Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails

Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails are a show-stopping dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or celebrating a special event, these succulent lobster tails will impress your guests. The combination of sweet meat and zesty lemon garlic butter creates an explosion of flavor that is both refreshing and rich. Plus, they are quick to prepare, making them an excellent choice for busy weeknights or elegant dinners alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: Ready in less than 20 minutes, this recipe is perfect for last-minute gatherings.
• Flavorful Combination: The lemon garlic butter adds a delicious twist, enhancing the natural sweetness of the lobster.
• Impressive Presentation: Grilled lobster tails look stunning on any plate, making them ideal for special occasions.
• Versatile Dish: Serve as a main course or as part of a seafood platter; they fit well with various sides.
• Easy to Master: With simple steps and accessible ingredients, even beginner cooks can achieve gourmet results.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails, you’ll need some essential tools to make the process smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill: Provides high heat for that perfect char and smoky flavor on the lobster tails.
• Kitchen shears: Make it easy to butterfly the lobster tails without damaging the delicate meat.
• Digital thermometer: Ensures you cook the lobster tails to the perfect internal temperature for safety and taste.

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: Prepare the Lemon Butter Sauce

Make the lemon butter sauce by melting the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the minced garlic, lemon zest, parsley, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir to combine and heat for an additional 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside. If the butter hardens too much, simply reheat until melted.

Step 2: Butterfly the Lobster Tails

Using kitchen shears, butterfly the lobster tails by cutting down the back of each tail. Gently loosen the flesh from the shell and devein if necessary. Skewer each tail lengthwise with either a soaked wooden skewer or a metal skewer to prevent curling during grilling.

Step 3: Season the Lobster Tails

Brush the exposed meat of each lobster tail with olive oil. Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon of coarse kosher salt for added flavor. Set aside while you heat your grill.

Step 4: Grill the Lobster Tails

Preheat 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 continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the meat is white and pearly. The total cooking time may vary based on tail size; aim for an internal temperature of 140°F using a digital thermometer.

Step 5: Serve with Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

Once cooked, remove lobster tails from the grill. Spoon generous amounts of lemon garlic butter sauce over each tail, allowing it to seep between the meat and shell. Dust lightly with smoked paprika before serving.

Step 6: Share Your Experience!

If you’ve made this recipe, we invite you to return and let us know how it turned out in our star ratings or comments section! Enjoy your delightful Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails!

How to Serve Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails

Serving lemon butter grilled lobster tails is a delightful experience that can elevate any meal. These succulent tails can be paired with various accompaniments to enhance their flavor and presentation.

Pairing with Fresh Salads

• Mixed Greens: A light salad with arugula, spinach, and a citrus vinaigrette complements the richness of the lobster.
• Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons provide a nice contrast to the tender lobster meat.

Accompanying with Starch

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic add comfort to your seafood feast.
• Rice Pilaf: A fluffy rice dish seasoned with herbs creates a subtle backdrop for the flavorful lobster.

Adding Sauces

• Spicy Aioli: A zesty aioli can add a kick to the sweetness of the lobster tails.
• Lemon Herb Sauce: Another layer of citrus flavor enhances the fresh taste of the seafood.

Serving on Platter

• Garnished Presentation: Arrange lobster tails on a large platter with lemon wedges and fresh herbs for an eye-catching display.

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How to Perfect Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails

To achieve the best results when preparing lemon butter grilled lobster tails, consider these helpful tips:

• Use Fresh Lobster: Freshly caught lobsters are sweeter and more flavorful than frozen alternatives.
• Butterfly Properly: Ensure you butterfly the tails evenly for consistent cooking and better flavor absorption from the sauce.
• Preheat Your Grill: A hot grill ensures that the lobster cooks quickly, retaining its moistness and preventing overcooking.
• Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on cooking times as they may vary based on tail size; aim for an internal temperature of 140°F.
• Baste During Cooking: Basting with lemon garlic butter while grilling adds extra moisture and flavor to the meat.
• Let Rest Before Serving: Allowing the lobster tails to rest briefly after grilling helps juices redistribute for better flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails

Complementing your lemon butter grilled lobster tails with side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Bread: Crisp, buttery slices of bread brushed with garlic enhance any seafood meal.
2. Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus adds color and a fresh crunch that pairs well with rich flavors.
3. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn offers a delightful contrast to savory lobster, especially when slathered in herb butter.
4. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and acidity that balances out the richness of grilled lobster tails.
5. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad mixed with vegetables adds a healthy touch to your plate.
6. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring out natural sweetness and pair beautifully with seafood dishes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.

• Using cold lobster tails: Always use fresh or properly thawed lobster tails. Cold tails can cook unevenly, leading to a rubbery texture.
• Overcooking the lobster: Keep a close eye on cooking time. Overcooked lobster becomes tough and chewy. Aim for an internal temperature of 140°F.
• Skipping the butter sauce: The lemon garlic butter sauce adds essential flavor. Don’t skip or skimp on this step; it elevates the dish significantly.
• Not using enough seasoning: Ensure you season well with salt and smoked paprika. This enhances the natural sweetness of the lobster tails.
• Neglecting to preheat the grill: A properly heated grill ensures even cooking and nice grill marks. Preheat your grill before placing the lobster tails on it.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails

• You can freeze cooked lobster tails for up to 3 months.
• Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.

Reheating Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F, place lobster tails in a baking dish, and reheat for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Place tails in a microwave-safe dish with a lid. Heat for about 1-2 minutes on medium power, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: In a pan over medium heat, add a little water or broth, cover, and steam for about 5 minutes until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about preparing Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails.

How do I choose fresh lobster tails?

Choosing fresh lobster tails involves looking for firm meat and a pleasant ocean scent. Avoid any that have a strong fishy smell.

Can I use frozen lobster tails?

Yes! Frozen lobster tails work well too. Just make sure they are fully thawed before cooking for best results.

What should I serve with Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails?

These delicious lobster tails pair wonderfully with grilled vegetables, rice pilaf, or a fresh salad.

Can I make the lemon garlic butter sauce ahead?

Absolutely! You can prepare the lemon garlic butter sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat before serving.

How long does it take to cook lobster tails on the grill?

Cooking time may vary by size, but typically it takes about 5-8 minutes total on medium-high heat. Aim for an internal temperature of 140°F.

Final Thoughts

Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails are not only quick but also incredibly delicious. This recipe allows room for customization—consider adding herbs like dill or tarragon to your butter sauce. Perfect for special occasions or a cozy dinner at home, you’ll love making this dish!