🦞 Grilled Lobster Tails with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce

Grilled lobster tails are an elegant yet surprisingly simple seafood dish that’s perfect for special occasions, summer cookouts, or a restaurant-quality dinner at home. The lobster meat becomes tender and slightly smoky on the grill, while the garlic lemon butter sauce adds richness, brightness, and depth of flavor.

Pair these lobster tails with grilled vegetables, rice pilaf, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Lobster:

• 4 lobster tails (5–6 oz each)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

• Lemon wedges (for serving)

For the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce:

• ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick), melted

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped

• Salt, to taste

• Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

🔪 Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Lobster Tails

1. Using kitchen shears, cut down the top center of the shell lengthwise, stopping at the tail fin.

2. Gently pull the shell apart and loosen the meat from the shell, keeping it attached at the base.

3. Lift the meat and rest it on top of the shell (this is called “butterflying”).

4. Pat dry and brush lightly with olive oil.

5. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.

2️⃣ Make the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce

1. Melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat.

2. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute (do not brown).

3. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, and salt.

4. Reserve half the sauce for serving; use the rest for basting.

3️⃣ Grill the Lobster

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 200°C).

2. Place lobster tails shell-side down on the grill.

3. Grill for 8–10 minutes, basting with butter sauce occasionally.

4. Lobster is done when the meat is opaque and reaches an internal temperature of 140–145°F (60–63°C).

4️⃣ Serve

• Remove from grill and drizzle with reserved garlic lemon butter.

• Garnish with fresh parsley.

• Serve immediately with lemon wedges.

🍽 Tips for Perfect Lobster

• Don’t overcook — lobster becomes rubbery quickly.

• If tails are large (8 oz+), increase cooking time by 2–4 minutes.

• For extra smoky flavor, grill briefly flesh-side down for 1–2 minutes before finishing shell-side down.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q1: How do I know when lobster is fully cooked?

A: The meat turns opaque white and firm. The internal temperature should be 140–145°F.

Q2: Can I use frozen lobster tails?

A: Yes! Thaw completely overnight in the refrigerator before grilling.

Q3: Can I bake instead of grill?

A: Absolutely. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 12–15 minutes.

Q4: What sides go well with grilled lobster tails?

• Garlic butter asparagus

• Mashed potatoes

• Rice pilaf

• Caesar salad

• Grilled corn

Q5: Can I prepare the butter sauce ahead of time?

A: Yes. Prepare up to 2 days in advance and reheat gently before serving.

Q6: Can I add other flavors?

A: Try adding white wine, Old Bay seasoning, or a touch of honey for variation.