How to Cook Lobster Tail on the Grill for Perfectly Juicy and Tender Results

If you want to bring an air of sophistication and celebration to your dinner table without spending hours in the kitchen, a surf and turf dinner might be the perfect solution.

With the right ingredients and a bit of planning, you can pull off an effortless meal that looks (and tastes!) over the top—and we’ve got just the recipes to show you how.

Grilling lobster tail is the ultimate way to enjoy fresh lobster with amazing flavor during the summer The high heat of the grill sears the outside while locking in moisture so the meat turns out incredibly tender and succulent every time

Cooking lobster tails on the grill may seem difficult but it’s actually quite easy once you know the right techniques. With a little preparation and the proper grilling method, you’ll be enjoying restaurant-quality lobster at home.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to cook lobster tails to perfection on the grill. You’ll learn how to shop for quality tails, prep them for grilling, cook them over the fire, and serve them alongside delicious flavors. With these tips, tricks and step-by-step instructions, you’ll be grilling juicy, flavorful lobster tails like a pro this summer.

Benefits of Grilling Lobster Tails

There are several key advantages to grilling lobster tails rather than other cooking methods

Infuses smoky grilled flavor into the meat. The shells get a nice char while the meat stays moist inside.
Quick cooking time seals in the natural juices so the lobster stays incredibly tender and succulent.
Easy, hands-off method – no need to boil a big pot of water or tend to a broiler. Just throw them on the hot grill.
Fun, interactive meal when everyone gets their own tail to crack open tableside.
Perfect way to take advantage of summer weather and enjoy cooking outdoors.

Grilling really brings out the sweetness of the lobster meat and gives it that irresistible charred flavor. If you want the most flavorful, juicy lobster possible, the grill is definitely the way to go.

Shopping for Lobster Tails

When buying lobster tails for grilling, keep these things in mind:

Size: Tails are sold in a wide range of sizes, anywhere from 4 oz petites to over 1 lb monsters. For individual portions, 8-12 oz tails are ideal. Go smaller if using as an appetizer.
Quality: Wild-caught tails have the best flavor. Look for good color, fresh smell, and no discoloration or mushiness. Avoid any with foul odors.
Frozen vs. Fresh: Both work equally well, but frozen tails need to be fully thawed before grilling.

Ideally, purchase fresh lobster tails from your local fish market or seafood counter if available. Premium frozen tails are a good alternative. Just make sure they are completely thawed before cooking.

How to Prepare Lobster Tails for Grilling

Proper preparation is key to grilling lobster tails correctly. Here are the easy steps to get them grill-ready:

Thaw – If using frozen tails, thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight or in a bowl of cold water for 30 minutes. Do not grill while still frozen.

Butterfly – Use kitchen shears to cut through the top of shell lengthwise without cutting through bottom shell. Then slice meat down center to butterfly open. This allows the tails to lie flat on the grill.

Brush with Oil – Coat tail meat lightly with olive oil or melted butter to prevent sticking. This also keeps the lobster moist during grilling.

Season – Sprinkle tails generously with salt, pepper and any other dry spices or herb rubs you want to add flavor. Garlic powder, paprika, cayenne and lemon-pepper seasonings all pair well.

With these easy preparation steps complete, the lobster tails are ready to hit the hot grill!

How to Grill Lobster Tails to Perfection

Grilling lobster tail takes just 5-8 minutes if you follow these simple steps:

Heat grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F. Clean grates and brush with oil to prevent sticking.
Place lobster tails flesh-side down. Grill for 5-6 minutes without moving to get nice grill marks.
Flip tails and grill 2-3 minutes more until opaque. Baste with butter after flipping.
Check doneness by confirming meat reaches 140°F internally.
Remove from grill and serve immediately with lemon wedges.

The key is searing the first side longer to cook most of the way through before flipping briefly to finish off. Avoid flipping too often.

Grilling Times Based on Lobster Tail Size

Follow these approximate grilling times based on the weight of your tails:

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

For reference, an 8 oz tail will take around 8-10 minutes total grilling time. Always use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness rather than relying solely on time. Undercooked lobster will be gummy and chewy.

Making Flavored Butters for Grilled Lobster

One of the best ways to add flavor to grilled tails is brushing them with a savory compound butter after flipping. Here are some easy ideas:

Lemon-garlic butter – softened butter mixed with minced garlic, lemon juice, salt and pepper
Chili-lime butter – butter blended with lime zest and juice, chili powder, cilantro
Bacon-chive butter – diced cooked bacon and chives folded into butter
Sun-dried tomato pesto butter – butter mixed with sun-dried tomato pesto and basil
Chipotle butter – butter mixed with chopped chipotles in adobo sauce, cumin, oregano

Get creative with your own signature lobster tail butter to serve for dipping!

Helpful Tips for Grilling Lobster Tails Perfectly

If the shell chars too much before meat is done, move to a cooler part of grill.
Resist flipping too early or often. Just flip once midway through cooking.
Insert thermometer into center of thickest part of meat to test doneness.
Brush off any stuck bits of shell or seasonings after grilling if desired.
Serve with drawn butter warm for dipping, lemon wedges, fresh herbs, etc.
Leftovers are fantastic in lobster rolls or pasta salad the next day.

Grilled Lobster Tail Recipe

This easy grilled lobster tail recipe with garlic-lemon butter is my go-to for perfect results every time.

