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Home » Grilling » Grilled Lobster Tail

Published: April 15, 2020 Last Modified: April 15, 2020 By Sara 24 Comments

Grilled Lobster Tail

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Grilled lobster tail drizzled with garlic butter is an easy and elegant dinner option. #lobster #dinneratthezoo

This recipe for grilled lobster tail is fresh lobster that’s cooked to tender perfection, then topped with garlic and herb butter. A simple yet elegant meal option that’s sure to get rave reviews from family and friends.

I love to grill during the warmer weather months, some of my favorite options include grilled shrimp skewers, grilled salmon and these delectable grilled lobster tails.

Grilled lobster tail drizzled with garlic butter is an easy and elegant dinner option. #lobster #dinneratthezoo Grilled lobster tail drizzled with garlic butter is an easy and elegant dinner option. #lobster #dinneratthezoo

Grilled lobster tail topped with garlic butter and garnished with lemon and parsley.

Lobster is the ultimate indulgence, and it’s even better when it’s topped with garlic, butter and herbs. These grilled lobster tails are so easy to make, yet look and taste like they came from a fancy restaurant.

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.

Raw lobster tails split open with skewers through them.

How do you make grilled lobster tail?

Cut the lobster tails as described above, then brush them with a little olive oil, salt and pepper. Place the lobster flesh side down on the grill, and cook it for 5 minutes. Flip the lobster over, and add a spoonful of garlic and herb butter on top. Serve the lobster immediately and enjoy.

Lobster tails upside down on a grill pan.

Tips for the perfect lobster

  • You can use any type of lobster for this recipe. I typically use Maine lobster, but you can use a warm water spiny lobster if you prefer.
  • Lobster tails are done when the shell turns red and the flesh is opaque. It’s important not to overcook your lobster, so use both the visual cues and the suggested cook times.
  • I recommend serving lobster immediately after it comes off the grill. Lobster can get tough when reheated.
  • You can use a charcoal grill, gas grill or an indoor grill pan on the stove top for this recipe.
  • Serve your lobster with lemon wedges and fresh parsley for garnish.
  • I like to serve my lobster with a variety of side dishes such as grilled vegetables, quinoa salad or roasted potatoes.
  • Leftover lobster? Try using it to make lobster mac and cheese.

Cooked lobster tails on a grill pan, brushed with butter.

Is lobster better steamed or grilled?

I prefer to grill lobster rather than steam it. When you steam lobster, it can get a little water logged which dilutes the flavor of the meat. Grilled lobster has a lot more flavor, and is just as easy to make as the steamed version. Another great option is to broil your lobster tails in the oven.

Grilled lobster tail served with couscous and green beans.

Once you try these grilled lobster tails, you’ll never want to eat this delicacy any other way! This recipe is easy enough for a busy weeknight, yet elegant enough to serve to company.

More seafood recipes you’ll enjoy

  • Bacon Wrapped Scallops
  • Seafood Pasta
  • Shrimp Boil
  • Marinated Salmon
  • Garlic Butter Crab Legs

Grilled Lobster Tail Video

Grilled lobster tail topped with garlic butter and garnished with lemon and parsley.
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5 from 19 votes

Grilled Lobster Tail

This recipe for grilled lobster tail is fresh lobster that's cooked to tender perfection, then topped with garlic and herb butter. A simple yet elegant meal option that's sure to get rave reviews from family and friends.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 132kcal
Author Sara Welch

Ingredients

  • 6 lobster tails 7-8 ounces each
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon minced parsley plus more for garnish
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • lemon wedges

Instructions

  • Heat an outdoor grill or indoor grill pan to medium high heat.
  • Use kitchen shears to cut down the top of each lobster tail. Use a sharp knife to slice down the cut area, all the way through the flesh of the lobster, but not through the bottom shell.
  • Use your hands to flatten each tail. Place a wooden or metal skewer through the lobster meat in each tail.
  • Brush each lobster tail with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
  • Place the butter, garlic, parsley, and salt in a small bowl. Microwave in 20 second increments until butter is melted. Stir to combine.
  • Place the lobster tails flesh side down on the grill. Cook for 5 minutes.
  • Flip the tails over and drizzle the garlic butter over the top of each one. Grill for another 4-5 minutes or until lobster meat is opaque.
  • Sprinkle with additional parsley for garnish and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Nutrition

Calories: 132kcal | Protein: 10g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 105mg | Sodium: 447mg | Potassium: 126mg | Vitamin A: 335IU | Calcium: 56mg | Iron: 0.2mg
Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @DinnerAtTheZoo or tag #dinneratthezoo!
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Filed Under: Dinner, Grilling

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    Comments

    1. Jen says

      June 21, 2021 at 5:09 pm

      5 stars
      I was so pleased with the ease of this recipe and it was amazing!

