Imagine sinking your teeth into tender, smoky lobster meat, infused with the rich, aromatic flavors of garlic and a tantalizing hint of spice. These Grilled Lobster Tails, slathered in a homemade spicy garlic butter, are guaranteed to be the star of your next summer cookout. Forget those bland, steamed lobsters of the past! We’re bringing the heat and flavor to the grill.

𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁

Grilling seafood can seem intimidating, but fear not! This recipe is surprisingly simple, yielding impressive results every time. With a few key techniques and a vibrant garlic butter, you’ll be enjoying restaurant-quality lobster tails right in your backyard.

Why This Grilled Lobster Tail Recipe Rocks

This isn’t just another grilled lobster tail recipe. We’re talking about:

𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁

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Unbelievably Tender Lobster: Grilling preserves the delicate texture of the lobster, keeping it juicy and succulent.
Explosive Flavor: The spicy garlic butter penetrates the lobster meat, creating a symphony of savory, sweet, and subtly spicy notes.
Simple Yet Impressive: With minimal prep and a quick grilling time, this recipe is perfect for both weeknight dinners and weekend gatherings.
Summer BBQ Sensation: Impress your guests with a dish that’s both elegant and approachable.

Ingredients for the Best Grilled Lobster Tails

Here’s what you’ll need to create these mouthwatering grilled lobster tails:

Lobster Tails: 6 (6-8 oz each), fresh or thawed. Aim for similar sizes for even cooking.
Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick), softened to room temperature.
Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup, finely chopped. Italian parsley is preferred for its robust flavor.
Garlic: 4 cloves, minced. Freshly minced garlic makes a huge difference in flavor.
Shallot: 1 small, minced. Shallots add a subtle sweetness that complements the garlic.
Lemon Zest: 1 teaspoon, from about 1/2 a lemon. Adds a bright, citrusy note.
Calabrian Chili Paste (or Red Pepper Flakes): 1-2 teaspoons, depending on your spice preference. Calabrian chili paste offers a complex, fruity heat.
Fresh Lemons: 2, halved. One for grilling and one for serving.
Sea Salt: To taste.
Black Pepper: Freshly ground, to taste.
Olive Oil: For greasing the grill grates.

How to Grill Lobster Tails: Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for perfectly grilled lobster tails every time:

Prepare the Spicy Garlic Butter: In a small saucepan, combine the softened butter, minced shallot, minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon zest, and Calabrian chili paste (or red pepper flakes). Stir well to combine. Gently heat the butter mixture over low heat until just melted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to allow the flavors to meld. This infusion process is key to the butter’s rich taste.
Prep the Lobster Tails: Using sharp kitchen shears, cut down the center of the top shell of each lobster tail, starting from the wide end and stopping just before the tail fin. Be careful not to cut the meat. Gently pry the shell open, separating it slightly to expose the lobster meat. Season the exposed lobster meat with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Preheat the Grill: Preheat your outdoor grill to medium heat (around 375-400°F or 190-205°C). If using charcoal, spread the lit coals evenly for consistent heat. A clean and properly heated grill is essential for preventing sticking and achieving those beautiful grill marks.
Prepare the Grill Grates: Lightly grease the grill grates with olive oil. This will prevent the lobster from sticking. You can use a brush or a folded paper towel soaked in oil and held with tongs.
Grill the Lobster Tails: Place the lobster tails on the grill, cut-side up. Generously brush the exposed lobster meat with the spicy garlic butter. Close the grill lid and grill for 4-5 minutes. The lobster shells should begin to turn red.
Flip and Continue Grilling: Flip the lobster tails and brush the shells with more of the spicy garlic butter. Close the grill lid and continue grilling for another 4-5 minutes, or until the lobster meat is opaque and firm to the touch. The internal temperature should reach 135-140°F (57-60°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy. Avoid overcooking, as this will result in rubbery lobster.
Grill the Lemons: During the last 2-3 minutes of grilling, place the halved lemons, cut-side down, on the grill grates. Grill until slightly charred. This adds a smoky sweetness to the lemons, enhancing their flavor.
Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the grilled lobster tails to a serving platter. Squeeze the grilled lemons over the lobster meat. Drizzle with any remaining spicy garlic butter. Serve immediately and savor the deliciousness!

Essential Grilling Tips for Lobster Perfection

Mastering the grill is all about the details. Here are some key tips to ensure your grilled lobster tails are a triumph:

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Don’t Overcook: Lobster cooks quickly, so keep a close eye on it. Overcooked lobster is tough and rubbery.
Use a Meat Thermometer: The best way to ensure your lobster is cooked perfectly is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the tail meat.
Baste Generously: Continuously brushing the lobster with the spicy garlic butter ensures maximum flavor and keeps the meat moist.
Control the Heat: Grilling over medium heat prevents the lobster from burning on the outside while remaining raw inside.
Fresh is Best (But Frozen Works!): If using frozen lobster tails, thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight. Pat them dry before grilling.

Serving Suggestions: The Perfect Lobster Pairings

These grilled lobster tails deserve equally delicious accompaniments. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal:

Grilled Vegetables: Asparagus, corn on the cob, bell peppers, and zucchini are all excellent grilled vegetable choices.
Salads: A fresh, vibrant salad like a Caprese salad or a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich lobster.
Pasta: A light pasta dish, such as linguine with garlic and olive oil or a creamy pesto pasta, complements the lobster beautifully.
Rice Pilaf: A flavorful rice pilaf adds a touch of elegance to the meal.
Garlic Bread: Crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious spicy garlic butter.

Variations and Substitutions: Make It Your Own

Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your preferences and dietary needs:

Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Calabrian chili paste (or red pepper flakes) to control the heat. For a milder flavor, use a pinch of red pepper flakes or omit them altogether.
Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs in the garlic butter. Thyme, rosemary, or oregano would all be delicious additions.
Lemon-Herb Butter: Replace the spicy garlic butter with a simple lemon-herb butter. Combine softened butter with lemon zest, chopped herbs (such as parsley, chives, and dill), and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Vegan Option: Substitute the butter with a high-quality vegan butter alternative. Ensure the vegan butter is suitable for grilling and has a good flavor.
Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free.

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Spicy Grilled Lobster Tails