If you’re considering making lobster at home for the first time, we totally understand—it can be a bit intimidating. But we’ve got you covered with our top tips to ensure your lobster tails turn out absolutely perfect for this recipe.

Lobster tails are a special part of the lobster that’s tasty and easy to cook. They have a wonderful sweet flavor and a tender texture that people love. Cooking lobster tails on the grill is easier than you might think! We’ll show you how to cut the shell to make the meat accessible and perfect for grilling. We’ll even use skewers to keep the tails from curling while they cook.

How to Prepare Lobster Tails for Grilling:

Preparing lobster tails for grilling is surprisingly simple! Cut down the center of the shell, exposing the juicy meat. Butterflying the tails lets you season them perfectly for grilling. To keep the tails from curling during cooking, insert skewers before grilling.

Grilling Time for Perfect Lobster Tails:

For 8-oz. lobster tails, grill each side for 5-6 minutes for tender, succulent meat. Adjust the cooking time slightly if your tails are bigger or smaller, but keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Seasoning for Irresistible Flavor:

The secret to elevating the taste of grilled lobster tails lies in a flavorful paste made with butter, mustard, soy sauce, garlic, chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, and chives. Season the tails with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and chili powder before grilling. As you grill, apply layers of the paste to create a smoky and savory delight.

Perfect Pairings for Lobster Tails:

Pair your grilled lobster tails with a zesty touch by serving them with grilled lemons. Squeeze the lemons over the lobster for a burst of citrusy goodness. For a contrast to the rich lobster, a bright and fresh arugula salad makes an excellent side dish.

With our Grilled Lobster Tails recipe, you can have a taste of the ocean in your home. Whether it’s a special occasion or a treat-yourself moment, these tender, smoky, and flavorful lobster tails will make your dining experience truly memorable. So, let’s fire up the grill and embark on a culinary adventure filled with delightful tastes!

Ingredients:

4 lobster tails
Salt
Pepper
Garlic powder
Chili powder

For the Paste:

1/2 stick of butter
1 tablespoon mustard
2 tablespoons soy sauce
3 cloves of minced garlic
1 chipotle pepper (from a can)
2 teaspoons adobo sauce (from the can)
2 tablespoons chives
3 tablespoons mayonnaise

For Garnish:

2 lemons, halved
Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

Prep Instructions:

Prepare the Lobster Tails:
- Start by removing any legs or tentacles from the lobster tails.
- Lay each lobster tail on a cutting board with the bottom side facing up. Use a sharp knife to cut down the center of the lobster tail, exposing the top lobster meat. This is called butterflying the lobster tail.
- Gently press down on the top shell to crack it slightly, which will help to open up the lobster tail during grilling.
- Season the exposed lobster meat with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and chili powder. Set aside while you prepare the paste.
Prepare the Flavorful Paste:
- In a cast-iron pan over medium heat, melt 1/2 stick of butter.
- Add the mustard, soy sauce, minced garlic, chipotle pepper (from a can), adobo sauce (2 teaspoons from the can), and chopped chives to the melted butter.
- Mix the ingredients together, allowing them to infuse and meld their flavors over medium heat for 4-5 minutes.
- The aroma of the paste will become irresistible, filling your kitchen with delicious scents. Once done, remove the pan from heat and stir in 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise until the mixture is creamy and well combined. Keep the paste warm for later use.

Grilling Instructions:

Preheat the Grill:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. The ideal grilling temperature ensures that the lobster tails cook evenly and develop that beautiful charred crust while keeping the meat tender and juicy.
Grill the Lobster Tails:
- Now that your grill is ready, place the seasoned lobster tails over direct heat, exposed meat side up.
- As the lobster tails hit the hot grill grates, a sizzle will greet your ears, and the tantalizing smell of seafood will begin to waft through the air.
- Allow the lobster tails to grill for 2-3 minutes on each side, being careful when flipping them with tongs to prevent the delicious meat from sticking to the grates.
Layer the Flavorful Paste:
- The secret to elevating the grilled lobster tails to a new level of tastiness lies in the flavorful paste you prepared earlier.
- Before each flip of the lobster tails, add a generous layer of the paste on top of the exposed meat side.
- The paste’s combination of savory, smoky, and slightly spicy notes will complement the sweetness of the lobster meat, making every bite a burst of flavor.
Grill to Perfection and Reach 145°F (63°C):
- Continue grilling the lobster tails, flipping them and adding a layer of paste after each flip, until they are fully cooked through.
- To ensure the lobster tails are perfectly grilled, use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature. The tails are done when the temperature reaches 145°F (63°C), providing you with succulent and safe-to-eat lobster meat.
- Properly cooked lobster tails will be opaque and firm, and the shell will have turned bright red.

