Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails are a delightful dish that brings the taste of the ocean right to your dinner table. This recipe is perfect for special occasions, summer cookouts, or a simple weeknight meal. The combination of sweet lobster meat and rich lemon garlic butter creates a flavor explosion that is hard to resist. Plus, this dish is quick to prepare, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced cooks.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With a total time of just 20 minutes, you can have this gourmet dish ready in no time.
- Flavorful Experience: The lemon garlic butter sauce enhances the natural sweetness of the lobster tails, making each bite unforgettable.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve these grilled lobster tails as a main dish or as part of a seafood platter for any gathering.
- Impressive Presentation: The vibrant colors and elegant presentation make this dish perfect for impressing guests at dinner parties.
- Healthy Option: Lobster is a lean source of protein with low calories, making it a nutritious choice for seafood lovers.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Grill
- Small saucepan
- Kitchen shears
- Wooden or metal skewers
- Digital thermometer
- Basting brush
Importance of Each Tool
- Grill: Provides high heat necessary for perfectly cooked lobster tails with appealing grill marks.
- Digital Thermometer: Ensures the lobster reaches a safe internal temperature of 140°F.
- Basting Brush: Helps evenly coat the lobster tails with the lemon garlic butter sauce for enhanced flavor.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to create your 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: Prepare the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
Start by making the lemon butter sauce:
1. Melt the clarified butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
2. Add the minced garlic, lemon zest, parsley, and remaining coarse kosher salt.
3. Stir to combine and heat for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside. If it cools too much, simply reheat until melted.
Step 2: Butterfly the Lobster Tails
Next, prepare your lobster tails:
1. Using kitchen shears, carefully butterfly each lobster tail.
2. Gently loosen the flesh from the shell without removing it completely.
3. Devein if necessary and skewer lengthwise with soaked wooden or metal skewers.
Step 3: Season the Lobster Tails
Now it’s time to season:
1. Brush the meat side of each tail with olive oil.
2. Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon of coarse kosher salt. Set aside while you preheat your grill.
Step 4: Grill the Lobster Tails
Get grilling:
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Place lobster tails on the top grill rack, meat side down.
3. Cook for 5-6 minutes before turning them over and grilling for another 1-2 minutes until they are white and pearly. Use a digital thermometer to check that they reach an internal temperature of 140°F.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
Finish off your dish:
1. Remove lobster tails from the grill and spoon generous amounts of lemon garlic butter sauce over each tail.
2. Allow it to seep between the meat and shell then dust lightly with smoked paprika.
Step 6: Enjoy!
If you’ve made this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the star ratings or comments section!
How to Serve Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails
Serving Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails can elevate any meal. The rich flavors of the lobster paired with the zesty lemon butter sauce offer a delightful dining experience. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your meal.
Pair with Fresh Salad
- A light garden salad with mixed greens complements the richness of the lobster tails perfectly.
Serve with Garlic Bread
- Crispy garlic bread is an excellent side that can soak up the delicious lemon garlic butter sauce.
Accompany with Rice Pilaf
- Fluffy rice pilaf adds a nutty flavor and provides a nice texture contrast to the tender lobster meat.
Present with Steamed Asparagus
- Bright green asparagus not only looks appealing but also adds a crunchy element to your plate.
Offer Lemon Wedges
- Fresh lemon wedges allow guests to add extra citrus brightness to their lobster tails according to their taste.
How to Perfect Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails
To ensure your Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Choose Fresh Lobster: Always opt for fresh lobster tails for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on cooking times; overcooking will make the lobster tough.
- Use Skewers: Skewering the tails helps keep them stable on the grill and prevents curling.
- Baste While Cooking: Basting with lemon butter during grilling adds an extra layer of flavor.
- Check Temperature: Use a digital thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 140°F.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the lobster tails rest briefly after grilling for juicier meat.
Best Side Dishes for Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails
Pairing side dishes with your Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some delightful options you might consider.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic complement the succulent lobster.
- Zucchini Noodles – Light and fresh, zucchini noodles add a healthy twist while remaining low-carb.
- Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn provides a wonderful crunch and sweetness that contrasts beautifully with seafood.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Crispy Brussels sprouts bring a slight bitterness that balances out rich flavors.
- Quinoa Salad – A refreshing quinoa salad mixed with herbs and veggies offers a nutritious touch.
- Grilled Vegetables – Seasonal grilled veggies like bell peppers and eggplants add vibrant color and flavor to your plate.
- Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and acidity, enhancing the overall dish experience.
- Potato Wedges – Seasoned potato wedges offer a hearty side option that everyone loves.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Grilling lobster tails can be simple, but there are common pitfalls that can affect your dish. Here are some mistakes to watch out for.
- Skipping the Butterflying Process: Not butterflying the lobster tails makes it harder for the heat to cook evenly. Always butterfly for a more succulent result.
- Overcooking the Lobster: Cooking too long can result in tough meat. Use a digital thermometer and aim for an internal temperature of 140°F.
- Ignoring the Marinade Time: Rushing the marinating process limits flavor absorption. Allow the lobster to sit with olive oil and salt for at least 10 minutes before grilling.
- Not Preheating the Grill: A cold grill can lead to uneven cooking. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat for optimal results.
- Using Cold Butter Sauce: Pouring cold butter sauce over hot lobster can harden it instantly. Ensure your lemon butter sauce is warm before serving.
- Forgetting to Skewer: Failing to skewer the lobster tails may lead to them curling up while cooking. Always skewer lengthwise for stability on the grill.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails in an airtight container.
- They will keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Freezing Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails
- Wrap each tail tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe container.
- Frozen lobster tails can last up to 3 months.
Reheating Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F, place tails on a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over low heat and add a little water or lemon butter sauce; gently warm the tails for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to grill Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails?
Grill them meat side down first for even cooking, then flip them over. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
Can I use frozen lobster tails for this recipe?
Yes, just ensure they are completely thawed before preparing them. This helps them cook evenly.
How long do Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails take to cook?
They typically take about 10 minutes on medium-high heat but check with a thermometer for accuracy.
What should I serve with Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails?
Pair these delicious lobster tails with a fresh salad, garlic bread, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. The combination of sweet lobster meat and zesty lemon garlic butter makes this dish perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize your seasoning or add sides that you love!
Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails are a culinary delight that brings the taste of the ocean to your dinner table in just 20 minutes. This quick and elegant dish features sweet lobster meat bathed in a rich lemon garlic butter sauce, creating a flavor experience that’s both impressive and irresistible. Perfect for special occasions or casual summer cookouts, these grilled lobster tails are easy to prepare, making them suitable for novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike. The vibrant presentation is sure to impress your guests, while the nutritious profile of lobster makes this dish a guilt-free indulgence.
Ingredients
- 4 8-ounce lobster tails
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup unsalted clarified butter
- 4–5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- Coarse kosher salt and smoked paprika (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the lemon garlic butter sauce by melting clarified butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in minced garlic, lemon zest, parsley, and salt; heat until fragrant.
- Butterfly the lobster tails using kitchen shears, loosen the flesh from the shell, and skewer them for grilling.
- Brush lobster meat with olive oil and sprinkle with salt before preheating your grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill tails meat side down for 5–6 minutes, then flip and cook until internal temperature reaches 140°F (about 1–2 more minutes).
- Remove from grill and generously spoon lemon garlic butter sauce over each tail before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
