Grilled Lobster Tails With Garlic Butter Sauce
Posted on Published:
By: Author Dahn Boquist
Home » Main Dish » Grilled Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter Sauce
Lobster doesnt have to be just for fancy restaurant dinners. These grilled lobster tails with garlic butter sauce are so easy to make, you can have them any night of the week right in your home. We served these lobster tails with grilled lemons that are extra juicy.
Drizzle warm garlic butter sauce over the lobster meat!
Fire up the grill and get ready for some incredible lobster. The charred flavor from the grill gives these lobster tails an extra special flavor. If you like to grill over briquettes they will have even more of that outdoor grill flavor but you can do this on a gas grill just as easily.
It doesnt take long to grill lobster tails. We made this recipe even easier by book butterflying the lobster tails. It opens the lobster tail up like a book and lets it lay flat on the grill. It is a fast and easy way to prep a lobster tail.
Check out our video above to see how easy this recipe is to make.
After they get spread open, they will lay flat on the grill and cook without curling up. Since the lobster meat gets spread out flat, they cook faster than other preparations for lobster tails. For instance, in this steak and lobster dinner, we pulled the lobster meat out of the shell and laid it on top of the shell.
Place them on a hot grill
Learn How To Butterfly A Lobster Tail
As we mentioned, before you begin the process of butterflying or cooking, the lobster tail should be at the right temperature. If it was just inside the freezer, make sure it defrosts completely so you can use it. In terms of cutting implements, you’ll need kitchen shears to get through the lobster’s thick shell.
Place the lobster tail shell side up on the table. Line up the bottom blade right under the shell, not within the meat itself. Hold the tail with one hand while you slowly cut down the center of the shell with the other. Continue cutting the upper-shell all the way to the base of the tail. Do not touch the tail fan or under-shell, they should be left attached and intact. If you don’t own kitchen shears, you’ll also be able to cut through the shell with a sharp knife, but be exceptionally careful so you don’t slice through the bottom of the shell.
The next step is opening the shell. Grab each side of the lobster shell with your thumbs and fingers to further spread the halves apart. You’ll need to be gentle when doing so, because you want to pry away the shell so it’s loose, but keep the back of the meat connected to the under-shell. After you’ve done this, the meat will be clearly visible.
Frozen Vs Fresh Lobster
First we will tackle the age-old question: which is better, frozen lobster or fresh? Though many people prefer purchasing a live lobster when they’re cooking for themselves, each type has its pros and cons.
For instance, if you’re an expert chef, you can utilize every part of a whole lobster if you buy it live. The different parts all have their own unique, delicious flavor, and you have the benefit of gathering the leftover shells and roe to make lobster stock. On top of that, ordering a fresh, live lobster is often cheaper than buying frozen tails.
With any sort of frozen food, but especially with seafood such as lobster, you never know how long the product has been sitting around at the grocery store. You run the risk of old, tough or freezer-burned lobster meat if you purchase it frozen. Not to mention, with frozen lobster tails you are more than likely unsure of their origin. Seeking out live lobster gives you a better chance of knowing where and how it was raised.
However, frozen lobster isn’t always inferior. Sometimes, farmers raise lobsters in less than ideal conditions, crowded together in dirty, poorly maintained tanks. Various kinds of seafood are subject to fostering parasites, including lobster. Though many people say fresh lobster tastes superior to frozen, lobsters are frequently frozen right after they’re caught, so it may still taste fresh when thawed and cooked.
Read Also: What Temperature To Grill Pork Chops
How To Butterfly Lobster Tails For Grilling
The first step in any grilled lobster recipe is to prep the lobster. You can butterfly lobster tails for grilling by bringing the flesh over the shell the same way you would for broiled lobster tails, but below Ill show you a different, slightly easier method.
- Cut the lobster shell. Cut down the center of the shell lengthwise, starting from the end opposite the tail fins and going down the the tail, but do not cut the tail.
TIP: Cut the top shell only. You want to cut the top shell and some of the flesh, but not all the way through the bottom shell.
- Cut. Use a knife to cut lengthwise along the center ridge, but again dont cut through the bottom shell.
- Flatten. Use your hands to pry open the tail and then press with your palm to flatten, so that it opens up.
- Skewer. Run the skewer lengthwise through the center of the flesh. This helps to prevent the lobster tail from curling up on the grill.
TIP: Soak your skewers in water first, so they dont start a fire on the grill. Simply place them in a shallow pan filled with water for 30-60 minutes and weigh down with a bowl to keep them submerged.
Things You Need To Know About Grilling Lobster Tails
Its on every steakhouse menu its what puts the surf in Surf and Turf. Its one of the few reasons adults are willing to wear a bib and use tiny dental like instruments. Yes, we all love lobster.
