Whats The Best Way To Butterfly Lobster Tails For Grilling
This method is great for the hotter cooking methods as it allows the tail meat to absorb the complementary smoky tastes from grilling. Butterfly lobster tails also make it easy to marinade in advance, and baste while cooking.
Interested in the other ways to prepare lobster? Read our article on the different ways to cook and prepare lobster.
How To Grill Lobster Tail Halves
Step 1: Light grill and set up for two-zone cooking. Arrange coals so you have a high-heat area where the coals peak, and a more medium heat area where the coals are not as close to the grill grate. If youre using a gas grill, turn one burner on max and the one next to it on medium.
Step 2: Place chipotle butter in a small saucepan and place it on the inside of the grill but not directly over a heat source. You dont want to burn the butter, just melt it and get it nice and warm.
Step 3: While grill is preheating, rinse lobster tails with cold water and pat dry with a paper towel.
TIP: Its important to get the tail as dry as possible or the meat will steam when placed on the hot grill as opposed to sear.
Step 4: Spray a thin coat of olive oil on the meat side of the tail halves. I use this oil spray bottle, but if you dont have one you can use a basting brush as well.
Step 5: Place tails meat side down over direct high heat. Grill for 5 minutes.
Step 6: Turn tails over and place over the medium-high heat zone, baste liberally with melted chipotle butter, then sprinkle cilantro. Let meat poach in the butter sauce for 35 minutes or until internal temperature is to your preference as indicated with a reliable instant read thermometer.
Step 7: Plate and serve while warm.
Grilled Lobster Halves With Chipotle Butter
If you tried this recipe and enjoyed it, please click the stars below to leave a rating |
Important Tips To Know For Grilling Lobster Tails
Now, you know how to grill lobster tails on a pellet grill perfectly and efficiently. But you have to know some of the best tips that can help you in the process of grilling these lobster tails. Some of the tips are:
- You can use most of the types of lobster for grilling. The best one is the Maine lobster which can provide the best flavors.
- You will know that the grilling of the lobster tails is done once the shell starts to turn red and the flesh becomes opaque in nature.
- Dont overcook the lobster as that will make the flesh dry and chewy. You need to keep it tender and juicy keeping the flavors intact.
- You have to serve the lobster tails as soon as it comes off the grill because reheating them can make them dryer.
Use the charcoal in the pellet grill to bring that smoky flavor to the lobster tail grill. This can enhance the taste and satisfy the taste buds even more.
Also Check: How To Cook Grilled Cheese On Stove
How Long Do You Boil A 4 Ounce Lobster Tail
How to Boil Four 4-Ounce Lobster Tails Thaw frozen lobster tails in the refrigerator for the best results. Add the water, salt and seaweed to the pot and bring it to a boil. Add the lobster tails to the boiling water and cover the pot when it boils again. Boil the tails for five to eight minutes, or until the shells turn red.
How To Boil Lobster Tails
One of the easiest ways to cook lobster tails is to boil them.
Whole lobster tails or fan-cut lobster tails work best for boiling lobster tails.
For a simple boil cook, place them in boiling water ensuring that the whole tail is covered and then wait until the meat is bright white and shells turn red. If the tail is big, it is recommended to boil them to get a more even cook. Other applications also include par-boil or blanch tails and finish cooking on the grill or in the oven.
Don’t Miss: Dispose Of Gas Grill
Whats The Stuff Inside The Lobster Tail
It is always important to make sure that the lobster tail has been properly cleaned, regardless of the method of cooking. Remove the long, thin vein that runs down the center of the tail . This is the lobsters digestive tract. Although it wont hurt if eaten, it does not taste good.
Another common finding within your lobster tail can be roe near the top of the tail. Make sure to clean thoroughly. Get to know more about the parts of a lobster.
Pro Tip: Is your tail red or pinkish in color?;There is no difference in the taste or quality of the meat. It is simply a tail from a female lobster.
- Remove the Tail Meat, Whole;;
How To Butterfly Lobster:
Taking the time to butterfly the lobster tail will make a huge difference in the finished meat.; When you butterfly the tail, the meat is able to absorb more of the flavors from the marinade and the smokiness from the grill.
