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Grilled Lobster Tail (Easy & Juicy) Recipe

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4.3 from 28 reviews

  • Author: Diane
  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

This easy and juicy grilled lobster tail recipe delivers succulent, flavorful lobster with a perfect smoky char. Featuring a garlic butter drizzle infused with lemon juice, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper, it's an elegant seafood dish ideal for a quick summer meal or special occasion. Grilling the lobster tails flesh-side down first ensures caramelization and tender meat, while a final brush of garlic butter enhances the rich flavors.

Ingredients

Lobster Tails

  • 4 lobster tails (8 oz each, or any size – see instructions)

Seasoning & Butter Sauce

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted, 1/2 stick)
  • 2 cloves garlic (crushed)
  • 2 tsp lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Thaw Lobster Tails: If using frozen lobster tails, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or submerge them in a sealed bag in cold water for about 30 minutes until fully thawed.
  2. Preheat Grill: Heat the grill for 15 minutes over medium heat, or heat a grill pan for 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and searing.
  3. Prepare Lobster Tails: Using kitchen shears, carefully cut down the center of the top shell lengthwise, from the opposite end of the tail fins to just before the tail. Then, use a knife to cut lengthwise along the ridge of the lobster meat without cutting through the bottom shell. Spread open the shell, lift the meat slightly, and secure it with a skewer to prevent curling during grilling.
  4. Season Lobster Tails: Brush the exposed lobster meat with olive oil and season evenly with sea salt and black pepper for balanced flavor.
  5. Make Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together melted unsalted butter, crushed garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper until well combined. Set aside.
  6. Grill Lobster Flesh Side Down: Place the lobster tails flesh-side down on the preheated grill. Cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until the meat starts to brown and is nearly cooked through.
  7. Flip and Finish Grilling: Turn the lobster tails over, flesh side up, and brush half of the garlic butter sauce over the meat. Close the grill lid and cook for an additional 2-4 minutes until the lobster flesh becomes opaque and is fully cooked.
  8. Serve: Remove from grill, brush with remaining garlic butter, and serve immediately for a tender, flavorful lobster dish.

Notes

  • Thaw lobster tails properly for even cooking and the best texture.
  • If lobster tails vary in size, grill about 60-75 seconds per ounce total, adjusting times accordingly.
  • Using a skewer to keep the lobster meat flat while grilling helps ensure even cooking without curling.
  • Use fresh lemon juice and garlic for the most vibrant garlic butter sauce.
  • Serve with lemon wedges or fresh herbs for added brightness.
  • Prep Time: 7 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Seafood
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://eatwithdiane.com/grilled-lobster-tail-easy-and-juicy-recipe/