Lobster tails are a delicious and indulgent meal that can easily be prepared on the grill during the summer months. Grilling helps enhance the natural sweetness of the lobster meat and gives it a lovely charred flavor. However, grilling lobster tails can seem intimidating if you’ve never done it before. One of the biggest questions people have is how long to cook lobster tails on a grill in order to achieve tender, juicy results.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll explain everything you need to know about grilling lobster tails, including how long to cook them based on size and weight. With these simple tips and timing guidelines, you’ll be able to grill lobster tails to juicy, tender perfection in your own backyard.
Benefits of Grilling Lobster Tails
There are several advantages to grilling lobster tails rather than boiling, steaming or baking them:
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More flavor – The high heat helps caramelize the natural sugars in the lobster meat, giving it a depth of sweet, smoky flavor. The shell also gets imbued with charred notes.
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Juicier meat – Quick grilling times seal in moisture and prevent overcooking The meat comes out succulent and tender
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Easy preparation – Grilling lobster tails is surprisingly simple Just a few extra steps like butterflying allow you to toss them right on the grill
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Fun presentation – Grilled lobster looks impressive served up at the table, especially when you get to crack open the shell yourself.
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Outdoor cooking – Grilling gives you an excuse to fire up the grill and enjoy cooking outdoors in the summer.
Shopping for Lobster Tails
When selecting lobster tails for grilling, keep these factors in mind:
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Size – Lobster tails typically range from 4 ounces to over 12 ounces. An 8-10 ounce tail is a nice individual portion. Get smaller 4-5 ounce tails if serving as an appetizer.
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Quality – Opt for wild-caught lobster tails for the best flavor. They should look clean, shiny and fresh with no discoloration or odor.
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Frozen vs fresh – Both work well, but frozen tails need to be fully thawed before grilling.
Ideally, purchase fresh lobster tails from your local fish market, but high-quality frozen tails can produce excellent results too.
How to Prepare Lobster Tails for Grilling
Before grilling, lobster tails require a little preparation:
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Thaw – Thaw frozen tails overnight in the fridge or in cold water for 30 minutes.
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Butterfly – Slice the shell and meat down the center to allow the tail to lie flat and cook evenly.
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Oil – Brush lightly with oil to prevent sticking and moisture loss.
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Season – Sprinkle liberally with salt, pepper and other seasonings of your choice.
Grilling Lobster Tails
Grilling the lobster tails takes only 5-10 minutes. Follow these simple steps:
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Preheat grill to medium-high heat, around 350°F. Oil the grates.
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Place lobster tails flesh-side down. Grill 5-6 minutes until shells turn red.
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Flip and grill 2-4 minutes more until opaque.
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Check doneness with a thermometer (140°F) or clear meat.
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Serve immediately with lemon wedges and clarified butter.
The key is searing the first side longer to mostly cook through before flipping briefly to finish. Cook times will vary based on size.
How Long to Grill Lobster Tails
Grilling times for lobster tails depend on the weight and size:
- 4-6 oz tails – 4-5 minutes per side
- 8-10 oz tails – 5-6 minutes per side
- 12+ oz tails – 6-8 minutes per side
A general rule of thumb is to grill approximately 60-75 seconds per ounce of lobster tail.
Here are more specific guidelines:
- 4 oz tail – Grill for 6 minutes total (4 minutes first side, 2 minutes second side)
- 6 oz tail – Grill for 7-8 minutes total
- 8 oz tail – Grill for 8-10 minutes total
- 10 oz tail – Grill for 10-12 minutes total
- 12 oz tail – Grill for 12-14 minutes total
Always use an instant-read thermometer to double check doneness. Lobster is perfectly cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F.
Undercooked lobster will be gummy and chewy while overcooked lobster becomes rubbery and dry. Following these times and temperature guidelines will ensure tender, juicy results.
Grilling Lobster Tail Tips
Keep these tips in mind for perfect grilled lobster tails every time:
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If shells char too quickly, move to a cooler grill area.
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Resist flipping too often. Only flip once halfway through.
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Use a thermometer to confirm doneness, not color.
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Brush off any shell fragments after grilling.