Ingredients:

2 lobster tails, 8-12 oz each
2 Tbsp olive oil or melted butter
2 Tbsp salted butter, softened
1 garlic clove, minced
1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1⁄4 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Thaw lobster tails if frozen. Butterfly tails lengthwise with kitchen shears and knife. Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Mix softened butter with minced garlic, lemon juice and paprika. Set aside.
Grill tails flesh-side down over medium heat for 5-6 minutes until grill marks appear. Flip and grill 2-4 minutes until opaque.
Remove tails from grill and brush with garlic-lemon butter. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Serving Suggestions for Grilled Lobster Tails

Here are some tasty sides that pair well with grilled lobster tails:

Grilled or sautéed veggies like asparagus, zucchini, broccoli
Fresh green salads topped with vinaigrette
Baked potatoes or sweet potatoes wrapped in foil
Corn on the cob or grilled halved corn brushed with herb butter
Rice pilaf or cheesy risotto
Crusty bread for dipping in butter
Coleslaw or potato salad

I like to keep side dishes simple to let the lobster shine. A chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements it nicely. Serve grilled lobster tail with lemon wedges, flavored butter and your favorite sides for an amazing summer meal.

Get Ready to Grill Lobster Tail Like a Pro!

Grilling lobster tails requires no special skills, just the right techniques like butterflying, oiling, seasoning and knowing cook times. With the instructions in this guide, you’ll be able to grill tender, juicy, flavorful lobster tails at home in no time.

Impress your family and friends this summer with your own grilled lobster feast! It makes for an elegant yet easy entrée that feels luxurious and special.

how to cook lobster tail on the grill

What is Surf and Turf?

Surf and turf is a style of menu that offers the best of both the land and the sea. This means customers don’t have to choose between the steak and the lobster and just get them both. This is a classic offering at steakhouses and seafood restaurants.

Surf and turf plates are often show-stopping displays of vibrant, fresh seafood and juicy seared steak. Alongside the main course, you’ll often find vegetable side dishes like crisp green asparagus, creamed spinach, whipped potatoes, or other sides to balance out all the protein.

Ultimately, surf and turf is a delightful culinary experience of texture, flavor, and aroma in one unique meal.

Fillet and Crab Cakes

Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes come packed with flavor and seasoned to perfection. This means you can rely on crab cakes for an easy yet impressive surf offering. Pair them with tender fillet for a well-balanced meal that comes together in minutes.

how to cook lobster tail on the grill

Before you start cooking, make sure your crab cakes are thawed in the refrigerator. This way, they’ll cook in 10 minutes or less.

Use a large heavy cast-iron skillet for both the steak and the crab cakes.

Here’s how to do it:

First, pat the steaks dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper. Brush them with a thin coating of canola oil or another high-heat oil.
Heat your pan over medium-high heat for a good 3 to 5 minutes, until hot.
Gently place the steaks in the skillet and sear for 4 minutes, or until you have a nice brown crust on one side. Use tongs to flip the steaks and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on the other side.
Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet and as it melts, spoon the butter over the steaks for another minute.
Remove the steaks from the skillet when they are 5 to 10 degrees away from your desired doneness. Place on a cutting board, cover with aluminum foil, and let rest while you cook the crab cakes.
Melt another 2 tablespoons of butter in the empty skillet.
When the butter is melted, place the crab cakes in the hot pan and sear for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown on both sides and cooked through.

Grilled Lobster Tail Recipe with Garlic Butter (2018)

FAQ

How long do you grill lobster tails?

AI Overview

Prepare the grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
Prepare the lobster tails: Butterflied lobster tails, cut the shell lengthwise to open up the meat.
Season: Season the lobster with salt, pepper, and any desired seasonings, according to a recipe on www.overthefirecooking.com.
Grill: Place lobster tails, meat side down, on the preheated grill.
Baste: Baste with a melted butter mixture (garlic, lemon, or herbs).
Flip and finish: Flip the tails and continue grilling on the shell side until the meat is opaque white and the shell is red.
Check for doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
Rest and serve: Remove from the grill, let rest for a few minutes, and serve immediately, according to North Coast Seafoods.
Tips: Ensure the grill is clean and oiled to prevent sticking, according to www.kingsford.com. You can also use a marinade or butter mixture to add flavor.

What is the best method of cooking lobster tails?

AI Overview

Pros:

Creates a smoky, flavorful crust and keeps the meat tender and sweet, says The Kitchn.
Cons:

Requires some prep work, as lobster tails need to be butterflied and brushed with oil before grilling.
How to:

Preheat grill to medium heat, oil grates, brush lobster tails with oil or butter, place shell-side down on grates, and cook for 4-6 minutes per side.

Is it better to boil or grill lobster tails?

Boiling is ideal for those who prefer a straightforward, sweet lobster flavor and tender texture.
Grilling is better for those who enjoy a smoky flavor and a firmer texture, often enhanced with various seasonings.

How do you cook lobster tails?

Using a slotted spoon or tongs add the lobster meat from the butter into the rice. Remove the rice from the heat and stir in the Parmesan. Place the lobster tails on a baking sheet and broil until the shells turn a bright orange, the flesh is opaque and the tails begin to curl (about 3 to 4 minutes).

Can you cook lobster tails on a grill?

The grill is a great way to cook lobster tails as the high heat and cool sections are perfect for careful cooking. But you may wonder whether the shell is getting between the meat and the heat.

How do you cook a grilled lobster?

Florida-based chef Jeff McInnis prefers to poach his lobster first to “set the meat” and then finish it on a grill with low heat and loads of flavored butter. But not all of our chefs love grilled lobster. Chef Oliver Melgar prefers his lobster poached in butter, which he says brings out its fullest flavor.