Don’t Miss: Can A Propane Grill Be Converted To Natural Gas
Grilled Lobster Cooking Times
When the grill is at medium heat, not high heat, place the halves of your lobster flesh side up with the shells on the grate. Season the lobster meat with salt and pepper and with a pastry brush paste the shell and exposed meat with olive oil or your favorite butter mixture. Close the grill and cook for about 3-6 minutes.;Quickly baste with more butter or oil and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes. We do not suggest flipping the lobster;as you will lose all the juices. The oil or butter not only;keeps the lobster moist, but it will also help char the shell making it easier to crack.
Since lobsters cook quickly keep a close eye on the grill. Again, cooked too long, theres no turning back. One or two minutes too long and;the;meat will dry out and be tough. The meat is done when it starts to firm up and turns;opaque white. It is important to note that your lobsters will continue to cook even after they are removed from the grill.
Exact Answer: 1 Minute Per Ounce
Lobsters are a very delicious and expensive dish. Such a dish must be cooked with patience and perfection. The lobster tails usually take 1 minute per ounce to boil. The technique of cooking lobster is also important.
The lobsters used for boiling must be fresh and of good quality for an enhanced taste. The lobster tails must be completely defrosted before the process of boiling the lobster tails is begun.
Another aspect of cooking the perfect lobster is cleaning the lobster thoroughly before starting the boiling process. The size of the lobster tails also determines the time taken for the lobster tails to boil.
The larger lobster tails will take more time to boil as compared to smaller lobster tails that take significantly less time to boil. The lobster tails must be boiled for the perfect time.
The lobster tails must not be over-cooked. It is better to remove the lobster a little early and check if its cooked properly rather than overcooking the lobster tails. If the lobster tails are overcooked, they can always be boiled again.
The lobster tails can be served with butter to give it a nice taste. The lobster must be cooked thoroughly and shouldnt be left undercooked or overcooked. The lobster tails must be cut properly before putting them to boil.
You May Like: Is Macaroni Grill Still In Business
Can I Boil Frozen Lobster Tails
Cooking Frozen Lobster Tails
In a large kettle, bring enough water to a boil to cover lobster tails; add 1 tbsp. salt, if desired, for each quart of water. Place thawed tails in boiling water. When water returns to a boil, reduce heat and simmer , covered, 5 min.
A Delicious Way To Eat Lobster
Most people will boil/steam lobsters and eat them that way. However,One of our favorite ways to eat this crustacean delicacy is grilled.
Although its the most common way to eat lobster after you eat grilled lobster, chances are youll never look at eating lobster the same way again.
;Yes you heard it grilled. I know many people tend to think baked,boiled or even broiled is a good way and maybe during colder months they are a great option.
However, grilled really brings out some amazing flavors. Living in the North East Ive come to appreciate how gorgeous summers are.
Theyre unlike anything you can imagine. Sure the locals complain about the heat .
;On <most>evenings you get this nice breeze that makes grilling almost therapeutic. Couple that with a delicious cocktail like;
this sea breeze cocktail and a spatula in hand the skys the limit to what one can create.
Don’t Miss: Grilled Cheese On Stove
Tips For The Most Amazing Lobster Ever
This grilled cajun garlic butter lobster is hard to mess up.; Seriously, you can do this! To make it the best ever, I have answered a few questions you may have and given you some of my tips for grilling lobster so that you will feel confident.; Trust me, this lobster dinner is going to be awesome!
- Close the lid: Its a best practice with any grilled meat.; The heat needs to stay in the grill so keep the lid shut as much as possible.; Lift only to turn the lobster over and baste with more sauce.
- How do you know when the lobster tails are done? Lobster meat will turn white and be opaque and the shell will turn red.
- Use a meat thermometer: Lobster needs to cook to an internal temperature of 140 degrees.; If you want the best lobster ever, use a thermometer to make sure your lobster is perfectly cooked.; Pull it off the grill if it is between 135-140 because it will continue to cook after you take it off the grill.
- How to keep the meat from sticking to the shell? Putting the cooked tail in an ice bath after grilling not only stop it from over-cooking, but it will also help the meat to slide out easier.
