Grilled Lobster Tail with Garlic Butter Recipe

There’s something so celebratory about sitting down to a platter of Grilled Lobster Tail with Garlic Butter. This recipe takes just minutes to pull together but makes any meal feel like a five-star feast. The smoky-charred lobster and luscious garlic butter are a match made in seafood heaven—you’ll never want to eat lobster any other way!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Grilled Lobster Tail with Garlic Butter recipe is a celebration of pure, simple flavors—each ingredient absolutely shines and serves a purpose. Fresh lobster, creamy butter, and zingy aromatics come together for a dish that’s as luxurious as it is easy to make.

• Lobster tails (4, 6 to 8-ounce each): The star of the show—choose tails that are thawed with bright, clean shells for best results.
• Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Softened butter carries all the garlic and herb flavor straight into the lobster meat.
• Lemon (½ medium): Cut into wedges for squeezing over the hot lobster, adding a pop of brightness and acidity.
• Garlic (2 cloves): Finely chopped for maximum aroma—garlic makes the butter absolutely irresistible!
• Fresh parsley leaves (1 tablespoon): Chopped parsley provides color and a blast of freshness.
• Kosher salt (1 teaspoon, divided): Seasoning the butter and the lobster ensures every bite is flavorful from the inside out.
• Vegetable or olive oil (1 teaspoon): Brushed on before grilling to help prevent sticking and encourage beautiful grill marks.

Variations

The beauty of Grilled Lobster Tail with Garlic Butter is just how easy it is to make your own. Once you’ve mastered the basics, try one of these playful spins to match your mood, pantry, or dietary needs—this is a recipe meant to be tailored to you!

• Citrus-Herb Butter: Add a little grated lemon zest and swap parsley for fresh tarragon or chives for a truly gourmet twist.
• Spicy Lobster Tails: Stir a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne into your garlic butter for a little heat.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use a high-quality plant-based butter alternative—you’ll still get wonderful flavor and that signature richness.
• Grilled Lobster Tails in Foil: For those who want less char, wrap the tails loosely in foil with the butter mixture and grill—moist, silky, and foolproof for beginners!

How to Make Grilled Lobster Tail with Garlic Butter

Step 1: Thaw and Prep the Lobster

If your lobster tails are frozen, transfer them to the refrigerator the night before so they slowly thaw without losing any texture. Pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels before you start prepping—this helps them grill up beautifully instead of steaming.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter

Soften your butter to room temperature so it mixes easily. Add the finely chopped garlic, parsley, and half of the kosher salt. Mash it all together with a fork until the herbs and garlic are evenly scattered throughout the butter—the aroma right now is worth lingering over!

Step 3: Cut and Loosen the Lobster Tails

With shell side up, use sharp kitchen shears to cut a clean line straight down the top of each shell, stopping before you reach the tail fin. Next, gently loosen the meat from the shell with your fingers, lift it above the shell, and lay it back down—you want the meat exposed but still protected by the shell underneath.

Step 4: Split and Flatten the Meat

Cut the lobster meat in half lengthwise, but don’t cut all the way through the bottom shell. Open it up like a book—this helps the lobster cook quickly and evenly on the grill (and makes for a dramatic presentation!).

Step 5: Grill Flesh-Side Down

Preheat your grill to medium, about 350-400ºF, and clean the grates well. Brush each lobster tail with a bit of oil and a sprinkle of the remaining kosher salt. Place the tails flesh-side down over the hottest part of the grill, cover, and let them sizzle for around 5 minutes—this is when you’ll get those gorgeous char marks.

Step 6: Finish with Garlic Butter and Grill Shell-Side Down

Flip the lobster tails so the shell side is down. Mound spoonfuls of garlic butter generously over the top. Cover the grill again and cook 3–5 minutes more, just until the meat is opaque and registers 135–140ºF inside. The butter will melt into every crevice. Serve immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing.

How to Serve Grilled Lobster Tail with Garlic Butter

Garnishes

For an extra flourish, sprinkle finely chopped fresh parsley or chives over the grilled lobster just before serving. Add plenty of fresh lemon wedges for squeezing—nothing cuts through that rich garlic butter quite like a spritz of lemon juice.

Side Dishes

This Grilled Lobster Tail with Garlic Butter pairs beautifully with simple, summery sides—think a crisp Caesar salad, roasted asparagus, buttery corn on the cob, or even a fluffy rice pilaf. Add a fresh baguette to soak up any leftover garlic butter for a meal that tastes like an oceanside holiday.

Creative Ways to Present

For extra wow-factor, arrange the lobster tails in a fan shape on a platter, shells facing outward, and decorate with fresh lemon slices and herb sprigs. You can even serve individual tails on wooden boards with a small ramekin of extra garlic butter for dipping—everyone gets their own luxury experience!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftover lobster, let the meat cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. It will stay tender and flavorful in the refrigerator for up to two days—perfect for lobster rolls the next day!

Freezing

While freshly grilled lobster is always best, you can freeze leftover lobster meat in a freezer-safe bag for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and use in salads, pasta, or chowder—just know the texture may be a little softer after freezing.

Reheating

For the juiciest results, gently reheat leftover lobster tails wrapped in foil in a 300ºF oven until just warmed through. A dab of extra garlic butter before reheating helps keep the meat moist and flavorful—avoid microwaving, which can make lobster rubbery.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or just looking to step up your summer grilling game, this Grilled Lobster Tail with Garlic Butter is pure show-stopping magic. I hope you’ll treat yourself (and your loved ones) to the kind of meal that feels like a special occasion, even if it’s just a random weeknight. Happy grilling—you’re going to love every garlicky, buttery bite!

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