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Perfect Grilled Lobster Tails Recipe with Easy Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

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This grilled lobster tails recipe delivers juicy, flavorful lobster with a luscious lemon garlic butter sauce. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s perfect for special occasions or a simple backyard dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large lobster tails (6–8 ounces each; fresh or fully thawed frozen)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt to taste (kosher salt recommended)
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing lobster shells)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the lobster tails: Using kitchen scissors, carefully cut down the top shell of each lobster tail lengthwise, stopping just before the tail fin. Gently pry the shell open and loosen the meat from the shell without detaching it completely. Lift the meat up and rest it on top of the shell. (Approximate time: 10 minutes)
  2. Make the lemon garlic butter sauce: In a small mixing bowl, combine melted unsalted butter, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well mixed. Reserve about half to baste during grilling. (Approximate time: 5 minutes)
  3. Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F (200°C). If using charcoal, let the coals turn white-hot. Lightly oil the grill grates or brush the lobster shells with olive oil to prevent sticking. (Approximate time: 10 minutes)
  4. Grill the lobster tails: Place the lobster tails meat-side down on the grill and cook for about 5 minutes. Flip the tails so the meat faces up. Start basting generously with the lemon garlic butter. Continue grilling, basting every 2 minutes for 8-10 minutes.
  5. Check for doneness: The lobster meat should be opaque and firm but still juicy. If using a meat thermometer, aim for an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). Avoid overcooking to keep tenderness. If garlic bits start to burn, lower the heat or baste less frequently.
  6. Serve immediately: Transfer the grilled lobster tails to plates and spoon over any remaining butter sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Do not skip loosening the lobster meat from the shell to allow butter absorption and even cooking. Prepare the lemon garlic butter sauce fresh before grilling to maintain vibrant flavors. Watch the heat carefully to avoid burning garlic or drying out the lobster. Use indirect heat if possible to finish cooking and prevent flare-ups. Avoid overcooking to keep lobster tender. Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 2 days and reheated gently to maintain moisture.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled lobster tails, lemon garlic butter sauce, seafood recipe, easy lobster recipe, summer barbecue, backyard dinner

Find it online: https://coracooks.com/perfect-grilled-lobster-tails-recipe-with-easy-lemon-garlic-butter-sauce/