Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails

Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails are a delightful and elegant dish perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or celebrating a special event, these succulent lobster tails topped with a rich lemon garlic butter sauce will impress your guests. Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe combines easy preparation with gourmet flavors, making it a standout choice for seafood lovers.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!PIN THIS!

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Lobster Tails
• For the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
• How to Make Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails
• Step 1: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce
• Step 2: Prepare the Lobster Tails
• Step 3: Season the Lobster Meat
• Step 4: Grill the Lobster Tails
• Step 5: Add Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
• Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
• How to Serve Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails
• Pair with Fresh Salads
• Accompany with Dipping Sauces
• Serve with Crusty Bread
• Include a Citrus Twist
• How to Perfect Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails
• Best Side Dishes for Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails
• Reheating Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I know when my lobster tails are done?
• Can I use frozen lobster tails?
• What is the best way to serve Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails?
• How do I customize my lemon butter sauce?
• Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: Enjoy delicious grilled lobster tails in under 20 minutes.
• Flavor Explosion: The lemon garlic butter sauce adds vibrant taste to every bite.
• Perfectly Grilled: Achieve restaurant-quality results right on your grill.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve as an appetizer, main course, or alongside your favorite sides.
• Impressive Presentation: Beautifully plated lobster tails make for stunning dinner parties.

Tools and Preparation

To ensure you create the best Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails, gather the necessary tools before you start. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill
• Small saucepan
• Kitchen shears
• Skewers (wooden or metal)
• Basting brush

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill: Provides the high heat needed to cook the lobster tails evenly and achieve the perfect char.
• Small saucepan: Ideal for melting the butter and mixing in the ingredients for your flavorful sauce.
• Kitchen shears: Makes it easy to butterfly the lobster tails without damaging the meat.
• Skewers: Keeps the lobster tails stable while grilling, preventing them from curling up.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails:

For the Lobster Tails

• 4 8-ounce lobster tails
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher salt, divided

For the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

• 1/2 cup unsalted clarified butter
• 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon flat leaf parsley, roughly chopped
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

How to Make Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails

Step 1: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce

Start by melting the butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
* Add minced garlic, lemon zest, parsley, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
* Stir to combine and heat for an additional 1-2 minutes.
* Remove from heat and set aside. If it cools too much, simply reheat until melted.

Step 2: Prepare the Lobster Tails

Using kitchen shears, butterfly each lobster tail:
* Gently loosen the flesh from the shell.
* Devein if necessary.
* Skewer lengthwise with soaked wooden or metal skewers.

Step 3: Season the Lobster Meat

Brush each tail’s meat with olive oil:
* Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon of the coarse kosher salt.
* Set aside for grilling.

Step 4: Grill the Lobster Tails

Heat your grill to medium-high:
* Place lobster tails on the top grill rack, meat side down, cooking for 5-6 minutes.
* Turn and cook for another 1-2 minutes until meat is white and pearly.
* Ensure an internal temperature of 140°F using a digital thermometer.

Step 5: Add Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

Remove lobster tails from the grill:
* Spoon lemon garlic butter sauce over each tail, allowing it to seep between meat and shell.
* Dust lightly with smoked paprika for added flavor.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

If you’ve made this recipe, return to let us know how it turned out in ratings or comments!

How to Serve Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails

Serving your Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails can elevate your dining experience. Here are some delightful suggestions to enhance the flavor and presentation.

Pair with Fresh Salads

• Arugula Salad – Toss arugula with lemon vinaigrette for a peppery, refreshing side.
• Caesar Salad – Classic Caesar salad complements the richness of lobster beautifully.

Accompany with Dipping Sauces

• Garlic Aioli – A creamy garlic dip that pairs well with the succulent lobster tails.
• Spicy Cocktail Sauce – Add a zing to your meal with this classic seafood dipping sauce.

Serve with Crusty Bread

• Garlic Bread – Crunchy and buttery, perfect for soaking up any leftover lemon butter sauce.
• Baguette Slices – Lightly toasted baguette slices make for an elegant accompaniment.

Include a Citrus Twist

• Lemon Wedges – Fresh lemon wedges can brighten up the flavors even more.
• Grilled Lemon Halves – Grilling lemons adds a smoky flavor that enhances the dish.

PIN THIS!

How to Perfect Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails

To achieve perfect Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails, consider these helpful tips:

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Always opt for fresh lobster tails for the best flavor and texture.
• Preheat Your Grill – Ensure your grill is hot before placing the lobster tails for even cooking.
• Watch Cooking Time – Overcooking can lead to tough meat; aim for 5-6 minutes on each side.
• Baste Often – Brush the lobster tails with lemon garlic butter while grilling for extra flavor.
• Check Internal Temperature – The ideal temperature for perfectly cooked lobster is 140°F.
• Let Rest Before Serving – Allowing the lobster tails to rest briefly helps retain moisture.

Best Side Dishes for Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails

To complement your delicious Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails, here are some fantastic side dishes:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy and flavorful, perfect for mopping up butter sauce.
2. Grilled Asparagus – Lightly seasoned asparagus adds a healthy crunch and vibrant color.
3. Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn balances the richness of lobster with its natural sweetness.
4. Rice Pilaf – Flavorful rice pilaf offers a light alternative to heavier sides.
5. Coleslaw – A crisp, tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to rich lobster meat.
6. Roasted Vegetables – A medley of seasonal vegetables roasted to perfection adds depth to any plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Grilling lobster tails can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for perfect Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails.

• Overcooking the lobster: Cooking lobster tails for too long can make them tough. Monitor the internal temperature and remove them once they reach 140°F.
• Skipping the butterflied step: Not butterflying the lobster tails can lead to uneven cooking. Always butterfly them for even grilling.
• Neglecting to season properly: Under-seasoning can result in bland flavors. Ensure you generously apply salt and lemon butter sauce.
• Using a cold grill: Placing lobster on a cold grill will affect cooking time and texture. Preheat your grill properly before adding the tails.
• Not using a skewer: Failing to skewer the tails may cause them to curl up while cooking. Use a skewer to keep them flat.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cooked lobster tails in an airtight container.
• They can last up to 2 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails

• Place cooled, cooked lobster tails in freezer-safe bags or containers.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Wrap the tails in foil and heat for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Place the tails on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 1-2 minutes until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium-low heat, add a little butter, and warm the lobster tails for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails.

How do I know when my lobster tails are done?

The best way is to check the internal temperature. It should reach 140°F. The meat should also look white and pearly.

Can I use frozen lobster tails?

Yes! Just ensure they are fully thawed before grilling for even cooking.

What is the best way to serve Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails?

They pair well with sides like grilled vegetables or garlic bread, making a perfect gourmet meal.

How do I customize my lemon butter sauce?

You can add spices like cayenne pepper or herbs like thyme for added flavor in your lemon butter sauce.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

While you can prepare the lemon butter sauce ahead of time, it’s best to grill the lobster just before serving for optimal taste and texture.

Final Thoughts

Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails are a quick and elegant dish that brings gourmet dining right into your home. This recipe is perfect for special occasions or casual summer grilling nights. Feel free to customize it with your favorite spices or herbs!