Lobster tails are a delicious decadent seafood treat that can take any backyard barbecue or summer dinner to the next level. Grilling lobster tails results in succulent meat infused with smoky flavors that will impress your family and guests. However, to achieve lobster tail perfection on the grill it’s crucial to know the ideal temperature for cooking these shells full of sweet meat.
So what is the best temperature to grill lobster tails? After researching multiple sources, the consensus is that 400°F (200°C) is the perfect temperature for grilling lobster tails This allows the lobes**tail meat to cook evenly and absorb the smoky essences of the grill without overcooking or becoming tough and chewy
In this article, we will dive deeper into grilling lobster tails from prep to serving. We’ll go over tips techniques, timing, and even delicious accompaniments to take your grilled lobster to new heights of flavor. Let’s get cooking!
Why 400 Degrees Fahrenheit is Ideal
Cooking lobster tails requires finding the right balance between achieving that slightly charred, smoky exterior while keeping the interior tender and juicy. Grilling at 400°F allows the heat to penetrate the shells evenly so the meat cooks through without drying out. Higher temperatures can quickly overcook and rubberize the delicate flesh.
400°F gives you the best of both worlds – just enough heat to caramelize the shell and impart flavor while gently cooking the inner lobster meat until perfectly done. This temperature also allows you to develop those coveted grill marks that look so appetizing.
Grilling Time Based on Lobster Tail Size
Grilling time can vary depending on the size of the lobster tails. Here are some general guidelines:
- Smaller tails (4-6 oz): 6-8 minutes total
- Medium tails (8-10 oz): 8-10 minutes total
- Larger tails (12+ oz): 10-12 minutes total
For reference, most store-bought frozen lobster tails are in the 8-10 ounce range. Defrost tails overnight in the fridge before grilling.
No matter the size, sear the shells on both sides over direct heat at 400°F, flipping halfway through. Check for doneness by looking for an opaque, pearly interior when cutting into the thickest part of the meat.
Prepping Lobster Tails for the Grill
Proper prep is key for grilled lobster tail success:
-
Butterfly the shell: Use kitchen shears to cut through the top of the shell, stopping before the fin joint.
-
Slice the meat: Make a shallow cut down the center of the meat to allow heat to penetrate and flavors to absorb.
-
Marinate: Soak tails in an easy blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and seasonings for 10-15 minutes. This infuses moisture and flavor.
-
Skewer: Insert metal or pre-soaked wooden skewers lengthwise to keep tails flat. This prevents curling.
-
Brush with butter: Baste tails during grilling with melted, herbed butter. Garlic butter is a popular choice.
Handy Grilled Lobster Tail Tips
-
Grill flesh-side down first for perfect grill marks.
-
Use a grill basket if your grates are wide to keep tails laying flat.
-
Brush shells with oil to prevent sticking.
-
Resist the urge to press or flatten tails, which can make meat tough.
-
Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part. 135°F is ideal doneness.
-
Let tails rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
-
Serve with drawn lemon butter, sea salt, fresh parsley and grilled lemon halves.
What to Serve with Grilled Lobster Tails
Buttery grilled lobster tails pair beautifully with:
- Steamed asparagus or broccolini
- Corn on the cob
- Roasted potatoes or potato salad
- Leafy green salad with a light vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls
For an indulgent surf and turf meal, serve lobster with grilled filet mignon or ribeye steak.
Grilled Lobster Tails Add Luxury to Any Meal
Taking the time to grill lobster tails properly results in one of the most tender, succulent and flavorful seafood dishes you can make. Cooking them at 400°F ensures the meat cooks evenly while absorbing the smoky essence of the grilling. Follow these tips for achieving lobster tail perfection on your barbecue grill every time. Treat your family or guests to these restaurant-quality surf and turf meals right in your own backyard.
A third way to prep a lobster tail for grilling
3. The remaining soft membrane will keep the sections intact while exposing the meat.
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. I am using 6-8 oz. tails here.
Remove Product? Are you sure you want to remove the following product from the cart?
How to grill lobster tails like a proandroidapplearrowcart-big-outlinecart-fullcheckchef-hatall-gridbullseyelightbulbcircle-mediumcircle-smallclockdownloaddownloadenlargefacebookinstagrammagnifiermenu-arrow-downpointerprintersharestartwitteruser-simpleweber-logoyoutubescroll-indicator-firescroll-indicator-arrowscroll-indicator-arrowscroll-indicator-arrowarrow
How to Grill Lobster Tail
FAQ
What temp should lobster tail be cooked to?
When done cooking the lobster tails should be opaque and firm. If you want to be safe, use a thermometer and cook the lobster tails until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the meat reaches 140°F.
Can you eat lobster at 135?
What temperature should I cook lobster to before eating? Lobster must always be cooked to the safe temperature of 145 degrees F, including when it is reheated.
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 to grill lobster tails on gas grill reddit?
Cut the shell, pull out the meat and season whit salt and pepper. Make the butter sauce in a pan, whisk melted butter whit pressed garlics, lemon juice and parsley. Grill for 5 minutes flesh down , then 5 minutes flesh up and brush the butter sauce.
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.
Should you cook lobster tails on a grill?
There are several advantages to grilling lobster tails rather than boiling, steaming, or baking them: More flavor – The smoky char from the grill gives the lobster meat a delicious depth of flavor The shells will turn bright red and take on a slightly charred taste. Juicier meat – Grilling cooks the lobster quickly, sealing in the natural juices.
When is a lobster done grilling?
The lobster is done when its internal temperature, checked by an instant-read thermometer, reaches 135°F. There you have it — a seafood extravaganza! For more tips check out my other blog post on grilling lobster tails and this great lobster recipe to help build your seafood grilling repertoire.
How do you Grill a grilled lobster?
Step 1 For the grilled lobster: If using wooden skewers, place in water. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (400 to 450°). Oil the grill grates well. Step 2 Cut down the center of the top of lobster shell using strong kitchen scissors.
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 thaw lobster tails before grilling?
Put the bag with tails in a bowl (to catch drips) and refrigerate for 12-24 hours until fully thawed. Do not thaw lobster at room temperature or use hot water, as this encourages bacteria growth. Microwaving can make the texture rubbery. Once thawed, keep tails chilled on ice or return to the fridge until ready to grill.