Print

Flavorful Grilled Lobster Tails Recipe with Easy Garlic Butter Drizzle

grilled lobster tails recipe - featured image

A quick and easy grilled lobster tails recipe featuring a rich garlic butter drizzle that enhances the natural sweetness of the lobster with smoky, buttery flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large lobster tails (68 ounces or 170225 grams each), fresh or thawed frozen
  • 6 tablespoons (85 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons (about 30 ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional for garnish)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil for brushing

Instructions

  1. Rinse lobster tails under cold water and pat dry. Using sharp kitchen shears, carefully cut down the top shell lengthwise, stopping just before the tail fin. Gently pry the shell open to expose the meat, lifting it slightly above the shell but keeping it attached at the base. (5 minutes)
  2. In a small bowl, combine softened unsalted butter, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well until smooth and creamy. For a smoother texture, whip with a fork. Set aside at room temperature. (5 minutes)
  3. Preheat the grill to medium-high, around 400°F (204°C). Brush the grill grates lightly with oil to prevent sticking. (5 minutes)
  4. Brush the exposed lobster shells with olive oil to prevent sticking and help crisp up. (1 minute)
  5. Place lobster tails meat side down on the grill. Grill for about 5 minutes until grill marks appear and meat begins to firm. Flip tails and grill shell side down for another 4–5 minutes until meat is opaque and firm but not rubbery. (10 minutes)
  6. During the last 2 minutes of grilling, generously brush the garlic butter over the lobster meat. Close the grill lid to let the butter melt in. (2 minutes)
  7. Remove lobster tails from the grill and let rest for 3 minutes. Spoon any remaining garlic butter over the top and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve immediately. (3 minutes)

Notes

Do not overcook lobster to avoid rubbery texture; cut shells open for even cooking and smoky flavor; use softened butter for best garlic butter drizzle texture; frozen lobster tails must be fully thawed and patted dry before grilling; leftovers keep up to 2 days refrigerated and reheat gently in a low oven wrapped in foil.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled lobster tails, garlic butter, seafood, easy grilling, summer recipe, backyard cookout, lobster recipe