Grilled Lobster Tails with Garlic Herb Butter
Learn how to grill lobster tails like a pro! This easy recipe features succulent lobster and a flavourful garlic herb butter. Perfect for a romantic dinner!

Alright, let's dive into how to grill lobster tails like a pro! Ever wondered how to get that fancy restaurant lobster at home? Honestly, it's easier than making beans on toast.
Getting Started: Your Quick Lobster Hook
Fancy a bit of culinary adventure? this lobster tail recipe delivers that delightful smoky char and garlic herb goodness. honestly? grilling cook lobster tails is dead easy and the result is amazing, especially when that garlic herb sauce sizzles on the grill.
This recipe guarantees succulent results every time.
Grilled Lobster Tails with Garlic Herb Butter Recipe Card

⚖️ Ingredients:
- 2 lobster tails (6-8 ounces each), thawed if frozen (170-230g each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (57g)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (2 cloves)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (30 ml, tightly packed)
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped (15 ml, tightly packed)
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (2.5 ml)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) (1.25 ml)
- Pinch of salt
🥄 Instructions:
- Using kitchen shears or a sharp knife, cut through the top shell lengthwise, starting just behind the head and stopping just before the tail fin. Gently spread the shell open and loosen the lobster meat from the shell. Lift the meat slightly, leaving the end connected to the tail.
- In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, chives, lemon zest, red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt. Mix well until evenly combined.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-450°F or 190-230°C). Clean and lightly oil the grill grates.
- Brush the lobster meat with olive oil, and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Place the lobster tails on the grill, meat-side up. Grill for 5-7 minutes, then flip and grill for another 3-5 minutes, or until the lobster meat is opaque and firm to the touch. The internal temperature should reach 135-140°F (57-60°C). Avoid overcooking!
- During the last 2-3 minutes of grilling, baste the lobster meat generously with the garlic herb butter.
- Remove the lobster tails from the grill and let them rest for a minute or two. Serve immediately with any remaining garlic herb butter.
Lobster Tails: A Quick Overview
Did you know lobster grilling dates back centuries? it was a staple for coastal communities. our easy lobster tail recipe takes about 25 minutes from start to finish.
This recipe serves two, perfect for a dinner romantic .
Why You'll Love This Recipe
One of the main benefits is the sheer ease! cook lobster like a chef without any fancy skills. plus, lobster is packed with protein and essential nutrients.
It’s great for a special occasion like an anniversary dinner. what makes this recipe special is the simplicity. you can adapt it to your taste, like adding a bread crumb topping .
Now, let's gather all of the ingredients!
Ingredient Lineup and Substitutions
Grab those ingredients! you'll need lobster tails, butter, garlic, and herbs. if you are wondering how to cook frozen lobster tails , be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge.
This ensures even grilling. if you don't have fresh garlic, use garlic powder. ghee is a perfect butter substitute.
Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to make some amazing Grilled Lobster Tails . Honestly, this is easier than you think! Forget fancy restaurants. We're doing this at home.
Ingredients & Equipment
Main Ingredients
Let's gather the goods! This easy lobster tail recipe is super simple. You'll need:
- Two lobster tails ( 6-8 ounces each) - that's around 170-230g . Make sure they are thawed if frozen lobster is what you have.
- One tablespoon olive oil ( 15 ml ).
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Now, about the lobster tails . fresh is best, obviously. but if you're using frozen lobster tails , thaw them overnight in the fridge.
Give them a sniff – they should smell like the ocean, not fishy. trust your nose!
Seasoning Notes
This garlic herb butter? Chef's kiss . Essential stuff right here!
- Four tablespoons unsalted butter , softened ( 57g ). Honestly, good butter makes a difference.
- Two cloves garlic , minced. Fresh is best, innit?
- Two tablespoons fresh parsley , finely chopped ( 30 ml ).
- One tablespoon fresh chives , finely chopped ( 15 ml ).
