Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails

Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails are the perfect dish for any occasion, from casual summer barbecues to elegant dinner parties. This recipe highlights the succulent flavors of lobster, enhanced by a rich lemon garlic butter sauce that brings out the natural sweetness of the seafood. Ready in less than 20 minutes, these grilled lobster tails are sure to impress your guests with their gourmet appeal and ease of preparation.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Lobster Tails
• For the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
• How to Make Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails
• Step 1: Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
• Step 2: Prepare the Lobster Tails
• Step 3: Season and Grill
• Step 4: Serve with Sauce
• How to Serve Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails
• Pair with Fresh Salads
• Add Starchy Sides
• Include Dipping Sauces
• Accompany with Bread
• How to Perfect Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails
• Best Side Dishes for Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails
• Reheating Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I know when my Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails are done?
• Can I use frozen lobster tails for this recipe?
• What sides pair well with Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails?
• Can I make Lemon Butter Sauce ahead of time?
• What other seafood can I grill similarly?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This dish can be prepared in just 20 minutes, making it a great choice for a last-minute dinner.
• Gourmet Flavor: The lemon garlic butter sauce adds a delicious richness that elevates this seafood dish to gourmet status.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve these lobster tails as a main course or as an impressive appetizer at your next gathering.
• Perfect for Grilling Season: Enjoy the outdoor cooking experience while savoring fresh seafood during the warmer months.
• Health Benefits: Lobster is a lean source of protein and packed with essential vitamins and minerals.

Tools and Preparation

To make Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill
• Small saucepan
• Kitchen shears
• Digital thermometer
• Wooden or metal skewers

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill: Provides the high heat needed for perfectly grilled lobster tails, enhancing flavor through charred edges.
• Small saucepan: Allows you to easily melt and combine ingredients for the lemon garlic butter sauce without burning them.
• Digital thermometer: Ensures your lobster is cooked to perfection by checking internal temperatures.

Ingredients

For the Lobster Tails

• 4 8-ounce lobster tails
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher salt (divided)

For the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

• 1/2 cup unsalted clarified butter
• 4-5 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon flat leaf parsley (roughly chopped)
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

How to Make Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails

Step 1: Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

1. Melt the clarified butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
2. Add the minced garlic, lemon zest, flat leaf parsley, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir to combine.
3. Heat for an additional 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat and set aside. If it cools too much, simply reheat until melted.

Step 2: Prepare the Lobster Tails

1. Using kitchen shears, butterfly the lobster tails. Gently loosen the flesh from the shell.
2. Devein the top of each tail if needed. Skewer lengthwise with soaked wooden or metal skewers.

Step 3: Season and Grill

1. Brush the meat with olive oil, then sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon coarse kosher salt. Set aside.
2. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
3. Place the lobster tails on the top grill rack, meat side down, for 5-6 minutes.
4. Turn them over and continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes or until the meat is white and pearly. Ensure internal temperature reaches 140°F using a digital thermometer.

Step 4: Serve with Sauce

1. Remove lobster tails from grill and spoon the lemon garlic butter sauce over each tail, letting it seep down between the meat and shell.
2. Dust with smoked paprika before serving.

Now you have a delightful dish ready to wow your family or guests! If you’ve made this recipe, please return to let us know how it turned out in our star ratings or comments section!

How to Serve Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails

Serving lemon butter grilled lobster tails can elevate any meal into a gourmet experience. These succulent tails are not only delicious but also visually stunning, making them perfect for special occasions or casual gatherings.

Pair with Fresh Salads

• Garden Salad: A mix of greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers dressed in a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the lobster.
• Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons offer a satisfying contrast to the tender meat.

Add Starchy Sides

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with garlic enhance the flavors of the lemon butter sauce.
• Herbed Rice: Fluffy rice with fresh herbs provides a simple yet flavorful base for the lobster.

Include Dipping Sauces

• Extra Lemon Butter Sauce: Serve additional sauce on the side for those who want more buttery goodness.
• Spicy Aioli: A zesty dipping sauce adds an exciting kick to every bite.

Accompany with Bread

• Crusty French Bread: Perfect for soaking up any leftover butter sauce, adding a delightful crunch.
• Garlic Bread: Infused with herbs and spices, this bread pairs beautifully with seafood.

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How to Perfect Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails

Perfecting your lemon butter grilled lobster tails is all about technique and care. Here are some essential tips to ensure your dish turns out flawlessly.

• Choose Fresh Lobster Tails: Freshness impacts flavor significantly; opt for tails that are firm and have a pleasant ocean scent.
• Butterfly Carefully: Use kitchen shears to butterfly the tails without cutting through completely, allowing even cooking.
• Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on cooking times; overcooked lobster becomes tough and chewy. Aim for an internal temperature of 140°F.
• Skewer for Stability: Skewering helps keep the tail straight while grilling, preventing it from curling up.
• Use High Heat: Preheat your grill adequately; high heat helps achieve that beautiful char while keeping the meat juicy.

Best Side Dishes for Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails

Complementing your lemon butter grilled lobster tails with the right sides can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Grilled Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus adds a fresh crunch that pairs well with seafood.
2. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with butter and sprinkled with salt is a classic summer side dish.
3. Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy slaw balances out the rich flavors of lobster, adding texture and zest.
4. Baked Potatoes: Fluffy baked potatoes topped with sour cream and chives make for a comforting side option.
5. Quinoa Salad: Nutty quinoa mixed with veggies provides a healthy, protein-packed accompaniment.
6. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized bring color and nutrition to your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Grilling lobster tails can be tricky, but avoiding common mistakes will lead to a perfect dish. Here are some things to watch out for:

• Not Butterfly Cutting Properly: When you don’t butterfly the lobster tails correctly, it can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure to cut along the top and gently open them up.

• Overcooking the Lobster: Overcooked lobster becomes tough and rubbery. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 140°F.

• Skipping the Marinade: Skipping the lemon butter sauce will make the dish less flavorful. Always brush the lobster with a generous amount of the sauce before grilling.

• Using High Heat Only: Cooking on high heat can burn the outside while leaving the inside undercooked. Aim for medium-high heat for even cooking.

• Ignoring Rest Time: Not allowing the lobster to rest after grilling can result in dry meat. Let it sit for a few minutes to retain moisture.

• Not Using Fresh Ingredients: Using old garlic or butter can spoil the taste. Always opt for fresh ingredients for the best flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover lemon butter grilled lobster tails in an airtight container.
• They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Freezing Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails

• Wrap each lobster tail tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and place lobster tails on a baking sheet covered with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

• Microwave: Place lobster tails on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in short intervals of 30 seconds until warm.

• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a bit of butter. Cook lobster tails for about 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally until heated.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making lemon butter grilled lobster tails, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries:

How do I know when my Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails are done?

The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should read 140°F when done.

Can I use frozen lobster tails for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen lobster tails! Just ensure they are completely thawed before grilling for even cooking.

What sides pair well with Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails?

Consider serving with grilled vegetables, a fresh salad, or garlic bread to complement the dish perfectly.

Can I make Lemon Butter Sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the lemon butter sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just reheat before drizzling over your lobster tails.

What other seafood can I grill similarly?

You can grill shrimp, scallops, or fish using a similar marinade and method for delicious results!

Final Thoughts

Lemon butter grilled lobster tails are not just delicious but also incredibly versatile! They make an impressive main course for special occasions or simple summer dinners. Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite herbs or spices into the lemon butter sauce. Don’t hesitate to give it a try; your taste buds will thank you!