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Flavorful Garlic Butter Lobster Tails Recipe Perfect for Grilling at Home

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This recipe features juicy, tender lobster tails grilled with a rich garlic butter sauce, delivering smoky, buttery flavors perfect for an easy yet impressive outdoor meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lobster tails (68 ounces each, fresh or thawed frozen)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 large garlic cloves, minced finely
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (juice of half a lemon)
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, for brushing lobster shells

Instructions

  1. Prepare the lobster tails: Using sharp kitchen shears, carefully cut down the top shell of each lobster tail lengthwise, stopping just before the tail fin. Pry the shell open gently and lift the meat, resting it on top of the shell (piggyback style). (About 10 minutes)
  2. Make the garlic butter sauce: In a small bowl, mix the softened unsalted butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon juice, smoked paprika (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until well combined. The butter should be soft enough to spread easily but not melted. (5 minutes)
  3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F (205°C). If using charcoal, wait until the coals are covered in white ash.
  4. Brush olive oil on the lobster shells to prevent sticking. Place the lobster tails meat-side up on the grill.
  5. Grill the lobster tails for about 5-6 minutes with the lid closed. Then, spread half the garlic butter mixture over the meat and grill for another 4-5 minutes, basting once or twice more with the remaining garlic butter. The lobster meat should turn opaque and slightly firm but not rubbery. (Total grilling time about 10-12 minutes)
  6. Check for doneness: The meat should be white with a slight pink tint near the shell and reach an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). Avoid overcooking.
  7. Serve immediately: Spoon any melted garlic butter from the grill over the lobster tails before plating. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

Use softened butter for better coating; watch for flare-ups caused by dripping butter and have a spray bottle handy to control flames. Thaw lobster tails completely overnight and pat dry before grilling. Rest lobster for a couple of minutes before serving to redistribute juices. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil or vegan butter. If no grill is available, broil in the oven for 6-8 minutes, basting halfway through.

Nutrition

Keywords: lobster tails, garlic butter, grilled lobster, seafood recipe, easy grilling, outdoor cooking, summer recipe, quick dinner