Tails
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Room Temperature: Grilled lobster tails should be enjoyed fresh, but if left out, they can remain at room temperature for up to 2 hours before they need to be refrigerated.
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Fridge: Store leftover lobster tails in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best flavor, cover with plastic wrap or foil before sealing.
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Freezer: For longer storage, wrap grilled lobster tails tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
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Reheating: To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes or until heated through. Drizzle with melted garlic butter for added moisture and flavor when serving.
Grill Lobster Tail Variations
Feel free to make this recipe your own with some creative twists and substitutions!
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Seafood Swap: Use shrimp or scallops for a delightful seafood experience that cooks similarly on the grill. Both options offer a unique flavor that pairs beautifully with garlic butter.
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Hot & Spicy: Add sriracha or hot sauce to the garlic butter for a fiery kick. This spicy variation can elevate your grilled tails to new heights!
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Citrus Twist: Substitute lime juice for lemon juice to impart a different but refreshing zest. Lime adds a tropical flair that beautifully complements the sweetness of the lobster.
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Herb-Infused: Replace garlic butter with a herb-infused compound butter by mixing in fresh herbs like dill or basil. This offers a fragrant and vibrant addition to your lobster tails.
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Sweet & Savory: Drizzle with a honey-lime glaze after grilling for an unexpected sweetness that balances out the savory garlic. This combination will definitely surprise your taste buds!
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Vegan Option: For a vegan take, use marinated tofu or grilled vegetables with the same garlic seasoning. It’s a hearty alternative that still delivers on flavor.
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Bready Addition: Serve the grilled lobster drizzled with garlic oil and topped with toasted breadcrumbs for added crunch and texture. This creates a lovely contrast to the tender lobster.
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Smoky Flavor: Incorporate a sprinkle of smoked paprika in your marinade for an extra layer of flavor. This enhances the grill taste and gives a delightful smokiness that you’ll love!
Make Ahead Options
These Grilled Lobster Tails are a fantastic choice for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a gourmet dish even on the busiest weeknights! You can marinate the lobster tails in your garlic butter mixture up to 24 hours in advance; simply refrigerate them in an airtight container to maintain their flavor and freshness. When you’re ready to cook, just fire up the grill and follow the grilling instructions from there. For optimal taste and texture, it’s best to grill the lobster tails fresh after marinating, ensuring they remain tender and juicy. With these make-ahead options, you’ll have a deliciously effortless meal waiting for you—perfect for impressing family and friends!
Grilled Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter Recipe FAQs
How can I select the best lobster tails?
Absolutely! When choosing lobster tails, look for freshness, which is key to flavor. The shells should feel hard and not have dark spots, indicating they’re fresh. If they’re frozen, select tails that are well-packaged without any signs of freezer burn.
How should I store leftover grilled lobster tails?
Very good question! If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge, where they’ll last up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Just remember to let them thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Can I freeze grilled lobster tails? How do I do that?
Absolutely! To freeze grilled lobster tails, wrap each tail tightly in plastic wrap and then cover it with aluminum foil. This double-wrapping protects against freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently, ideally in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes to maintain their texture and flavor.
What if my lobster tails are overcooked?
Oh no! If your lobster tails end up overcooked, they may become tough and chewy. It’s important to always cook them just until the flesh turns opaque and firm. If you find them overcooked, you can try slicing them thinly and adding them into a creamy pasta or a savory seafood soup, where their texture will blend with other ingredients.
Can I substitute ingredients for dietary restrictions?
Very much so! If you’re allergic to shellfish, consider using shrimp or scallops as a delightful alternative, cooking them the same way as lobster tails. If you’re vegan, I recommend grilling vegetables like zucchini or portobello mushrooms with similar marinade flavors to still enjoy the summer grilling experience without the seafood.
Grill Lobster Tail to Perfection: A Simple Summer Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, black pepper, and optional crushed red pepper. Add the lobster tails, ensuring they are well coated, and let them marinate for 15 minutes.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, ranging between 400-450°F.
- Carefully cut through the top of each lobster shell without slicing completely through.
- Insert 12-inch skewers through each tail to keep them flat while grilling.
- Place the lobster tails on the grill, cooking for 5-6 minutes on each side until the flesh is firm and opaque.
- While the lobster is grilling, mix melted butter with finely chopped garlic and a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Once cooked, remove from the grill, arrange the tails on a platter, drizzle with garlic butter, and garnish with chopped chives and lemon wedges.