- Grill on medium heat:;The only way to make bad lobster is to burn it.; So keep your grill on medium heat so it will turn out perfect!
Serve With Melted Butter And Lemon
Serve your perfectly done lobster tails accompanied by small individual bowls of your melted butter and some lemon wedges.
Dont forget plenty of napkins, bibs, sturdy seafood or nut crackers and seafood pics if you have them and a bowl for those empty shells.
Now let the compliments fall on you like a light rain.
Also Check: Macaroni Grill Closures
What Is The Cooking Time For Lobster
Boil lobsters for 10 to 20 min, depending on size: Note the time at which the water comes to a boil again. From that point, boil the lobsters for 10-20 minutes or longer, depending on the size of the lobster. 10-13 minutes for 1 lb lobster, 12-18 minutes for a 1 1/2 pound lobster, 18-23 minutes for a 2-3 pound lobster.
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.
Recommended Reading: How To Make Grilled Chicken On Stove
What Temperature Should Lobster Be Cooked To
This is a good question. Per the USDA, lobster should be cooked to 145 degrees internal. Having put that out there as a disclaimer, Ill tell you I never take lobster over 130 degrees internal. Other bloggers will say they only cook lobster tail meat to 120 degrees. So, if you like to color between the lines, always follow USDA recommendations. Ive never been very good at coloring. Whatever you choose, just be sure you have a reliable instant read thermometer, so you have the right information.
This Is The Trick To Cooking Perfect Lobster Tail
When you’re looking to class-up dinnertime and break away from the usual steak and salad routine, lobster is a no-brainer. For some home cooks, though, lobster can be a slightly intimidating ingredient. If you took advantage of the pandemic-induced price drop on fresh lobsters and have made peace with cooking live lobsters in your own home, more power to you. But for the faint of heart, you can still find crustacean gratification via lobster tails, which are widely available in stores and online.
Lobster Anywhere says big-box stores typically sell tails of spiny lobsters that come from the warm waters of South America. These tails are cheaper than those from cold-water climates like Maine and are fine if you’re on a budget, but some believe they’re not quite as tasty. According to Weathervane Seafoods, lobster tails you can order online from Maine taste better than other varieties because lobsters grow slower in cold water, making for more tender meat.
Most lobster tails are sold frozen. To thaw them,;Seafood University recommends placing them in the refrigerator overnight or submerging them in cold water, changing the water every 15 minutes or so this will thaw frozen lobster tails in under an hour. Once your lobster tails are thawed, your only remaining task is to cook them perfectly. Undercooking and overcooking are easy mistakes to make when cooking lobster. But, with the right techniques in mind, you can have perfect lobster tail in no time.
Also Check: How To Clean Stainless Steel Bbq Grill
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!
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.;
You May Like: What To Use To Clean Stainless Steel Grill
To Thaw Or Defrost Lobster Tails:
You can thaw or defrost the lobster tail by placing them in refrigerator overnight. It is a long process, but it is the most accurate and sure way one to defrost the lobster tails.
However, if you want to defrost them on the same day, then you can use a different technique. Place the frozen lobster tails in a sealed plastic bag and then submerge it in cold water. You must change the water every 15 minutes. Keep it like that for 1 to 2 hours until the lobster tails are completely thawed.
Grilled Lobster Tail Ingredients:
The good news about this lobster recipe is that there is a good chance you already have almost all of the ingredients!; Butter, oil, garlic and seasonings are pretty much staples in most kitchens.; So, that will give you time to find great fresh lobster tails.; It is important that you spend the money and take the time to choose a great lobster tail.; You really do get what you pay for with this and since it is the star of the show it is worth the extra effort.
- Lobster tails:;Select a lobster that feels heavy for its size and if choosing from live lobster pick one that has no algae on its shell.
- Butter:;Salted or unsalted are both good, just adjust the amount of salt you add in accordingly.
- Olive oil:;Use a high quality olive oil or extra virgin olive oil because it will taste better in the marinade.
- Garlic Cloves: Minced garlic gives a rich flavor to the lobster meat.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Cajun Seasoning:;Adds great spice!
You May Like: Backyard Grill Brand Parts
