This luxurious yet simple grilled lobster dish showcases tender, smoky lobster meat brushed with rich garlic herb butter. It’s an elegant option for dinner parties, special occasions, or a gourmet weeknight treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Grilled lobster tails are surprisingly easy to prepare and cook quickly, making them perfect for both novice and experienced cooks. The combination of smoky grill flavor and aromatic garlic herb butter creates a restaurant-quality dish at home. It’s customizable, pairs beautifully with many sides, and looks impressive on the plate.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
4 lobster tails
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Lemon wedges, for serving
Directions
Prepare the lobster tails:
Using kitchen scissors, cut through the top shell of each lobster tail, stopping just before the tail fin. Gently pull the shell apart and lift the meat slightly, resting it on top of the shell.
Make the garlic herb butter:
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Preheat the grill:
Heat the grill to medium-high (about 400°F or 200°C). Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Grill the lobster tails:
Brush the lobster meat generously with the garlic herb butter. Place the lobster tails meat-side down on the grill and cook for 4–5 minutes. Flip, brush again, and continue grilling for another 4–5 minutes, or until the meat is opaque and cooked through.
Serve:
Remove the lobster tails from the grill, drizzle with remaining garlic herb butter, garnish with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Variations
Spicy version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the butter mixture.
Herb swap: Replace parsley with cilantro, basil, or dill for a different flavor profile.
Citrus twist: Add lemon zest or a splash of lime juice to brighten the butter.
Grilled chili-lime lobster: Mix lime juice, chili powder, and a touch of honey into the butter for a sweet-spicy glaze.
Garlic parmesan lobster: Stir in 2 tbsp grated parmesan for a rich, savory finish.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigeration: Store leftover cooked lobster in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Warm gently in a covered pan over low heat with a small splash of butter to prevent drying.
Freezing: Cooked lobster meat can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
How do I know when the lobster tails are fully cooked?
The meat will turn opaque and firm, and the internal temperature should reach about 140–145°F.
Can I use frozen lobster tails?
Yes. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before preparing and grilling.
Should I leave the shells on while grilling?
Yes, the shells help protect the meat from overcooking and add flavor.
Can I bake the lobster tails instead of grilling?
Yes. Bake at 425°F for 10–12 minutes, brushing with garlic herb butter.
Can I use salted butter?
You can, but reduce additional salt added to the recipe.
How do I prevent the lobster from drying out?
Do not overcook and brush generously with butter during grilling.
What sides pair well with grilled lobster tails?
Grilled vegetables, rice pilaf, garlic mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad all work well.
Can I add more spices?
Absolutely. Old Bay, chili flakes, or herbs like thyme complement lobster nicely.
Can I cook these on an indoor grill pan?
Yes. Preheat the pan well and cook using the same timing.
Do I need to remove the vein from the lobster tail?
If present, you can gently remove it, similar to deveining shrimp.
Conclusion
Grilled Lobster Tails with Garlic Herb Butter offer an elegant, flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any special occasion or elevated meal at home. With minimal ingredients, quick cooking time, and plenty of room for customization, this recipe is a reliable favorite that delivers exceptional results every time.
This luxurious grilled lobster recipe features tender lobster tails brushed with rich garlic herb butter, making it an elegant yet simple dish perfect for special occasions or an upscale weeknight dinner.
Author:Sophia
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:10 minutes
Total Time:20 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Category:Main Course
Method:Grilling
Cuisine:American
Ingredients
4 lobster tails
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
Using kitchen scissors, cut through the top shell of each lobster tail, stopping just before the tail fin. Gently pull the shell apart and lift the meat slightly, resting it on top of the shell.
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F or 200°C) and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Brush the lobster meat generously with the garlic herb butter. Place the lobster tails meat-side down on the grill and cook for 4–5 minutes. Flip, brush again, and continue grilling for another 4–5 minutes, or until the meat is opaque and cooked through.
Remove the lobster tails from the grill, drizzle with remaining garlic herb butter, garnish with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
For a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper to the butter.
Swap parsley with other herbs like dill or basil for a flavor twist.
Use lemon zest or lime juice for a citrusy touch.
Don’t overcook to avoid dry, rubbery lobster meat.
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Lobster tails can also be baked at 425°F for 10–12 minutes.
