Lobster tails are a delicious and indulgent treat that can elevate any backyard cookout Grilling lobster tails may seem intimidating, but with the right techniques, you can achieve tender, juicy, flavorful results off the grill Knowing how long to cook lobster tails on the grill is key to success.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about grilling lobster tails, including:
- Benefits of grilling vs other cooking methods
- How to buy and prepare lobster tails for the grill
- Grilling times based on size
- Checking doneness
- Making compound butters
- Serving suggestions
- Helpful tips and tricks
Why Grilling Lobster Tails is Superior
Grilling imparts a wonderful smoky flavor that you just can’t achieve with steaming, baking or boiling. The high heat also cooks the lobster quickly, sealing in moisture so the meat comes out tender and succulent. Other advantages include:
- More flavor – The shells take on a charred taste while the meat gets imbued with smoky goodness.
- Juicier meat – The high heat rapidly cooks the lobster, locking in the natural juices.
- Fun presentation – Grilled lobster looks impressive brought to the table.
- Outdoor cooking – It’s a great reason to fire up the grill during summer.
Choosing Lobster Tails for Grilling
When selecting lobster tails for the grill, keep these tips in mind:
- Size – Get tails sized from 4-12+ ounces depending on appetite. 8-10 ounces is a common single portion.
- Quality – Opt for wild-caught lobster for the best flavor. Look for shiny shells and fresh scent.
- Frozen vs Fresh – Both work well, but thaw frozen tails overnight in the fridge before grilling.
- Buy from a trusted fish market or store with high turnover if possible. The quality will be superior to sitting frozen for long periods.
Preparing Lobster Tails for the Grill
Proper preparation is key to grilling lobster tails correctly. Here are the essential steps:
- Thaw – Thaw frozen tails overnight in the fridge or in cold water for 30 minutes. They must be fully thawed before grilling.
- Butterfly – Use kitchen shears to cut through the top shell without severing the bottom. Then cut the meat down the center to open up the tail.
- Brush with Oil – Coat the lobster tails lightly in olive oil or melted butter to prevent sticking.
- Season – Sprinkle liberally with salt, pepper and any other desired seasonings.
Once prepped, the tails are ready to hit the hot grill!
How Long to Grill Lobster Tails
The grilling time can vary based on size, but these guidelines will help you gauge the approximate cooking times:
- 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 good rule of thumb is about 60-75 seconds per ounce. So an 8 ounce tail should take 8-10 minutes total time, with 5-6 minutes on the first side before flipping.
Checking Doneness
The only way to accurately assess doneness for lobster tails is to use an instant-read thermometer. Check the thickest part of the meat without touching bone. The ideal internal temp is 140°F for perfectly cooked lobster. Anything below 135°F will be gummy and underdone.
Making Flavored Butters
Compound butters are a great way to add extra flavor. Melt butter and mix with herbs, garlic, citrus or other ingredients. Brush on the lobster after flipping halfway through grilling. Here are some tasty combinations to try:
- Lemon garlic butter – garlic, lemon juice, parsley, salt and pepper
- Chili lime butter – lime zest and juice, chili powder, cilantro
- Bacon and chive butter
- Sun-dried tomato and basil butter
- Chipotle lime butter – chipotles in adobo, cumin, oregano
Serving Suggestions
Buttery grilled lobster tails deserve some tasty sides, like:
- Grilled vegetables – zucchini, asparagus, corn, etc.
- Green salad or Caesar salad
- Baked potatoes or rice pilaf
- Bread for dipping in butter
- Chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
Keep sides simple to let the lobster shine as the star of the meal. Provide small dishes for diners to discard shells. Enjoy this luxurious surf and turf meal straight from the grill!
Handy Tips for Grilling Lobster Tails
- If shells char too quickly, move to a cooler part of the grill.
- Only flip once during cooking for best results.
- Insert thermometer into thickest part of meat without touching bone.
- Go for a grill basket if grates don’t hold tails securely.
- Serve with drawn butter, lemon wedges, or dipping sauces.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for lobster salad or rolls the next day.
With the proper techniques, you can grill lobster tails at home that rival any restaurant. The keys are buying quality tails, proper prep like butterflying, quick grilling over direct medium-high heat, and monitoring doneness by temperature. Aim for an internal temp of 140°F for tender, juicy meat. Use compound butters and fun sides to complement the sweet, smoky lobster fresh off the grill. Follow this guide for foolproof results!
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
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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 grilling?
Cooked lobster is slightly firm to the touch and nontransparent. The meat will be white and can be easily separated by two forks.
How long to cook lobster tails on a Weber gas grill?
Grill the lobster tails, meat side down, over direct medium heat, with the lid closed, for 2 to 3 minutes, depending on their size.
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.