If you are craving a seafood dish that feels like a special celebration but is surprisingly simple to prepare, the Grilled Lobster Tails with Lemon Herb Butter Recipe is your new go-to. Imagine tender, smoky lobster meat perfectly kissed by a bright and buttery lemon herb sauce that elevates every bite. This recipe combines fresh, vibrant ingredients with straightforward grilling techniques to deliver a meal that’s as impressive as it is comforting. Whether it’s a weekend treat or a dinner party showstopper, these grilled lobster tails will make you fall in love with seafood all over again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Although the ingredient list for this Grilled Lobster Tails with Lemon Herb Butter Recipe is short, each component plays an essential role in balancing flavors and creating that crave-worthy taste and inviting aroma. Fresh herbs add color and brightness, while butter and garlic bring richness and depth.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, melted): The base of the lemon herb butter sauce, creating a luscious and silky coating for the lobster.
- Lemon juice (from 1 lemon): Adds a fresh and zesty brightness that cuts through the richness.
- Lemon zest (from 1 lemon): Provides an extra punch of citrus flavor without adding acidity.
- Chopped fresh green onion (2 tablespoons): Offers a gentle, oniony crispness that complements the herbs beautifully.
- Chopped fresh parsley (2 tablespoons): Brings a vibrant green color and a fresh herbaceous note.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): Delivers a subtle savory depth that enhances the overall sauce.
- Sea salt (1 1/4 teaspoon, divided): Essential for seasoning, it unlocks all the natural flavors.
- Lobster tails (4, about 4 ounces each): The star ingredient: rich, delicate meat perfect for grilling.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon for brushing): Helps achieve a beautiful char without sticking to the grill.
- Freshly ground black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle heat to contrast the buttery sauce.
- Lemon wedges (for serving): A finishing touch for an extra burst of citrus on the plate.
- Wooden skewers (4, soaked in water): Keep the lobster tails flat as they cook, preventing curling.
How to Make Grilled Lobster Tails with Lemon Herb Butter Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Grill
Start by preheating your grill or an indoor grill pan to medium heat. This ensures a perfect sear on your lobster tails, bringing out that slight smokiness and gorgeous grill marks which make this dish visually appealing and packed with flavor.
Step 2: Make the Lemon Herb Butter
While the grill warms up, whisk together melted butter, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, green onions, parsley, minced garlic, and a pinch of sea salt in a small bowl. This aromatic blend is key, imbuing the lobster with layers of fresh, tangy, and buttery flavors that make every bite memorable.
Step 3: Prepare the Lobster Tails
Using sharp kitchen shears, carefully cut down the top of each lobster shell to the tail, then slice halfway through the lobster meat lengthwise without cutting all the way through. This allows the lobster to cook evenly and soak up all the luscious lemon herb butter.
Step 4: Insert Skewers to Keep Tails Straight
Thread a soaked wooden skewer lengthwise through each lobster tail. This clever trick prevents the tails from curling up during grilling, ensuring they cook flat and evenly for that perfectly tender texture.
Step 5: Season and Oil the Lobster
Brush the exposed lobster meat with olive oil, then sprinkle the remaining sea salt and freshly ground black pepper on top. This step helps to enhance the natural flavors and create a slight crust when seared on the grill.
Step 6: Grill the Lobster Tails
Place the lobster tails meat side down on the grill first and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until lightly charred. This initial searing locks in juices and adds a subtle smoky taste that is simply irresistible.
Step 7: Flip and Baste with Lemon Herb Butter
Turn the tails over and generously brush the meat with your lemon herb butter mixture. Continue grilling for another 3 to 4 minutes until the lobster turns opaque and is just cooked through, basting occasionally to keep the meat moist and flavorful.
Step 8: Serve and Garnish
Remove the lobster tails from the grill, garnish them with extra green onion and parsley for a pop of color and freshness, then serve alongside lemon wedges and the remaining lemon herb butter. Get ready for a plate of pure deliciousness!
How to Serve Grilled Lobster Tails with Lemon Herb Butter Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh green onion and parsley sprinkled over the lobster add a burst of color and a hint of fresh herb flavor that brightens the rich, buttery meat. A wedge of lemon always helps each diner customize the citrusy punch to their liking.
