How to Grill Lobster Tails at Home

Grilling lobster tails is a delicious and easy way to enjoy this tasty crustacean. Whether you are looking for a simple weeknight meal or an elegant dinner party dish, grilling lobster tails is the perfect option.

Ingredients

To grill lobster tails, you will need the following ingredients:

• Fresh or frozen lobster tails
• Olive oil
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

Clean and prepare lobster tails in the shell

To prep your lobster tails for grilling, you will need to clean them and remove any roe or intestines. If using frozen lobster tails, allow the lobsters to defrost completely before prepping. Then, use a sharp knife to cut through the top of each tail shell along its length, so that it can be opened like a book.

Remove the meat from the shell.

Once your lobster tails are prepped, you can remove the meat from the shell and place it in a bowl. Drizzle the lobster meat with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also squeeze lemon juice over the lobster meat, if desired.

Step-by-step on how to grill lobster tails

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

2. Place the lobster tails on the grill, flesh side down, and cook for 3-5 minutes or until the meat is opaque and firm to the touch.

3. Brush some more olive oil onto the lobster tails, and flip them over so that they are skin side down on the grill. Grill for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the meat is opaque and firm to the touch.

4. Remove the lobster tails from the grill, and serve immediately with lemon wedges, if desired.

The best temperature for grilling lobster tails

Is medium-high, which will ensure that the meat cooks through without becoming tough or rubbery. When grilling lobster tails, it is important to keep a close eye on them and flip them as needed to prevent burning. With a little bit of care and attention, you can easily grill delicious lobster tails right in your own backyard!

How to grill lobster tail in foil?

One popular method for grilling lobster tail is to wrap it in foil before placing it on the grill. To do this, start by preparing your lobster tails as described above, prepping and seasoning them with olive oil, salt, and pepper as needed. Then, use a large piece of foil to form a packet around each lobster tail. Be sure to seal the edges of the foil tightly so that no steam can escape.

Once your lobster tails are wrapped in foil, place them on the grill over medium heat and cook for 7-10 minutes, flipping as needed. Remove from the grill when the meat is opaque and firm to the touch, and serve immediately with lemon wedges or your favorite dipping sauce.

Grilled lobster tail tips

Do not cut through the base. Don’t cut the tail to keep your beautiful lobster tail intact.

Choose the freshest lobster possible. When you’re hunting for new lobster tails at the market, there are a few things to look for:

• Brown skin (will turn red when cooked) and slightly gray flesh
• No fishy or pungent odors
• No slimy texture.

Use an instant-read thermometer. To ensure lobster tails are at an internal temperature that is safe to eat, use a meat thermometer to eliminate the guesswork. After the temperature hits 140°F, you better go!

What to serve with grilled Lobster Tails?

There are many delicious sides that pair well with grilled lobster tails, including roasted or mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, salad greens, and other seasonal vegetables.

You might also consider serving your lobster tails with a dipping sauce, such as melted butter or a creamy seafood sauce. Some popular options include remoulade sauce, lemon beurre blanc, or tartar sauce. Whether you prefer to keep things simple with a classic lobster dinner or dress things up with an elegant seafood feast, grilled lobster tails are sure to be the star of the show!

Grilled Lobster Tails Recipe FAQ:

1. Should I split a lobster tail before grilling?

No, it is not necessary to split the lobster tail before grilling. In fact, many people prefer to grill the entire lobster tail intact, as this keeps it looking beautiful and prevents any juices from leaking out during cooking.

2. How long should I cook my lobster tails on the grill?

The cooking time for grilled lobster tails will vary depending on the size and thickness of your lobster tail, as well as how hot your grill is. As a general rule, you should aim to grill the lobster tails for 3-5 minutes per side, flipping them occasionally to prevent burning.

3. How to defrost frozen lobster tails quickly?

There are several methods that can be used to quickly defrost frozen lobster tails. One option is to place the lobster tails in a bowl or pot of cold water, letting them sit until they are fully thawed.

If you are in a hurry and need to defrost your lobster tails more quickly, there are several methods that can be used to help speed up the process. One option is to place the lobster tails in a bowl or pot of cold water, and then transferring them to the refrigerator until they have fully thawed. You can also submerge the lobster tails in cold water, and then place the entire bowl in the refrigerator to help them to thaw more quickly.

However, it is important to avoid using a microwave for defrosting lobster tails, as this can lead to uneven cooking and may not be safe for consumption.

4. How long does frozen lobster take to defrost?

The length of time that it takes to defrost frozen lobster tails will depend on how large and thick the individual tails are, as well as how quickly your refrigerator is able to defrost them. Typically, larger or thicker tails will require a longer period of time to fully thaw, while smaller or thinner tails may thaw more quickly.

As a general rule, it is best to allow several hours for frozen lobster tails to fully thaw before cooking. You can also check the temperature of your lobsters periodically with a meat thermometer to ensure that they have reached an internal temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit prior to removing them from the grill. With a little patience and care, you can easily enjoy beautiful and delicious grilled lobster tails at home!

5. Should lobster tails be boiled before grilling?

No, there is no need to boil lobster tails before grilling them. In fact, many people prefer to grill their lobster tails directly on the grill or in a foil packet, as this helps to keep the meat tender and juicy. You can also brush your lobster tails with melted butter or a savory dipping sauce for additional flavor and richness. With a little bit of care and attention, you can easily enjoy delicious, juicy grilled lobster tails at home!​

6. How to devein a lobster tail?

There are a few different methods that can be used to devein lobster tails. One option is to use a sharp knife or kitchen scissors to cut open the top of the lobster shell, exposing the meat and vein inside.

Another option is to use kitchen tweezers or a special deveining tool to remove the vein from the inside of the lobster tail. Regardless of how you choose to devein your lobster tails, it is best to do so immediately after cooking, while the flesh is still hot and pliable. With careful attention and a little bit of patience, you can easily devein your lobster tails at home!​

Conclusion

Grilled lobster tails are a delicious and elegant dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you prefer to grill your lobster tails in foil or directly on the grill, with a little bit of care and attention, you can easily enjoy this delicious seafood dish at home!

Godfrey Jensen

I’m Godfrey Jensen, CEO and head chef at Lapps Meats. We’re a top-quality butcher with over 70 years of experience. Our goal is to provide our customers with the best, freshest products possible. We take our food seriously, and we love serving the community by providing them with quality meat products.