- Half a teaspoon lemon zest ( 2.5 ml ).
- Quarter teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) ( 1.25 ml ).
- Pinch of salt.
For spices, think simple. garlic and herbs are your best mates here. want to cook lobster with a kick? add a touch of cayenne pepper! no fresh herbs? dried will do in a pinch.
Just use about a third of the amount.
This Garlic Herb Sauce is what makes this dish shine. If you are dairy free, try substituting for Ghee which will also add a nutty flavour or even try using olive oil
Equipment Needed
No need for fancy gadgets here. This is all about simplicity:
- Grill (gas or charcoal). For how to grill lobster tails a simple bbq does just fine.
- Grill tongs. Essential for flipping without mangling.
- Small bowl for mixing the butter.
- Mixing spoon.
- Basting brush (optional).
- Kitchen shears or a sharp knife for prepping the tails.
- Instant-read thermometer – highly recommended. Get it to 135- 140° F ( 57- 60° C ).
Don't have kitchen shears? A sturdy knife will work. No basting brush? Just spoon the butter over the lobster. Easy peasy.
I swear, sometimes all you need is a good bbq and a few simple tools to create something amazing. So you see Cooking Lobster Tails does not require any fancy equipment.

How to Grill Lobster Tails Like a Pro
Fancy a bit of posh nosh? look no further. grilled lobster tails are easier than you think! trust me, if i can do it, you definitely can.
I used to be intimidated, but now i'm grilling these bad boys every chance i get. and this easy lobster tail recipe , is a winner.
I'm going to let you into a secret. my first time grilling lobster, it was a disaster . i overcooked them, proper shoe leather.
Since then, i've learned a few tricks. let me share my secrets on cooking lobster tails
Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place
First things first: get organized. honestly, the essential mise en place is key. have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go.
This isn't a race, but having everything at hand will save you time and stress. it's also the key to grill lobster tail recipes
Time-saving organization tips : Get your garlic minced, herbs chopped, and butter softened before you even think about touching the lobster.
Safety Reminders : Mind the grill! Keep a safe distance and use proper grilling tools. Don't want any singed eyebrows, do we? Make sure you are safe using a Grill Lobster Tail Recipe
Step-by-Step: Grill those Lobsters!
Alright, let's get down to business on how to grill lobster tails :
- Prep the Tails : With kitchen shears, cut the top shell lengthwise. Not all the way through, mind! Gently loosen the meat.
- Make the Garlic Herb Butter : In a small bowl, combine 4 tablespoons softened butter, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, 1 tablespoon chopped chives, 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest, and a pinch of salt, plus 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional). Mix it well, that Garlic Herb Sauce is everything.
- Preheat the Grill : Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 375- 450° F (190- 230° C) . Give it a good clean.
- Season : Brush the lobster meat with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Don't be shy!
- Grill, Baby, Grill : Place the lobster tails on the grill, meat-side up. Grill for 5- 7 minutes , then flip and grill for another 3- 5 minutes . Look for opaque and firm meat. A temp of 135- 140° F (57- 60° C) is perfect.
- Baste and Serve : Baste generously with the garlic herb butter for the last 2- 3 minutes. Serve immediately.
Pro Tips for Perfect Lobster Tails
Want to really knock their socks off? Try these out! This Best Lobster Tail Recipe includes these tricks.
- Don't overcook it, mate! Use a thermometer. Trust me on this one. You can also try this Baked Recipe
- Butterfly for even cooking . This is a game-changer.
- Common mistake : Overcrowding the grill. Give those tails some space!
Now, this Dinner Romantic is ready!
Right then, let's dive into those extra bits that make how to grill lobster tails a total success! This ain't just a recipe, it's an experience!
Recipe Notes
Think of this section as your cheat sheet. it's all the insider info you need to nail this easy lobster tail recipe every single time.
I've learned a thing or two over the years, you know?
