Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails
The Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails recipe is a delightful dish that brings the taste of gourmet seafood right to your backyard. Perfect for summer grilling, this dish boasts sweet and succulent lobster tails bathed in a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce. Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or enjoying a casual dinner, these grilled lobster tails will impress your guests and elevate your meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: The entire dish can be ready in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Mouthwatering Flavor: The combination of lemon, garlic, and smoked paprika creates a rich flavor that complements the sweet lobster perfectly.
- Elegant Presentation: Grilling adds a beautiful char to the lobster tails, making them visually appealing for any occasion.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it as an appetizer or as a main course alongside salad or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
- Healthful Option: Low in carbs and rich in protein, this dish fits well into many dietary plans while still feeling indulgent.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment will make preparation and grilling easier.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Grill
- Small saucepan
- Kitchen shears
- Wooden or metal skewers
- Basting brush
Importance of Each Tool
- Grill: A good grill provides even heat, essential for perfectly cooked lobster tails with that smoky flavor.
- Small saucepan: Ideal for melting butter and mixing ingredients without making a mess.
- Kitchen shears: These are perfect for easily butterflying lobster tails without damaging the meat.
- Basting brush: Use this tool to evenly coat the lobster meat with olive oil and the delicious lemon butter sauce.
Ingredients
For the Lobster Tails
- 4 8-ounce lobster tails
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher salt, divided
For the Lemon 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
Start by making the flavorful lemon butter sauce. Melt the clarified butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add minced garlic, lemon zest, chopped parsley, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir well to combine. Heat for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat but keep warm.
Step 2: Butterfly the Lobster Tails
Using kitchen shears, carefully butterfly each lobster tail. Gently loosen the flesh from the shell while keeping it attached at one end. If necessary, devein by removing any dark veins visible on top. Skewer each tail vertically with either soaked wooden skewers or metal skewers to ensure they stay flat while grilling.
Step 3: Season the Lobster Tails
Brush each tail’s meat side generously with olive oil. Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon of coarse kosher salt on top to enhance flavor.
Step 4: Grill the Lobster Tails
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place lobster tails on the top rack with meat side down for about 5-6 minutes. After flipping them over, continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the meat turns opaque and pearly white. Check that they reach an internal temperature of 140°F using a digital thermometer.
Step 5: Serve with Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
Once cooked, remove from grill and spoon generous amounts of lemon garlic butter sauce over each tail. Allow it to seep between the meat and shell for maximum flavor. Dust lightly with smoked paprika before serving.
Step 6: Share Your Experience
After trying this recipe, don’t forget to return and let us know how it turned out! Leave your star ratings or comments; we love hearing from you!
How to Serve Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails
Serving Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails can elevate any dining experience. These succulent tails pair beautifully with a variety of accompaniments, making your meal truly unforgettable.
Pair with Fresh Salads
- Arugula Salad: A peppery arugula salad adds a refreshing contrast to the rich lobster.
- Caesar Salad: Classic flavors from romaine and creamy dressing complement the dish well.
- Cucumber Salad: Crisp cucumbers with a light vinaigrette provide a refreshing bite.
Add Flavorful Sauces
- Chimichurri: This herbaceous sauce brings a zesty kick that pairs nicely with grilled lobster.
- Mango Salsa: Sweet and spicy mango salsa offers a tropical twist that enhances the seafood flavor.
- Garlic Aioli: Creamy garlic aioli adds richness and depth to each bite of lobster.
Serve with Bread
- Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover lemon butter sauce.
- Crusty Baguette: A fresh baguette provides a delightful crunch alongside the tender lobster tails.
How to Perfect Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails
Perfecting Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails requires attention to detail. With these tips, you’ll achieve restaurant-quality results at home.
- Properly Butterfly: Make sure to butterfly your lobster tails correctly to ensure even cooking and enhance presentation.
- Watch the Temperature: Grill at medium-high heat for optimal cooking; overheating can result in tough meat.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, lemon zest, and parsley enhance the sauce’s flavor significantly.
- Baste While Cooking: Brush the tails with lemon garlic butter while grilling for added moisture and taste.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the tails to rest briefly after grilling; this helps retain juices for better flavor.
- Check Internal Temperature: Use a digital thermometer; an internal temperature of 140°F ensures perfectly cooked lobster.
Best Side Dishes for Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails
Pairing side dishes with Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails adds variety and balance to your meal. Here are some excellent choices:
- Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus adds a vibrant color and nutty flavor that complements seafood.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A fluffy quinoa pilaf mixed with herbs provides a hearty yet light side option.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with herb butter enhances the summer grilling experience.
- Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with roasted garlic create a comforting balance against rich lobster tails.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw brings crunch and acidity that cuts through the richness of the butter sauce.
- Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf garnished with herbs is an excellent base for soaking up excess lemon butter sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Overcooking the lobster tails: Cooking them too long can lead to tough meat. Keep a close eye on the cooking time and check the internal temperature.
- Not using enough seasoning: The natural sweetness of lobster needs enhancement. Make sure to season generously with salt and use the lemon garlic butter sauce for flavor.
- Skipping the skewer step: Failing to skewer can cause the tails to curl during grilling. Always secure the lobster tails with a skewer for even cooking.
- Using cold butter for the sauce: Cold butter won’t mix well with garlic and lemon zest. Ensure your clarified butter is warm enough to blend smoothly.
- Ignoring grill temperature: Cooking on a low grill can result in uneven cooking. Preheat your grill properly for perfectly grilled lobster tails.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover lobster tails in an airtight container.
- They can last in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Freezing Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails
- Wrap cooled lobster tails tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the lobster tails in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Place lobster tails on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in short intervals (15-20 seconds) until warmed through, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water and cover, steaming until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when my Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails are done?
The lobster is done when its meat turns white and pearly, and it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F.
Can I use frozen lobster tails for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen lobster tails, but ensure they are fully thawed before grilling for even cooking.
What should I serve with Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails?
Pair them with sides like grilled vegetables, rice pilaf, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
How can I customize my lemon butter sauce?
You can add spices like chili flakes or herbs like thyme to elevate your sauce according to your taste preferences.
Final Thoughts
Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails offer an indulgent yet easy-to-make main dish that impresses at any gathering. Their bright flavors and succulent texture make them perfect for summer grilling or special occasions. Feel free to customize your lemon butter sauce with herbs and spices to suit your taste!
Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails are the ultimate summer indulgence, perfect for impressing guests at backyard BBQs or enjoying a cozy dinner at home. This gourmet seafood dish features succulent lobster tails marinated in a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce, all ready in under 20 minutes. The grilling process adds a delightful smoky flavor and beautiful char, making each bite irresistible. Whether served as an elegant main course or a stunning appetizer, these grilled lobster tails promise to elevate your dining experience with their mouthwatering taste and stunning presentation.
Ingredients
- 4 8-ounce lobster tails
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher salt (divided)
- 1/2 cup unsalted clarified butter
- 4–5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon flat leaf parsley (chopped)
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Prepare the Lemon Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt clarified butter and add minced garlic, lemon zest, chopped parsley, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Butterfly the Lobster Tails: Use kitchen shears to butterfly each tail while keeping it attached at one end. Skewer vertically with soaked wooden or metal skewers.
- Season the Tails: Brush the meat side of each tail with olive oil and sprinkle with remaining salt.
- Grill the Lobster Tails: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Place tails meat-side down on the top rack for 5-6 minutes; flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until opaque and internal temperature reaches 140°F.
- Serve: Remove from grill and spoon lemon garlic butter sauce over each tail before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 lobster tail (about 170g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
