
Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails are a true delight for seafood lovers. This dish combines the rich, sweet flavor of fresh lobster with a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce. Perfect for summer gatherings, special occasions, or a delicious weeknight dinner, these lobster tails can be grilled to perfection in under 20 minutes. Impress your guests and treat yourself to this gourmet experience that’s easy to prepare!
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails
These lobster tails are not just tasty; they offer numerous benefits.
- Quick Preparation: This recipe is ready in less than 20 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of lemon, garlic, and butter enhances the natural sweetness of the lobster.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as an appetizer or a main course; it fits any occasion perfectly.
- Impressive Presentation: Beautifully grilled lobster tails will wow your guests at any gathering.
- Healthy Option: Packed with protein and healthy fats, this dish fits well into various diets.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more fun.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Grill
- Kitchen shears
- Small saucepan
- Basting brush
- Digital thermometer
Importance of Each Tool
- Grill: Provides the high heat needed for perfect grilling, giving the lobster tails a delightful smoky flavor.
- Kitchen Shears: Makes butterflying the lobster tails quick and easy without damaging the meat.
- Digital Thermometer: Ensures you cook the lobster to the right internal temperature for safety and quality.
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

How to Make Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails
Step 1: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
- Add minced garlic, lemon zest, parsley, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- Stir to combine and heat for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and set aside. If it cools too much, simply reheat until melted.
Step 2: Prepare the Lobster Tails
- Use kitchen shears to butterfly each lobster tail.
- Gently loosen the flesh from the shell while leaving it attached at one end.
- Devein the top of each tail if necessary.
- Skewer each tail lengthwise with a soaked wooden or metal skewer.
Step 3: Season Lobster Tails
- Brush the meat with olive oil.
- Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon of coarse kosher salt.
Step 4: Grill Lobster Tails
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Place lobster tails on the top grill rack, meat side down for 5-6 minutes.
- Turn them over and continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the meat is white and pearly.
- Check that internal temperature reaches 140°F using a digital thermometer.
Step 5: Serve
- Remove from grill and spoon lemon garlic butter sauce over each tail.
- Allow sauce to seep between meat and shell before serving.
- Dust with smoked paprika before enjoying!
If you’ve made this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the star ratings or comments section!
How to Serve Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails
Serving Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails can elevate your dining experience. Whether it’s a special occasion or a summer cookout, these lobster tails are sure to impress your guests. Here are some creative ways to serve them.
Pair with Fresh Greens
- Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with arugula, spinach, and a lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the lobster.
- Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons balance well with the buttery lobster tails.
Add a Zesty Sauce
- Chimichurri: This vibrant herb sauce adds a fresh kick that enhances the seafood flavors.
- Spicy Mayo: A drizzle of spicy mayo can give an exciting flavor twist to the dish.
Use Creative Garnishes
- Lemon Wedges: Serve extra lemon wedges for those who enjoy an additional citrus burst.
- Chopped Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill on top adds color and freshness.
How to Perfect Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails
Perfecting Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails is all about technique and timing. Follow these tips for the best results.
- Bold Preparation: Butterfly the tails carefully to ensure even cooking and flavor absorption.
- Bold Temperature Control: Grill at medium-high heat for optimal cooking; avoid high heat that can dry them out.
- Bold Timing Matters: Monitor cooking times closely, as lobster cooks quickly; overcooking leads to tough meat.
- Bold Flavor Infusion: Apply the lemon butter sauce generously while grilling for maximum flavor penetration.

Best Side Dishes for Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails
To create a complete meal, pairing your grilled lobster tails with delicious side dishes is essential. Here are some excellent options that harmonize beautifully with their flavors.
- Garlic Bread: Toasted bread slathered in garlic butter provides a crunchy contrast.
- Roasted Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus offers a healthy and flavorful side that complements seafood well.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a delightful crunch and sweetness to your plate.
- Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with cucumbers and tomatoes makes for a nutritious addition.
- Coleslaw: The tangy crunch of coleslaw balances the richness of the lobster effectively.
- Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies like zucchini and bell peppers add color and nutrients alongside your main dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.
- Overcooking the lobster tails: Cooking lobster tails too long makes them tough. Keep an eye on the grill and check for an internal temperature of 140°F.
- Skipping the butter sauce: The lemon butter sauce adds flavor and moisture. Don’t skip this step; it’s crucial for a delicious outcome.
- Not using fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and parsley enhance the flavor of your lobster tails. Always opt for fresh over dried when possible.
- Grilling at the wrong temperature: Ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat. This helps achieve that perfect char without overcooking.
- Ignoring the importance of skewering: Skewering keeps the lobster tails from curling up while cooking. Use soaked wooden or metal skewers for best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover lobster tails in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Instructions
- Wrap each lobster tail tightly in plastic wrap.
- Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container; they can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Instructions
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place lobster tails on a baking sheet covered with foil, and heat for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals (30 seconds) until warmed through, being careful not to overcook.
- Stovetop: Sauté briefly in a skillet with a little olive oil over medium heat until just heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when my Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails are done?
The lobster tails are done when their meat is opaque and reaches an internal temperature of 140°F.
Can I use frozen lobster tails for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen lobster tails! Just be sure to thaw them completely before grilling.
What can I serve with Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails?
These lobster tails pair well with a fresh salad, grilled vegetables, or even some garlic bread.
Can I customize the lemon butter sauce?
Absolutely! Feel free to add spices like cayenne pepper or herbs like dill for a unique twist on the sauce.
Are there any alternatives to grilling?
Yes! You can broil or bake the lobster tails if you don’t have a grill available.
Final Thoughts
Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails are not only quick to prepare but also bursting with flavor. This dish is perfect for summer gatherings or special occasions. Feel free to customize the sauce with your favorite herbs and spices. Try it out and impress your friends and family!
Article Category: MAIN DISHES
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Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails
Lemon Butter Grilled Lobster Tails are the ultimate seafood indulgence, offering a delightful combination of rich lobster flavor infused with a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce. Perfect for summer cookouts or elegant dinner parties, this gourmet dish is quick and easy to prepare, taking less than 20 minutes from grill to plate. The succulent tails are not only visually impressive but also packed with protein and healthy fats, making them a fantastic choice for any occasion. Whether enjoyed as a main course or an appetizer, these grilled lobster tails will leave your guests raving about their delicious taste.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 4 8-ounce lobster tails
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce by melting butter in a saucepan and mixing in garlic, lemon zest, parsley, and salt. Set aside.
- Use kitchen shears to butterfly the lobster tails and loosen the flesh while keeping it attached.
- Brush the meat with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and grill the lobster tails meat side down for 5-6 minutes; flip and continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes until cooked through.
- Serve the grilled tails drizzled with lemon garlic butter sauce and garnish with smoked paprika.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 lobster tail (approximately 8 oz)
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
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