If you’re considering making lobster at home for the first time, we totally understand—it can be a bit intimidating. But we’ve got you covered with our top tips to ensure your lobster tails turn out absolutely perfect for this recipe.
Lobster tails are a special part of the lobster that’s tasty and easy to cook. They have a wonderful sweet flavor and a tender texture that people love. Cooking lobster tails on the grill is easier than you might think! We’ll show you how to cut the shell to make the meat accessible and perfect for grilling. We’ll even use skewers to keep the tails from curling while they cook.
HOW TO PREPARE LOBSTER TAILS FOR GRILLING:
Preparing lobster tails for grilling is surprisingly simple! Cut down the center of the shell, exposing the juicy meat. Butterflying the tails lets you season them perfectly for grilling. To keep the tails from curling during cooking, insert skewers before grilling.
GRILLING TIME FOR PERFECT LOBSTER TAILS:
For 8-oz. lobster tails, grill each side for 5-6 minutes for tender, succulent meat. Adjust the cooking time slightly if your tails are bigger or smaller, but keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
SEASONING FOR IRRESISTIBLE FLAVOR:
The secret to elevating the taste of grilled lobster tails lies in a flavorful paste made with butter, mustard, soy sauce, garlic, chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, and chives. Season the tails with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and chili powder before grilling. As you grill, apply layers of the paste to create a smoky and savory delight.
PERFECT PAIRINGS FOR LOBSTER TAILS:
Pair your grilled lobster tails with a zesty touch by serving them with grilled lemons. Squeeze the lemons over the lobster for a burst of citrusy goodness. For a contrast to the rich lobster, a bright and fresh arugula salad makes an excellent side dish.
With our Grilled Lobster Tails recipe, you can have a taste of the ocean in your home. Whether it’s a special occasion or a treat-yourself moment, these tender, smoky, and flavorful lobster tails will make your dining experience truly memorable. So, let’s fire up the grill and embark on a culinary adventure filled with delightful tastes!
INGREDIENTS:
- 4 lobster tails
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
- Chili powder
- FOR THE PASTE:
- 1/2 stick of butter
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 cloves of minced garlic
- 1 chipotle pepper (from a can)
- 2 teaspoons adobo sauce (from the can)
- 2 tablespoons chives
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- FOR GARNISH:
- 2 lemons, halved
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Instructions:
- PREP INSTRUCTIONS:
- Prepare the Lobster Tails:
- Start by removing any legs or tentacles from the lobster tails.
- Lay each lobster tail on a cutting board with the bottom side facing up. Use a sharp knife to cut down the center of the lobster tail, exposing the top lobster meat. This is called butterflying the lobster tail.
- Gently press down on the top shell to crack it slightly, which will help to open up the lobster tail during grilling.
- Season the exposed lobster meat with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and chili powder. Set aside while you prepare the paste.
- Prepare the Flavorful Paste:
- In a cast-iron pan over medium heat, melt 1/2 stick of butter.
- Add the mustard, soy sauce, minced garlic, chipotle pepper (from a can), adobo sauce (2 teaspoons from the can), and chopped chives to the melted butter.
- Mix the ingredients together, allowing them to infuse and meld their flavors over medium heat for 4-5 minutes.
- The aroma of the paste will become irresistible, filling your kitchen with delicious scents. Once done, remove the pan from heat and stir in 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise until the mixture is creamy and well combined. Keep the paste warm for later use.
- GRILLING INSTRUCTIONS:
- Preheat the Grill:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. The ideal grilling temperature ensures that the lobster tails cook evenly and develop that beautiful charred crust while keeping the meat tender and juicy.
- Grill the Lobster Tails:
- Now that your grill is ready, place the seasoned lobster tails over direct heat, exposed meat side up.
- As the lobster tails hit the hot grill grates, a sizzle will greet your ears, and the tantalizing smell of seafood will begin to waft through the air.
- Allow the lobster tails to grill for 2-3 minutes on each side, being careful when flipping them with tongs to prevent the delicious meat from sticking to the grates.
- Layer the Flavorful Paste:
- The secret to elevating the grilled lobster tails to a new level of tastiness lies in the flavorful paste you prepared earlier.
- Before each flip of the lobster tails, add a generous layer of the paste on top of the exposed meat side.
- The paste’s combination of savory, smoky, and slightly spicy notes will complement the sweetness of the lobster meat, making every bite a burst of flavor.
- Grill to Perfection and Reach 145°F (63°C):
- Continue grilling the lobster tails, flipping them and adding a layer of paste after each flip, until they are fully cooked through.
- To ensure the lobster tails are perfectly grilled, use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature. The tails are done when the temperature reaches 145°F (63°C), providing you with succulent and safe-to-eat lobster meat.
- Properly cooked lobster tails will be opaque and firm, and the shell will have turned bright red.
- GARNISH AND SERVE:
- Grill the Lemons:
- While the lobster tails are grilling to perfection, take the opportunity to add a delightful twist to your presentation.
- Place the halved lemons face down on the grill to achieve enticing grill marks. Grilling the lemons will intensify their citrusy flavor and offer a zesty accompaniment to the lobster.
- Garnish and Enjoy:
- Once the lobster tails have reached the desired internal temperature and are infused with the mouthwatering flavors of the paste, remove them from the grill.
- Arrange the grilled lobster tails on a serving platter, and don’t forget the grilled lemons to add an extra dimension of taste.
- Before serving, drizzle the grilled lemons over the lobster tails to enhance their natural sweetness with a burst of tangy citrus.
- To add a touch of freshness and vibrant color, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the lobster tails, completing the presentation in style.
- Invite your guests to savor this delectable grilled lobster dish, perfect for a special occasion or an indulgent summer meal. Enjoy the succulent, smoky, and flavorful experience that comes with every bite!
