Treat yourself to a luxurious yet simple seafood dish with Grilled Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter. Perfectly grilled lobster paired with a rich garlic butter sauce is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re planning a fancy dinner or a cozy backyard BBQ, this recipe will impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Restaurant-Quality at Home: Easy to prepare yet elegant enough for special occasions.
- Bursting with Flavor: The garlic butter adds a rich and savory depth.
- Quick and Simple: Ready in under 20 minutes!
Ingredients for Perfection
For the Lobster Tails:
- 4 lobster tails
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Garlic Butter:
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Lobster Tails
- Cut the Shell: Using kitchen scissors, cut along the top of the shell lengthwise.
- Expose the Meat: Gently pull the meat up through the cut, placing it over the shell while keeping it attached at the base. This makes the lobster easier to grill and visually stunning.
2. Make the Garlic Butter
- Mix Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Grill the Lobster Tails
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium heat (about 375°F).
- Brush with Butter: Generously coat the lobster meat with the prepared garlic butter.
- Grill:
- Meat-Side Down: Place the lobster tails meat-side down and grill for 4-5 minutes.
- Flip: Turn them shell-side down and continue grilling for another 4-5 minutes, basting with more garlic butter.
- The meat is done when it is opaque and firm, with an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
4. Serve and Garnish
- Drizzle Extra Butter: Pour the remaining garlic butter over the cooked lobster tails.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for a zesty finish.
Tips for Grilling Lobster Tails
- Choose Fresh Lobster: Look for lobster tails that are firm and brightly colored.
- Avoid Overcooking: Lobster becomes tough if overcooked, so keep an eye on it.
- Use Indirect Heat: For even cooking, place the lobster tails slightly away from the direct flame.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your grilled lobster tails with these delicious sides for a complete meal:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and flavorful to complement the rich lobster.
- Grilled Asparagus: Adds a fresh and healthy balance to the meal.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up every drop of the garlic butter.
Nutritional Information
- Serving Size: 1 lobster tail
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen lobster tails?
Yes, just thaw them completely in the refrigerator before grilling.
2. What if I don’t have a grill?
You can broil the lobster tails in the oven. Place them under the broiler for 8-10 minutes, basting halfway through.
3. Can I make this dish ahead?
While best served fresh, you can prepare the garlic butter sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge.
Conclusion
This Grilled Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter recipe combines simplicity and elegance, making it the perfect centerpiece for any meal. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s a surefire way to wow your guests or indulge yourself.