Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails

Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails are the perfect dish for any occasion, whether it’s a romantic dinner or a summer barbecue. This recipe highlights the succulent sweetness of lobster, enhanced by a rich lemon garlic butter sauce. Ready in less than 20 minutes, this dish is not just quick but also packed with flavor, making it an impressive centerpiece for your meal.

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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 Butter Sauce
• Step 2: Prepare the Lobster Tails
• Step 3: Seasoning
• Step 4: Grill the Lobster Tails
• Step 5: Serve with Sauce
• Step 6: Enjoy!
• How to Serve Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails
• With Fresh Lemon Wedges
• Over a Bed of Greens
• Accompanied by Garlic Bread
• Drizzled with Extra Sauce
• Garnished with Fresh Herbs
• How to Perfect Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails
• Best Side Dishes for Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails
• Reheating Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I know when 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?
• How do I customize my Lemon Butter Sauce?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 20 minutes from start to finish, allowing you to enjoy gourmet flavors without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of lemon zest, garlic, and clarified butter creates a mouthwatering sauce that elevates the natural sweetness of the lobster.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect for special occasions or casual get-togethers, these grilled lobster tails can impress at any event.
• Health Benefits: Packed with protein and healthy fats, this dish is not only delicious but also nutritious.
• Gourmet Presentation: The beautiful presentation of the grilled lobster tails makes them look as good as they taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into cooking, ensure you have the right tools at hand. Having the proper equipment can make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill: Provides high heat necessary for perfectly cooked lobster tails with a smoky flavor.
• Kitchen Shears: Make it easy to butterfly the lobster tails without damaging the meat.
• Digital Thermometer: Ensures your lobster is cooked to perfection by checking internal temperature accurately.

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 Butter Sauce

Start by melting the clarified butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
* Add minced garlic, lemon zest, parsley, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
* Stir to combine and heat for another 1-2 minutes.
* Remove from heat and set aside. If it cools too much, reheat until melted.

Step 2: Prepare the Lobster Tails

Using kitchen shears:
* Butterfly the lobster tails carefully.
* Gently loosen the flesh from the shell and devein if necessary.
* Skewer each tail lengthwise with a soaked wooden or metal skewer.

Step 3: Seasoning

Brush the meat of each lobster tail with olive oil and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon of coarse kosher salt. Set aside while preparing the grill.

Step 4: Grill the Lobster Tails

Heat your grill to medium-high heat:
* Place lobster tails on the top grill rack with meat side down for about 5-6 minutes.
* Turn them over and cook for another 1-2 minutes until they turn white and pearly.
* Check that they reach an internal temperature of 140°F using a digital thermometer.

Step 5: Serve with Sauce

Remove lobsters from the grill:
* Spoon generous amounts of lemon garlic butter sauce over each tail.
* Allow it to seep between the meat and shell.
* Dust lightly with smoked paprika before serving.

Step 6: Enjoy!

If you’ve made this recipe, please come back to share your thoughts in our star ratings or comments section!

How to Serve Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails

Serving your Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails can elevate any meal into a gourmet experience. Here are some delightful suggestions to make your dish shine.

With Fresh Lemon Wedges

• Serving lemon wedges alongside the lobster tails enhances the citrus flavor and adds a refreshing touch.

Over a Bed of Greens

• Placing grilled lobster tails on a bed of arugula or mixed greens creates a beautiful presentation and adds a peppery contrast.

Accompanied by Garlic Bread

• Pairing with warm garlic bread provides a crunchy texture and is perfect for soaking up any leftover lemon butter sauce.

Drizzled with Extra Sauce

• For those who love extra flavor, drizzle additional lemon garlic butter sauce over the lobster tails just before serving.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

• A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds color and freshness, making the dish look even more appetizing.

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How to Perfect Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails

To achieve the best results with your Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh lobster for the best flavor and texture.
• Monitor Grill Temperature: Ensure your grill reaches medium-high heat for perfect cooking without overcooking.
• Baste While Cooking: Basting the lobster with the lemon butter sauce while grilling keeps it moist and flavorful.
• Check Internal Temperature: Use a digital thermometer to ensure the lobster meat reaches 140°F for safe consumption.
• Let it Rest: Allowing the grilled lobster tails to rest for a few minutes before serving helps retain juices.
• Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to add other spices or herbs to your lemon butter sauce for added depth.

Best Side Dishes for Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails

Complementing your Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails with delicious side dishes can enhance your meal. Here are some great options.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic pair well with seafood.
2. Grilled Asparagus: Lightly charred asparagus offers freshness and crunch that contrasts beautifully with rich lobster.
3. Corn on the Cob: Sweet, juicy corn adds a summery touch that’s perfect for outdoor dining.
4. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with Caesar dressing balances the richness of the lobster.
5. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf flavored with herbs serves as an excellent base to soak up any remaining sauce.
6. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and acidity, brightening up the overall meal.
7. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal roasted veggies adds color and nutrition to your plate.
8. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad tossed with vegetables makes a healthy and satisfying accompaniment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails, avoiding common pitfalls can elevate your dish from good to great.

• Ignoring the grill temperature: Not preheating the grill properly can lead to uneven cooking. Always preheat your grill to medium-high heat before placing the lobster tails on it.
• Overcooking the lobster: Cooking lobster tails for too long makes them tough. Aim for a total cooking time of about 7-8 minutes, checking for that pearly, white finish.
• Skipping the skewer: Forgetting to skewer your lobster tails can cause them to curl and cook improperly. Use a soaked wooden or metal skewer to keep them flat while grilling.
• Not seasoning enough: Insufficient seasoning can result in bland lobster. Be sure to salt the meat generously and drizzle with lemon garlic butter for enhanced flavor.
• Making butter sauce too early: Preparing your butter sauce too far ahead can cause it to harden. Make it right before serving so you can pour it hot over the lobster tails.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Ensure the lobster tails are completely cooled before sealing.

Freezing Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails

• Freeze in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
• Remove as much air as possible from the bag before sealing.

Reheating Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake wrapped in foil for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in 30-second intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat gently in a skillet on low, adding a splash of water or broth to create steam and prevent drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails are done when their internal temperature reaches 140°F, and the meat turns opaque and pearly.

Can I use frozen lobster tails for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen lobster tails. Just be sure to thaw them fully in the refrigerator overnight before grilling.

What sides pair well with Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails?

Popular sides include garlic bread, grilled vegetables, and a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.

How do I customize my Lemon Butter Sauce?

Feel free to add herbs like thyme or dill, or kick up the heat with red pepper flakes in your lemon butter sauce!

Final Thoughts

Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails are not only quick and easy but also deliver an impressive gourmet experience at home. This versatile dish allows customization with different spices or herbs according to your taste. Give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for summer gatherings or cozy dinners!