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Yields:
4 serving(s)
Prep Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
35 mins
There is no better way to send Dad a happy Father's Day message than a meal off of the grill! Whether its grilled steak, grilled chicken, or grilled pork chops at the barbecue, Dad is sure to love anything on the menu that is charred and smokey. But if you're looking for something extra special, maybe even a little luxurious, try these grilled lobster tails. They are quick to cook and the perfect treat to elevate any summer dinner.
How do you cook lobster tails on the grill?
Lobster tails are easy to cook! Start with lobster tails, fresh or thawed. This recipe uses a quick, 15-minute marinade to infuse the lobster with flavor and moisture. Make a cut through part of the shell and flesh to allow the marinade to soak in. Skewers help to keep the tails flat while grilling and help them to cook evenly throughout. From there, just heat a grill very hot (400 to 450°), and sear on both sides.
How long does it take to grill lobster tails?
Once the grill is hot, these are quick to cook! Lobster tails can vary by size, but usually only slightly. The cook time is pretty similar for different sizes. Grill the tails for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, until the flesh is firm and opaque.
Do you have to boil lobster tails before grilling?
No need to boil! Lobster tails can be fully cooked directly on the grill. That said, direct heat can dry them out. It is important to marinade them briefly to impart flavor and moisture. Like shrimp, grilling them in the shell also helps to keep the tail meat moist and juicy.
What do you serve with grilled lobster tails?
They pair well with crispy roasted potatoes (or make air fryer potatoes and skip turning on your oven)! Or, there should be plenty of space on the grill for a vegetable like grilled asparagus. For a surf and turf menu, pair them with steak, like Ladd Drummond's Grilled Beef Tenderloin. Any dad would be pleased!
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Ingredients
For the Grilled Lobster:
- 8
12-inch skewers
- 4
lobster tails
- 1/2
lemon, juiced
- 1
clove garlic, chopped
- 1/4 cup
olive oil
- 1/2 tsp.
salt
- 1/4 tsp.
black pepper
- 1/8 tsp.
crushed red pepper, optional
Lemon wedges
For the Garlic-Herb Butter:
- 1
stick salted butter, melted (1/2 cup)
- 1
clove garlic, finely chopped
- 1 Tbsp.
chopped chives
- 1/2
lemon, juiced
Directions
- Step 1For the grilled lobster: If using wooden skewers, place in water. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (400 to 450°). Oil the grill grates well.
- Step 2Cut down the center of the top of lobster shell using strong kitchen scissors. Make a cut through the center of the meat, using a knife, to a depth of about halfway through the flesh.
- Step 3Combine the lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper in a large bowl. Add the lobster and toss well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
- Step 4For the garlic-herb butter: Meanwhile, melt the butter. Stir in the garlic, chives, and lemon juice.
- Step 5Remove the lobster from the marinade. Insert two skewers lengthwise through the lobster meat on either side of the cut. (This keeps the lobster flat when grilled and helps it to cook evenly).
- Step 6Place the lobster in the grill pan or on the grill over direct heat. Grill cut side down for about 6 minutes, until lightly charred. Flip and cook 5 to 6 more minutes until the lobster is firm and opaque. Remove from heat and serve immediately alongside lemon wedges and garlic-herb butter for dipping.
You can use fresh tails, or thaw frozen tails before marinading!
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