      Reply
    2. Andre Boilard says

      May 19, 2021 at 1:36 am

      5 stars
      Simple enough to do but wondering can a whole live lobster with legs and claws be thrown on grill too or should they be boiled?

      Reply
      • Sara says

        May 19, 2021 at 1:03 pm

        You could try to do that but the smoky flavor of the grill wouldn’t be able to penetrate the meat with the shell intact.

        Reply
    3. Susan Miller says

      May 10, 2021 at 6:13 pm

      5 stars
      This is dinner tonight, I know it’s going to be mouth watering delicious.. The ingredients alone tell me that it will be.. Waiting patiently. Hurry up!!

      Reply
    4. Kathryn Wood says

      February 15, 2021 at 6:31 pm

      5 stars
      What A Great Recipe.
      We Have Never Grilled Lobster Before Only Cooked In High Heat Oven.
      What A Different Taste.
      Really Brought Out The Grilled Flavor.
      This Is Definitely The Recipe To Use.

      Reply
    5. Kristina says

      October 5, 2020 at 8:47 pm

      5 stars
      I couldn’t be more pleased with the results of this recipe!! The video is what helped me the most.
      I have actually NEVER cooked lobster tail, any kind of way, so grilling it for my first time even cooking it was 10xs more challenging. When I tell you it came out so moist, juicy, and flavorFULL!! … I AINT LYIN!! . I used a garlic butter spread that you would use on bread, along w/ salt & pepper, at about 300 degrees, 4 minutes per side. Perfection with a garlic butter dip.

      Reply
    6. Tynan short says

      September 6, 2020 at 8:12 am

      5 stars
      I made this for my wife and kids and in-laws while visiting them at there home. No pressure huh. Turned out amazing and was really simple. Thank you

      Reply
    7. Ashley says

      July 23, 2020 at 3:34 pm

      I wish I could get the recipe for the side pictured.

      Reply
      • Sara says

        July 24, 2020 at 8:08 am

        It’s an Israeli couscous pilaf mix from a box mixed with parsley, red peppers and corn!

        Reply
    8. Janice says

      July 20, 2020 at 5:23 pm

      5 stars
      My first time making lobster and they came out perfect! Thanks

      Reply
    9. Elizabeth Surles Brennan says

      July 3, 2020 at 5:11 pm

      5 stars
      Turned out amazing!!! Lobster meat was so tender and tasted as if it had been cooked in a restaurant! Thank you for this recipe!

      Reply
    10. Karen says

      June 8, 2020 at 7:46 pm

      5 stars
      These made an awesome birthday celebration!

      Reply
    11. Chelsea says

      April 29, 2020 at 12:18 pm

      5 stars
      These lobster tails are unbelievably good! We are so obsessed! Thanks so much for sharing!

      Reply
    12. Suzy says

      April 29, 2020 at 11:56 am

      5 stars
      I never knew how easy it would be grill lobster! We loved it!

      Reply
    13. Katie says

      April 29, 2020 at 11:37 am

      5 stars
      Okay, this looks seriously incredible!

      Reply
    14. Jacque Hooper says

      April 29, 2020 at 11:31 am

      5 stars
      Served this for dinner last night and you’d think we were at a 5 star restaurant! Such a delicious, gourmet recipe that is easy too!

      Reply
    15. Sandra says

      April 24, 2020 at 9:36 am

      5 stars
      That looks really gorgeous and delicious!

      Reply
    16. Catalina says

      April 23, 2020 at 11:46 am

      Such an easy but fancy diner idea! Something different for special occasions!

      Reply
    17. Jacque Hastert says

      April 23, 2020 at 9:12 am

      5 stars
      This dinner is perfect for date nights. I have never thought about making it at home because I thought it was too challenging.

      Reply
    18. katerina @ diethood.com says

      April 23, 2020 at 8:29 am

      5 stars
      WOW!! Such an incredible meal!! LOVE THIS!

      Reply
    19. Cathy says

      April 23, 2020 at 8:03 am

      What a delicious treat… makes you feel like you’re out at a fancy restaurant!

      Reply
    20. Amanda says

      April 22, 2020 at 6:03 pm

      5 stars
      This looks absolutely amazing!

      Reply
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