Perfect Grilled Lobster Tails (Garlic Herb Butter)
Master the art of perfect grilled lobster tails without them becoming rubbery. Follow our easy technique for butterflying and grilling lobster with a flawless garlic herb baste.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
10 minutes
Serves:
4
Difficulty:
Medium
Here is a complete, easy-to-follow recipe for perfect Grilled Lobster Tails, inspired by the step-by-step, technique-focused approach of top food blogs.
There is a misconception that lobster is too delicate or difficult for the backyard grill. In reality, the high, direct heat of a grill combined with the smoky char elevates the sweet lobster meat better than boiling or steaming ever could. The secret to success here is “butterflying” the tails so the meat rests on top of the shell, keeping it tender while acting as a natural bowl for your garlic herb butter.
Essential Tools for the Job
You don’t need a massive outdoor kitchen for this, but a few specific tools make preparing and grilling lobster significantly easier and yield much better results.
1. Heavy-Duty Kitchen Shears
A standard knife is dangerous and ineffective for cutting lobster shells. You need spring-loaded, heavy-duty poultry/kitchen shears to cleanly snip down the back of the tail without mangling the meat inside.
Get The Best Price on Amazon2. Silicone Basting Brush
Because the lobster meat is delicate, a silicone brush is better than a bristle brush (which can leave hairs behind or tear the meat). You will use this to drown the tails in butter while they cook.
Get The Best Price on Amazon3. Fast Instant-Read Thermometer
The line between perfectly tender lobster and rubbery, overcooked lobster is about 90 seconds. Do not guess. Pull the tails off the grill the second the center of the meat hits 140°F.
Get The Best Price on Amazon4. Locking Stainless Steel Tongs
Lobster tails can curl and become unwieldy when the shells heat up. Long, sturdy stainless steel tongs give you the grip you need to flip them from meat-side to shell-side without dropping your expensive seafood through the grates.
Get The Best Price on AmazonFor the Lobster
- 4 - cold-water lobster tails (about 6-8 oz each), thawed if frozen
- 1 tbsp - olive oil
- 1 - large lemon, cut into wedges (for serving)
For the Garlic Herb Butter (The Baste)
- 1/2 cup - (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 4 cloves - garlic, finely minced
- 1 tbsp - fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp - fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1 tsp - smoked paprika (optional, for color and a touch of smoke)
- 1 tsp - fresh lemon juice
Make the Garlic Herb Butter:
Step 1
In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant (do not let it brown). Remove from the heat and stir in the parsley, chives, smoked paprika, and lemon juice. Set aside. (Keep it warm so it stays liquid for basting).
Butterfly the Lobster Tails (The Most Important Step):
Step 2
Place a lobster tail flat on your cutting board with the hard, rounded shell facing up. Using heavy-duty kitchen shears, cut straight down the center of the shell, stopping just before the tail fin. Do not cut through the bottom swimmeret shell. Gently pull the two sides of the cracked shell apart slightly. Slide your fingers under the lobster meat to detach it from the bottom shell, then carefully lift the meat up and pull it out, resting it on top of the closed shell. Make a shallow slit down the center of the meat to remove the digestive tract (the dark vein) if present. Repeat for all tails.
Preheat the Grill:
Step 3
Preheat your grill (gas, charcoal, or pellet) to medium-high heat, targeting about 400°F to 425°F. Ensure the grill grates are scrubbed clean and lightly oiled so the delicate meat doesn't stick.
Season the Tails:
Step 4
Lightly brush the exposed lobster meat with olive oil, then season generously with kosher salt and black pepper.
Grill the Lobster:
Step 5
Place the lobster tails on the grill meat-side down directly over the heat for 2 to 3 minutes. This sears the meat and creates a beautiful, flavorful crust. Using tongs, carefully flip the tails over so the meat is resting on top of the shell (shell-side down).
Baste and Finish:
Step 6
Immediately brush the meat generously with your warm garlic herb butter. Close the grill lid and let them cook for another 4 to 6 minutes. You want to baste them one more time halfway through. The lobster is done when the meat is completely opaque, firm to the touch, and registers 140°F on an instant-read thermometer. Do not overcook, or the meat will become rubbery!
Serve:
Step 7
Remove the tails from the grill. Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges and the remaining garlic herb butter on the side for dipping.