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Serve with lemon, clarified butter, herbs or dipping sauces.
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Store leftovers no longer than 1 day or use for lobster salad.
Get Ready for Amazing Grilled Lobster Tonight!
Grilling lobster tails at home delivers tender, juicy, sweet and smoky results that can rival any restaurant. With the proper thawing, prepping, grilling times and temperatures based on size, you can master cooking lobster on the grill. In around 10 minutes or less, you’ll be indulging in one of summer’s greatest delicacies. Invite some friends over, fire up the barbecue, and enjoy surf-side grilled lobster tails tonight!
Lobster By The Book
Lobster is decadent, it is expensive, and whenever I order it out, which is rare anymore, I’m disappointed. How do I guarantee a great lobster dinner? Easy. I make it myself.
My wife has this “thing” about me killing dinner in the house. For that matter, the backyard is off limits too. With these caveats in play, I always opt for the lobster tail. Less mess, no fuss, and I can mostly guarantee to coming home and finding my key still works in the backdoor.
There are several different ways to prep a lobster tail for the grill: the soft tissue underneath the “tail” shell can be removed or the tail can be cut completely in half.
There is also a third way, which is a variation of the two.
How to butterfly and grill lobster tails
1. Cut the shell with a pair of kitchen shears, but go no further than the tail.
2. With a knife, split the meat along the same path as the shell cut line, being careful not to slice all the way through the lobster
Grilled Lobster Tail Recipe with Garlic Butter (2018)
FAQ
How long for lobster tail on the grill?
… tails flesh-side down on the preheated grill and cook, turning once and basting frequently with marinade, until opaque and firm to the touch, 10 to 12 minutesJan 19, 2024
How do you know when lobster is done on the grill?
Set the lobster tails directly on the grill grates. Cook with the lid closed until the meat is white and opaque, 25-30 minutes.
How to cut lobster tail for grilling on gas grill?
Then, use a knife to cut the tail meat in half, without sending the knife through the bottom of the lobster shell. Once you’ve created this opening, use your fingers to gently open the top shell like a book and wiggle the flesh loose from the shell, without completely removing it.
How long to cook a 4oz lobster tail?
| Number of Tails | Tail Size | Cooking Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1-12 Tails | 3-4 oz. | 4-6 Minutes |
| 2-6 Tails | 4-6 oz | 5-6 Minutes |
| 2-6 Tails | 6-7 oz | 6 Minutes |
| 2-6 Tails | 8-12 oz | 7-8 Minutes |
How do you cook a lobster tail on a grill?
4. Lobster is grilled over direct medium heat. Rub the flesh with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. 5. Grill flesh side down for approximately 5-7 minutes, then flip. Figure another 4-5 minutes after you flip the tail.
What temperature should lobster tails be grilled?
The temperature at which you should grill lobster tails can depend on the size of the tails and the desired level of doneness. Generally, a gas grill should be preheated to a medium-high heat, which is around 400 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long does it take to cook lobster tails?
The length of time needed to perfectly cook lobster tails will depend on two factors – the size of the tails and how hot your grill is. Here are general guidelines based on these factors: For 6-8 oz tails grilled over medium heat (350°F to 450°F): For 10-12 oz tails grilled over medium heat (350°F to 450°F):
How do you cook a grilled lobster?
1. Cut the shell with a pair of kitchen shears, but go no further than the tail. 2. With a knife, split the meat along the same path as the shell cut line, being careful not to slice all the way through the lobster 3. The remaining soft membrane will keep the sections intact while exposing the meat. 4. Lobster is grilled over direct medium heat.
Why do lobster tails need to be grilled?
Lobster tails are basted with garlic-lemon butter as they grill imparting even more flavor to the meat. Better texture – Grill heat helps firm up the texture of lobster, so you get a nice combination of tender interior and slightly charred exterior. The moderate indirect heat prevents overcooking the interior.
How do you marinate lobster tails on a gas grill?
A simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper works well. Alternatively, you can use a dry rub or a combination of herbs and spices. Allow the lobster tails to marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors. Preheat the gas grill: Before grilling the lobster tails, preheat the gas grill to medium-high heat.