Maybe its the melted butter. Maybe its the soft, sweet flesh of these sea epicurean delights but whatever it is, if you want to grill some lobster tails that will have your guests singing your praises, there are some things you need to know abut preparing this gastronomical delight.
Read Also: Fuego Gas Grill Review
Some Other Recipes We Are Sure You Will Love:
This Steak and Lobster Dinner is a simple preparation. While the steaks cook on a hot griddle, the lobster tails get broiled in the oven. Time them so they are ready to eat at the same time.
This Spanish chorizo and shrimp pasta is a deceptively easy dinner to make. You will have dinner on the table in 30 minutes but better than that, it is incredibly delicious.
These seared scallops with romesco sauce will send you over the moon. After searing the large sea scallops they get basted with a garlic-thyme butter sauce then they swim in a smooth romesco sauce.
A Guide To Grilling Lobster Tails
Lobsters come from a family of Nephropid, also known as Hominidae. Lobsters are having long bodies. They have muscular tails. As seafood, they are highly-priced and they are economically important. The sweetest part of the lobster is its tail with the biggest portion of meat. To enjoy the delicacy of grilled lobster tails, you dont have to go to a fancy restaurant. You can grill them carefully at home to enjoy the lobster tails.
Before you plan to grill lobster tails during the barbecue session, make sure that you know how to grill the lobster tails. The basic thing about grilling the lobster tails is that you should know the ways to cut the lobster tail and preparation of it for grilling.
Don’t Miss: How Grill Lobster Tail 4 Oz
How Can You Tell If Lobster Is Cooked
Cooked lobster is slightly firm to the touch and nontransparent. The meat will be white and can be easily separated by two forks.
If the meat is soft to the touch or still transparent, it needs more time on the grill.
Lobsters turn red when you cook them, but the pigment itself does not tell you whether the meat is perfectly cooked.
Recommended Reading: How To Clean Old Grill
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.
Recommended Reading: Macaroni Grill Out Of Business
Grilled Lobster Tail Recipe
Making some epic BBQ should be easy, and Hey Grill Hey is here to help! Im all about helping you make better BBQ, feed the people you love, and become a backyard BBQ hero. If you want to see more of my recipes, tips, and behind the scenes action, follow along on my social channels. You can find me on , , and !
How To Prevent The Meat From Sticking To The Shell
It can be very frustrating when you paid good money for lobster tails and after you cooked them the meat comes out of the shell in bits and shredded pieces. Typically this occurs when grilling lobster tails. Here are some tips for how to prevent the meat from sticking to the shell:
- Defrost fully. Always make sure your lobster tails are fully defrosted so the tail meat can cook evenly and prevent the meat from sticking to its shell. Review our tips for thawing frozen lobster tails.
- Remove the shell during prep time. The tail meat can also be gently lifted or loosened from the shell with your hands or even with a butter knife and lay back in the shell.
- Blanch the lobster tail. Parboiling cooks the meat enough so that the meat can be removed from the shell. Its a good method to use before grilling.
- Submerge lobster tail in cold water. Plunge cooked lobster tails into ice water to stop the cooking process and to release the meat from the shell.
Also Check: Who Makes Backyard Grill Brand
Serve Up A Casual Grilled Lobster Dinner
Place your lobsters on a large platter and serve with plenty of butter and lemon wedges. You can pre-crack the claws with the chef knife. For a casual affair cover table with the local newspaper and lay some shell crackers and seafood forks on the table so your guests can dig in.
References
- Charcoal-Grilled Lobsters Cooks Illustrated.Cooks Illustrated. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 May 2015.
- White, Jasper. Lobster at Home. New York: Scribner, 1998. Print.
- Coffey, B. . Lobster lovers cookbook. N. Attleboro, Mass.: Douglas Charles Press.
Also Check: Coyote Pellet Grill Vs Memphis Grill
How To Make Grilled Lobster Tails:
In a small bowl, whisk together the butter, lemon juice, garlic, sea salt & Old Bay seasoning. Set aside for later.
Turn the lobster tails upside down and use kitchen shears to cut lengthwise through the centers of the softer bottom shells of the tails.
Preheat your grill to medium high heat.
Brush the cut side with the cooking oil.
Place the tails cut side down on the heated grill for 6 minutes, until the top shells are bright red.
Flip the tails over and spoon some of the butter mixture on top of each tail.
Grill for about 6 minutes more.
Serve the lobster tails with the rest of the butter mixture for dipping. We opened the shells and gently separated the meat from the shell for easier eating.
Recommended Reading: How Long To Cook A Bubba Burger
The Basics Of How To Cut Open A Lobster Tail
If you are planning on boiling or steaming lobsters, you won’t need to worry about any tail cutting. However, if you are planning on roasting, grilling, or broiling lobster tails, you will generally want to slice them open
Opening up lobster tails ensures that the meat cooks evenly, and helps to avoid tough or dry areas developing. It’s also great for adding in sauces and seasonings.