Side Dishes
This Grilled Lobster Tails with Lemon Herb Butter Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple, bright sides such as garlic butter asparagus, a crisp garden salad, or even a light lemon risotto. These choices keep the focus on the lobster while adding complementary textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the lobster tails in their shells to keep it rustic and elegant, or remove the meat and arrange it on a platter with fresh herbs and lemon slices for a refined presentation. You can also place them atop a bed of wilted spinach or creamy polenta, creating a stunning centerpiece that’s sure to wow guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the cooked lobster tails in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep the lemon herb butter separately to reheat later and brush on fresh for the best flavor.
Freezing
While lobster is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooked lobster tails by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer bag. Use within one month and thaw slowly in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the lobster tails in a low oven or covered skillet with lemon herb butter to keep them moist and flavorful. Avoid overcooking, which can dry out the tender meat.
FAQs
What type of lobster tails work best for grilling?
Fresh or fresh-frozen cold water lobster tails around 4 ounces each are ideal. They have tender, sweet meat that grills beautifully without drying out.
Can I use frozen lobster tails for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them properly overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture and flavor before grilling.
How do I know when the lobster is cooked?
Lobster meat turns opaque and firm when cooked—usually around 6 to 8 minutes total on the grill. Avoid overcooking to keep it juicy and tender.
Can I prepare the lemon herb butter ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the lemon herb butter a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature or warm slightly before grilling for easier brushing.
What if I don’t have a grill—can I cook lobster tails another way?
Definitely! You can broil lobster tails in the oven or cook them in a skillet on the stove, always finishing with generous basting of the lemon herb butter for that signature flavor.
Final Thoughts
The Grilled Lobster Tails with Lemon Herb Butter Recipe is a vibrant, elegant dish that turns any meal into a celebration. Its perfect balance of bright, fresh herbs with rich butter and juicy lobster meat will make your taste buds sing. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—you might find it fast becoming your favorite way to enjoy lobster at home.
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Grilled Lobster Tails with Lemon Herb Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This recipe for grilled lobster tails features succulent lobster meat perfectly cooked over medium heat, infused with a zesty lemon herb butter. The lobster tails are prepared with a flavorful mixture of melted butter, fresh lemon juice and zest, green onion, parsley, and garlic, then grilled to achieve a slightly charred exterior while maintaining a tender, juicy interior. A simple yet elegant dish ideal for special occasions or a luxurious weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Lobster Tails
- 4 lobster tails (4-ounce each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
- 1¼ teaspoon sea salt (¼ teaspoon divided)
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 4 wooden skewers (soaked in water)
Lemon Herb Butter
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- Juice from 1 lemon
- Zest from 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh green onion (plus more for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill or an indoor grill pan over medium heat to ensure proper cooking temperature.
- Prepare Lemon Herb Butter: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped green onion, chopped parsley, minced garlic, and ¼ teaspoon sea salt until well combined.
- Prepare Lobster Tails: Using sharp kitchen shears, carefully cut down the top of each lobster shell to the tail. Make a shallow lengthwise cut halfway through the lobster meat with a sharp knife without cutting all the way through.
- Insert Skewers: Insert a soaked wooden skewer lengthwise through each lobster tail to prevent curling during grilling.
- Season Lobster: Brush the lobster meat with olive oil and season with the remaining 1 teaspoon sea salt and freshly ground black pepper evenly.
- Grill Lobster Tails: Place the lobster tails meat side down on the hot grill. Cook until lightly charred, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.
- Baste and Continue Cooking: Flip the tails over and generously brush the lemon herb butter onto the lobster meat. Continue grilling for another 3 to 4 minutes until the lobster is opaque and cooked through, basting frequently with the lemon herb butter for extra flavor.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove lobster tails from the grill. Garnish with extra chopped green onion and parsley if desired. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and the remaining lemon herb butter. Enjoy!
Notes
- Soaking wooden skewers in water prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Do not overcook lobster tails to maintain their tender texture; they cook quickly and become tough if left too long on the grill.
- Lemon herb butter can be prepared ahead of time and stored refrigerated for up to two days.
- Wooden skewers provide gentle support, but metal skewers can be used with proper care on the grill.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best bright and vibrant flavor.
