Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails

Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails are a delightful seafood dish perfect for summer gatherings, romantic dinners, or any special occasion. This recipe features succulent lobster tails brushed with a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce that enhances their natural sweetness. Ready in less than 20 minutes, these grilled lobster tails are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.

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Why You ll Love This Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails

These lobster tails offer an array of benefits that make them a must-try recipe.

Quick Preparation: The entire dish can be ready in just 20 minutes, making it an excellent choice for a last-minute dinner.
Rich Flavor: The combination of lemon, garlic, and butter creates a mouthwatering sauce that elevates the taste of the lobster.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them as a main dish or as part of a seafood platter at your next gathering.
Impressive Presentation: Grilled lobster tails look stunning on any plate, making them perfect for entertaining.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice cooks can create this gourmet meal.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin cooking, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Grill
Small saucepan
Kitchen shears
Basting brush
Skewers (wooden or metal)

Importance of Each Tool

Grill: Provides high heat for perfect grilling and enhances the flavor with char marks.
Kitchen Shears: Make it easy to butterfly lobster tails without damaging the meat.
Basting Brush: Helps apply the lemon butter sauce evenly over the lobster for maximum flavor infusion.

Ingredients

For the Lobster Tails

4 8-ounce lobster tails
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher salt (divided)

For the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

1/2 cup unsalted clarified butter
4-5 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon flat leaf parsley (roughly chopped)
2 teaspoons lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

For Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails

Step 1: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce

Melt the clarified butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
* Add minced garlic, lemon zest, parsley, and remaining salt.
* Stir well to combine and heat for an additional 1 2 minutes.
* Remove from heat and set aside. If it hardens, simply reheat until melted.

Step 2: Prepare the Lobster Tails

Using kitchen shears, butterfly each lobster tail.
* Gently loosen the flesh from the shell.
* Devein the top of each tail if needed.
* Skewer each tail lengthwise with a soaked wooden skewer or metal skewer.

Step 3: Season the Lobster Tails

Brush the meat of each lobster tail with olive oil.
* Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon of coarse kosher salt on top.
* Set aside while preparing the grill.

Step 4: Grill the Lobster Tails

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
* Place lobster tails on the top grill rack, meat side down.
* Grill for 5 6 minutes, then turn and cook for another 1 2 minutes until meat is white and pearly.
* Ensure internal temperature reaches 140Â°F using a digital thermometer.

Step 5: Finish with Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

Remove lobster tails from grill.
* Spoon lemon garlic butter sauce over each tail, allowing it to seep between meat and shell.
* Dust with smoked paprika before serving.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

If you ve made this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the star ratings or comments section. Enjoy your delicious Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails!

How to Serve Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails

Serving Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails can elevate any dining experience, making it feel special and luxurious. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your meal.

Pair with a Fresh Salad

Arugula Salad: Toss arugula with cherry tomatoes, shaved parmesan, and a light lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds crunch and creaminess, balancing the rich flavors of the lobster tails.

Accompany with Garlic Bread

Toasted Garlic Bread: Serve warm, crispy garlic bread brushed with olive oil or butter. It s perfect for soaking up the delicious lemon garlic butter sauce.

Enhance with Dipping Sauces

Spicy Aioli: A zesty aioli can add an exciting kick and complement the sweetness of the lobster.
Herb Butter: A simple herb-infused butter makes a great dip that pairs wonderfully with grilled seafood.

Add a Wine Pairing

Chardonnay: A chilled glass of Chardonnay perfectly complements the richness of lobster.
Sauvignon Blanc: This crisp wine offers a refreshing counterbalance to the buttery taste of your dish.

How to Perfect Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails

For the best results when making Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails, consider these helpful tips:

Bold Preparation: Butterfly the lobster tails carefully to ensure even cooking and better absorption of flavors.
Bold Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh lemon and parsley for the best flavor in your butter sauce.
Bold Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on cooking time; overcooking can lead to tough meat. Aim for an internal temperature of 140Â°F.
Bold Preheat Your Grill: Make sure your grill is hot enough before placing the tails on it to achieve perfect grill marks and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails

Complement your Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails with delightful side dishes. Here are some options that pair well:

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide a comforting side that balances the meal.
Grilled Asparagus: Lightly seasoned grilled asparagus adds a vibrant, crunchy texture alongside your lobster tails.
Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn enhances summer vibes; grill it for additional flavor and serve with lime butter.
Rice Pilaf: A flavorful rice pilaf flavored with herbs can soak up any leftover sauce, making every bite enjoyable.
Coleslaw: A light coleslaw brings a crunchy, tangy contrast that brightens up the plate next to rich lobster.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables provide color and nutrition while enhancing overall taste profiles.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When grilling lobster tails, it s easy to make mistakes that can ruin the dish. Here are some common errors to watch out for.

Skipping the butterflying step: Not butterflying the lobster tails makes it difficult for them to cook evenly. Always butterfly them for better cooking and flavor absorption.
Ignoring the grill temperature: Grilling at too low a temperature can lead to rubbery texture. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat for the best results.
Overcooking the lobster: Cooking lobster tails for too long will make them tough. Keep an eye on cooking times and use a thermometer for perfect doneness.
Not seasoning enough: A sprinkle of salt and seasoning enhances flavor significantly. Don t skimp on seasoning your lobster tails before grilling.
Letting the butter sauce cool too much: If your lemon butter sauce cools, it will harden. Keep it warm or reheat gently before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Use within 2 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Instructions

Wrap each lobster tail tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag.
Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Instructions

Oven: Preheat to 350Â°F (175Â°C). Place lobster tails in a baking dish with a bit of water and cover with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Place lobster tails on a microwave-safe plate covered with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds until warmed.
Stovetop: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a little lemon butter sauce to keep moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to serve Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails?

Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails are best served hot off the grill with extra lemon garlic butter drizzled over them.

Can I use frozen lobster tails?

Yes, you can use frozen lobster tails. Just ensure they are fully thawed before grilling for even cooking.

How do I know when my lobster tails are cooked?

The meat should turn white and opaque, with an internal temperature of 140Â°F (60Â°C) when cooked properly.

Can I customize this Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails recipe?

Absolutely! You can add different herbs or spices to the lemon butter sauce for varied flavors.

What should I pair with grilled lobster tails?

Grilled vegetables, rice pilaf, or a fresh salad work well as side dishes to complement your Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails.

Final Thoughts

Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails are not only quick and easy but also incredibly delicious. This recipe allows for customization based on your preferences add more spices or herbs as you like! We encourage you to try this dish at your next gathering; its gourmet appeal will impress everyone at the table.