If you’re wondering how to cut lobster tails and with what implement, the first thing you’ll need to get hold of is a good pair of kitchen shears or a sharp chef’s knife.
If you are dealing with frozen lobster tails, the next step is to defrost them completely .
Send Me Your Requests
Is there a dish or style of cooking youd like to see here on FoodieCrush? Im here to serve! Simply eail me and tell me what you need that will inspire you to get into the kitchen to make something good.
As always, thank you for reading and for supporting companies I partner with, which allows me to create more unique content and recipes for you. All opinions are always my own.
Are you following me on , , and ?
Thanks for reading and to have each post delivered straight to your e-mail box.
Read Also: Why Is My Weber Grill Not Lighting
Grilled Lobster Tails With Smoked Paprika Butter
Lobster tails just might be the most classic show-someone-special-you-love-em meal of all time, and when theyre grilled with flavor-packed smoked paprika butter, these tails guarantee youll kiss the cook.
Last week I sent out my monthly newsletter for August and asked readers for suggestions on what kind of recipes theyd like to see on the old Foodie le Crush. The response was terrific, thank you so much for all of the amazing replies! While I cant feature every single e-mail, Ill be picking out a few that represent some of the more popular requests, so please, keep the suggestions coming!
Our first feature is from Sarah, who wrote:
Id LOVE to see some date night dinners for two. Your blog is very family-friendly, which is wonderful, but everyone needs a little date night every once-in-a-while, right? Love your content! Im 26 and read your blog to get away from the crazy that comes with trying to set yourself up for success at this age. Its hard! Keep up the great work!
Thank you Sarah, and good on you for moving yourself forward! Im totally with you on date night eats, cooking is one of me and my husbands favorite things to do together.
But if youd rather spend time being together instead of in the kitchen chopping and sauteíng, this super simple grilled lobster recipe is guaranteed to wow the one you love.
How To Choose Lobster To Grill
If youre grilling a whole lobster, you must buy it alive. Thats because lobster meat begins to degrade quickly as soon as they die.
The size of the lobster is also important. Buy lobsters that are at least 1½ pounds smaller ones cook too quickly on the grill. That same size is also a good guideline for how much lobster to serve per person.
Your local seafood market will sell you the lobster in a special storage bag. Once you get them home, they will stay alive in the fridge for as long as 24 hours.
Don’t Miss: How To Grill Boneless Chicken Breast
How To Grill A Lobster Tail
Ive become the non-official/official griller in my home. My hubby still commandeers the big events and parties but if its a small family dinner or lunch youll catch me at the grill. This wasnt always the case! A few years back the very thought of grilling anything was scary. Lobster? out of the question.
That being said, ever since our time in New England eating lobster has become a wonderful and delicious norm. There were a lot of places that would sell Lobster tail for $4.99 a piece..hello awesome!
So its no wonder stepping outside of my comfort circle became a must.
Finding the perfect lobster tail is actually pretty simple. Here are a few ways you can buy the best lobster tail. Although most places offer live lobsters you can easily find lobster tails at most retailers.
The Very Best Grilled Lobster Tail Recipe
Easy and simple, Grilled Lobster Tails are something extra special during the summer months but can actually be made all year long thanks to frozen lobster tails! Ready in minutes and served with a savory Garlic Butter Sauce, you can turn any night of the week into a celebration.
Don’t Miss: Bubba Burgers Cooking Instructions
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.
Grilling Frozen Lobster Tails At Home
Memorial Day marks grilling seasons opening day here in the Northeast. Whats better than dogs and burgers on the grill? You guessed itMaine lobster!
One of the best things to kick off the grilling season is to learn how to grill lobster tails at home. Because summer and lobster go hand in hand or should we, say claw in claw.
In this quick grilling guide, well show you
- The fundamentalcant skip thesesteps of grilling lobsters
- The 4 most common lobster grilling FAQs
- Lobster grilling recipes we live by
And more! Take the plunge and discover how deliciously simple it is to grill lobster tails at home.
Grilling lobster tails is a snap. The beauty of grilling lobster tails is that they are more convenient than working with pinching and snapping crustaceans. Grilling lobster takes about the same prep time as the conventional boiling and steaming methods, but it can take the tail in a whole new direction. The grill will imbue the smoky flavors of the coals and any marinades or butters. Barbecue lobster has a nice charred, somewhat smoky flavor that is difficult to match.
To Clean Your Grill: Turn the heat up to high, close the grill and in 10 minutes turn off the grill and scrape clean.
Page Contents
Recommended Reading: Where To Dispose Of Old Gas Grill