Garnish and Serve:

Grill the Lemons:
- While the lobster tails are grilling to perfection, take the opportunity to add a delightful twist to your presentation.
- Place the halved lemons face down on the grill to achieve enticing grill marks. Grilling the lemons will intensify their citrusy flavor and offer a zesty accompaniment to the lobster.
Garnish and Enjoy:
- Once the lobster tails have reached the desired internal temperature and are infused with the mouthwatering flavors of the paste, remove them from the grill.
- Arrange the grilled lobster tails on a serving platter, and don’t forget the grilled lemons to add an extra dimension of taste.
- Before serving, drizzle the grilled lemons over the lobster tails to enhance their natural sweetness with a burst of tangy citrus.
- To add a touch of freshness and vibrant color, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the lobster tails, completing the presentation in style.
- Invite your guests to savor this delectable grilled lobster dish, perfect for a special occasion or an indulgent summer meal. Enjoy the succulent, smoky, and flavorful experience that comes with every bite!

Grilled Lobster Tails

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Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Ingredients

4 lobster tails
Salt
Pepper
Garlic powder
Chili powder

Flavorful Paste:

1/2 stick of butter
1 tablespoon mustard
2 tablespoons soy sauce
3 cloves of minced garlic
1 chipotle pepper from a can
2 teaspoons adobo sauce from the can
2 tablespoons chives
3 tablespoons mayonnaise

Grilled Lemon Garnish:

2 lemons halved
Fresh parsley chopped
Instructions:

Instructions

Remove any legs or tentacles from the lobster tails.
Lay each lobster tail on a cutting board with the bottom side facing up. Use a sharp knife to cut down the center of the lobster tail, exposing the top lobster meat. This is called butterflying the lobster tail.
Season the exposed lobster meat with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and chili powder. Set aside while you prepare the paste.
In a cast-iron pan over medium heat, melt 1/2 stick of butter.
Add the mustard, soy sauce, minced garlic, chipotle pepper (from a can), adobo sauce (2 teaspoons from the can), and chopped chives to the melted butter.
Mix the ingredients together and let them cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes.
Remove the pan from heat and stir in 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise until the mixture is creamy and well combined. Keep the paste warm for later use.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Place the seasoned lobster tails over direct heat on the grill, exposed meat side up.
Grill the lobster tails for 2-3 minutes on each side, being careful when flipping them with tongs to prevent the meat from sticking to the grates.
Before each flip, add a generous layer of the prepared paste on top of the exposed meat side.
Continue grilling the lobster tails, flipping them and adding a layer of paste after each flip, until they are fully cooked through.
Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature. The tails are done when the temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
While the lobster tails are grilling, place the halved lemons face down on the grill to achieve grill marks.
Once the lobster tails are done grilling, remove them from the grill.
Squeeze the grilled lemon halves over the lobster tails to add a bright citrus flavor.
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the lobster tails for a pop of color and added freshness.
Serve the grilled lobster tails with the garnish and enjoy the succulent and flavorful experience that comes with every bite!

Keyword grilled lobster, grilled lobster recipe, lobster, lobster tails, smoked lobster tails

You’ve successfully cooked up a wonderful treat with our Grilled Lobster Tails recipe. You mastered the simple steps, like butterflying the lobster tails and adding the delicious paste. The grill worked its magic, making the lobster tails tender and flavorful.

Now, as you take a bite, the sweet and savory flavors blend in harmony. The grilled lemons add a tangy twist, making it even tastier. The fresh arugula salad adds a nice crunch to balance out the rich lobster.

Whether you enjoyed it with loved ones or as a special treat for yourself, it’s a memory to cherish. Cooking gourmet dishes at home can be a fun adventure, and the rewards are totally worth it.

So, keep exploring the world of cooking, and don’t forget the joy of seafood dishes. The Grilled Lobster Tails recipe will always be here, ready to make your mealtime special.