How to Grill Lobster Tails? The Best Grilled Lobster Tail Recipe

Prepare Time	Cook Time	Total Time
10 minutes	20 minutes	30 minutes

Forget about the fuss of dining out at a fancy restaurant this Valentine’s Day and make romantic, beautiful, mouthwatering grilled lobster tails at home. Don’t worry about messing up those expensive lobster tails, our recipe is incredibly easy, needs just a few simple ingredients, and can be ready in 30 minutes. With their creamy texture, tender meat, delightful sweetness, and a delicious garlic and herb butter filling, these lobster tails are sure to win the hearts of the people you serve! Just follow our foolproof guide to grill them perfectly.

Ingredients:

4 lobster tails, 5-8 oz each
4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley and lemon wedges for garnish

Equipment:

Bluetooth meat thermometer, INKBIRD INT-12-BW is a good choice, especially with its short probe that’s perfect for delicate meats like lobster tail.
Sharp kitchen shears
Sharp knife
Basting brush
Mixing bowl

Why Grill Lobster Tails Instead of Baking or Boiling?

If you’ve ever experienced the tenderness of a lobster tail steeped in garlicky butter and charred ever so slightly on the grill, you know it’s an unforgettable flavor. Compared to other cooking methods, grilling lobster tails enhances the natural sweetness of the meat while lending a subtle smokiness that balances out the richness of the shellfish. With those gorgeous grill marks and a golden caramelized crust, they are perfect for a romantic dinner or a backyard barbecue - and they’re actually easy to prepare at home.

Fresh or Frozen Lobster

You can use fresh or frozen lobster in this recipe, but fresh is definitely the better option as the meat is firmer. If your lobster tails are frozen, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can do this by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or by sealing them in a plastic bag and submerging them in cold water for 30-60 minutes. Just avoid using hot water, as it will change the texture of the meat.

How to Butterfly Lobster Tails?

Place the lobster tail on a cutting board, shell side up. Use sharp kitchen shears to carefully cut lengthwise along the top of the shell until just before the tail fin. Gently pry open the shell to expose the lobster meat, lifting it slightly above the shell. Use a sharp knife to make a shallow slit in the center of the meat, and then gently pull it apart with your fingers. Now you have butterflied the lobster tail.

How to Grill Lobster Tails?

Once you’ve got your lobster tails prepared, it’s time to start seasoning and grilling them up.

Step 1: Preheat the grill. Heat up your grill to medium-high, about 400°F (204°C). For charcoal grills, let the coals glow red and position them to one side to set up an indirect cooking zone. Don’t forget to oil the grill grate to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the butter sauce. In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Marinate the lobster tails. Brush the butter sauce generously over the exposed lobster meat.

Step 4: Insert the thermometer. Insert the short probe into the thickest part of the lobster tail meat. Use the INKBIRD app to set the internal temperature to 140°F / 60°C for the best results. Thanks to its wireless capability, you can monitor the temperature from your smartphone in real time to prevent overcooking.

Step 5: Grill the lobster tails. Place the lobster tails flesh-side down on the grill over direct heat and grill for 4-5 minutes to get a caramelized crust. Then, transfer them to indirect heat, shell-side down, and brush the meat with additional butter sauce. Cover the lid and grill them for another 5-7 minutes. Once the internal temperature reaches 140°F / 60°C (the app should remind you) or the meat turns opaque, remove the lobster tails from the grill.

Step 6: Finish with butter sauce. Brush the lobster with the remaining butter sauce or use it as a dip. Add some chopped parsley on top and serve with lemon wedges immediately.

Expert Tips for Grilled Lobster Tails

Don’t overcook. Lobster meat cooks quickly, and overcooking can result in dry, rubbery meat. That’s why a food thermometer is essential for getting it just right.
Ensure the grill is well-oiled and preheated. This will prevent the lobster meat from sticking to the grill.
Enhance the grill flavor. Add cherry, cedar, or applewood to the coals to create a light, smoky aroma.
Use indirect heat. After getting a nice char over the direct heat, transfer the lobster tails to indirect heat to finish cooking, which helps the meat stay tender and juicy.

Meat Thermometer for Grilled Lobster Tails

Serving Suggestions

Grilled lobster tails are delicious enough by themselves, but if you’re planning a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner, consider serving it with sous vide ribeye steak and some grilled vegetables.

For starters, pair it with a refreshing Caesar salad or arugula salad; For mains, choose creamy Parmesan risotto or lemon herb rice; For drinks, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, or even homemade white wine would complement the meal perfectly.