Crispy Grilled Lobster Tail: A Simple and Flavorful Delight
Nutritional value per serving
Calories250kcal
Carbs3gram
Fat10gram
Protein30gram
Ingredients
- Lobster tails (fresh or thawed)2 pieces
- Unsalted butter, melted4 tbsp
- Garlic cloves, minced2 pieces
- Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)1 tbsp
- Paprika1/2 tsp
- Saltto taste n/a
- Black pepper, freshly groundto taste n/a
- Olive oil1 tbsp
This recipe guides you through grilling lobster tails until perfectly crispy and delicious. Featuring straightforward steps ideal for home cooks with average kitchen skills and common tools, it's designed to maximize flavor safely and easily. Lobster tails are brushed with a garlic butter mixture enhancing their natural sweetness, then grilled to an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F), ensuring safety and optimal texture. Ingredients cost approximately $25 USD (€23 / £20 / ₹1850) for two lobster tails, serving two people. Each serving contains about 250 calories. This recipe is medium in difficulty, taking about 10 minutes preparation and 14 minutes grilling, totaling approximately 24 minutes. Suitable for pescatarians and those seeking a gluten-free option.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the lobster tails
1Using kitchen scissors or a sharp knife, carefully cut the top shell of each lobster tail down the middle, stopping just before the tail fin. Gently pull the lobster meat out and rest it on top of the shell to expose the flesh. This helps the heat evenly cook the meat and creates a crispy surface.
Make garlic butter mixture
2In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will keep the lobster moist and add flavor while grilling.
Preheat the grill
3Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 190-200°C (375-400°F). Prepare a clean, oiled grill grate to avoid sticking and facilitate crispiness.
Brush lobster tails with oil and season
4Lightly brush the exposed lobster meat with olive oil to help crisp the surface. Then, brush the garlic butter mixture over the meat evenly.
Grill the lobster tails
5Place the lobster tails shell side down on the grill. Grill for about 7 minutes, then brush again with garlic butter and flip the lobster tails, grilling meat side down for an additional 5-7 minutes. Check the internal temperature of the lobster meat with a food thermometer; it should reach 63°C (145°F) for safe consumption. The meat should be opaque, firm, and white with a little translucence when fully cooked.
Serve and enjoy
6Remove lobster tails from the grill and let rest for a minute or two. Optionally, brush with more garlic butter and garnish with lemon wedges. Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
Cooking Tips
-Use fresh or properly thawed lobster tails for the best texture. Avoid pre-cooked lobster tails for grilling, as they may become tough.
-Avoid cross-contamination by using separate utensils and cutting boards for raw seafood and other ingredients.
-If you don’t have a grill, you can broil lobster tails in the oven, watching closely to prevent burning.
-To add more flavor, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the garlic butter mixture.
Equipment Needed
- Kitchen scissors or sharp knife
- Grill or grill pan
- Small mixing bowl
- Brush for basting
- Food thermometer
- Tongs or spatula
Grocery Shopping List
- [ ] Lobster tails (2 pieces) - about $20. Look for tails with firm meat and a fresh smell.
- [ ] Unsalted butter (4 tbsp) - about $1. Choose real butter, preferably grass-fed.
- [ ] Fresh garlic (2 cloves) - about $0.50. Pick firm, unblemished bulbs.
- [ ] Lemon (1, for juice) - about $0.50. Choose lemons without soft spots.
- [ ] Paprika (small jar) - about $2. Opt for smoked paprika for extra flavor.
- [ ] Olive oil (small bottle or use kitchen stock) - cost varies. Use extra virgin if possible.
- [ ] Salt and pepper - basic pantry staples.
Total estimated cost: approximately $25 USD
FAQ
How do I know when the lobster tail is fully cooked?
The lobster meat should be opaque white and firm to touch, with an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F) measured with a food thermometer.
Can I use frozen lobster tails?
Yes, use fully thawed lobster tails for even cooking and better texture. Avoid cooking them frozen directly.
What if I don’t have a grill?
You can broil lobster tails in your oven on high, watching closely to avoid burning. Cook for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway.
How do I avoid lobster meat sticking to the grill?
Make sure to clean and oil your grill grates well before cooking. Brushing the meat with olive oil also helps.