Serving Suggestions
Okay, so you've got this beautifully Grilled Lobster Tail Recipe . Now what? Presentation is key! Plating it on a bed of vibrant greens always looks fancy.
For sides, grilled asparagus with a squeeze of lemon is a winner. or, corn on the cob slathered in chili-lime butter adds a lovely kick.
Honestly, a crisp sauvignon blanc is the perfect drink pairing. i even had it once with a recipe sandwich . you can't go wrong!
Storage Tips
Got leftovers? (lucky you!) pop them in the fridge in an airtight container. they'll be good for a couple of days.
Don't freeze them. honestly, they’ll get a bit rubbery. reheat gently in a pan with a bit of butter, or broil lobster tail for a minute or two.
Keep a close eye when you cook lobster . i once ruined the whole thing by overcooking! never again.
Variations
Want to mix it up? add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the garlic herb sauce for a spicy kick.
For a dairy-free version, use olive oil or a dairy-free butter substitute. it works a treat! you know, using ghee is another excellent choice.
My friend with lactose intolerance told me about that one! also, you can cook lobster with a bread crumb topping .
Nutrition Basics
Right, let's talk about the good stuff. each lobster tail gives you about 350 calories. you're also getting a whopping 30g of protein.
Plus, it tastes amazing. it's practically a health food. think of it as your dinner romantic for a baked recipe ! you can use the boiled lobster tail how to cook version.
So there you have it! all the extra bits to make your grilled lobster recipes epic. how do you cook lobster tail ? you just follow the steps here.
How to cook frozen lobster tails ? thaw them overnight! now go get grilling and cook lobster . you got this!

Frequently Asked Questions
How to grill lobster tails without them becoming rubbery?
The key to perfectly grilled lobster tails is avoiding overcooking! Lobster meat becomes tough and rubbery if cooked for too long. Use an instant-read thermometer and aim for an internal temperature of 135-140°F (57-60°C). Take them off the grill as soon as they reach this temperature – they'll continue to cook slightly as they rest. Remember what your nan always said; a watched pot never boils, well, a watched lobster tail never overcooks!
Can I use frozen lobster tails, and what's the best way to thaw them before grilling?
Absolutely! Frozen lobster tails are perfectly fine to use. For the best texture and to prevent them from becoming waterlogged, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid thawing them at room temperature or in the microwave, as this can affect their quality. Think of it like thawing a Sunday roast – low and slow is the way to go!
What's the best way to prepare the lobster tails before learning how to grill lobster tails for even cooking?
We recommend "butterflying" the lobster tails for even cooking. This involves cutting through the top shell lengthwise and gently spreading it open, loosening the meat but leaving it attached to the tail fin. This ensures the lobster meat cooks evenly on the grill. It’s a bit like giving your lobster a little spa treatment before the grill!
What kind of wood chips can I use to add a smoky flavour when I grill lobster tails?
Adding a smoky flavour can elevate your grilled lobster tails to another level. Hickory or applewood chips are excellent choices, imparting a subtle, sweet smokiness that complements the lobster beautifully. Soak the wood chips in water for about 30 minutes before placing them in a smoker box or wrapping them in foil with holes poked in it. This prevents them from catching fire and allows them to smolder slowly, releasing their delicious smoky aroma. It's like giving your lobster that perfect "pub garden BBQ" flavour!
How can I store leftover grilled lobster tails?
If you have any leftover grilled lobster tails (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them gently in a pan with a little butter or olive oil, or enjoy them cold in a lobster roll or salad. Keep in mind that reheated lobster may not be quite as tender as when it's freshly grilled. They'll be alright, alright, alright, but not quite as tip-top!
Is grilling lobster tails a healthy option?
Grilled lobster tails can be a relatively healthy indulgence! Lobster is a good source of protein and low in fat. However, the garlic herb butter adds fat and calories, so use it in moderation. You can also adapt the recipe by using olive oil instead of butter or reducing the amount of butter used for a slightly lighter dish. Remember, it's all about balance, innit?
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