Whole lobster grilling on the barbecue with herbs and lemon slices

Perfectly Tender Whole Grilled Lobster

Name: Perfectly Tender Whole Grilled Lobster
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: seafood
Ingredients: 1 piece Whole live lobster (1.5 to 2 pounds) - Choose a lively lobster, avoid sluggish ones; 4 tbsp Unsalted butter, melted; 2 cloves Garlic, finely minced; 2 tbsp Fresh lemon juice; 1 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped; to taste n/a Salt; to taste n/a Black pepper, freshly ground

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medium

15 min

Nutritional value per serving

Calories350kcal

Carbs3gram

Fat10gram

Protein40gram

Ingredients

Quantity

Whole live lobster (1.5 to 2 pounds) - Choose a lively lobster, avoid sluggish ones1 piece
Unsalted butter, melted4 tbsp
Garlic, finely minced2 cloves
Fresh lemon juice2 tbsp
Fresh parsley, chopped1 tbsp
Saltto taste n/a
Black pepper, freshly groundto taste n/a

Grilling whole lobster is a delightful way to enjoy fresh seafood with a smoky flavor and tender texture. This recipe walks you through the entire process, ensuring safety and delicious results every time. The total ingredient cost is approximately $30 (€28, £24, ₹2500) depending on local prices. Each serving contains about 350 kcal. This recipe is suitable for pescatarians, moderate complexity, and takes about 25 minutes of preparation and cooking combined.

Preparation instructions

Prepare the lobster safely

1First, place the live lobster in the freezer for 15 minutes to numb it before handling, which is a humane practice. Then, rinse the lobster under cold running water and pat dry using paper towels. This step helps clean the lobster and minimize bacterial contamination.

Preheat the grill

2Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 200°C (400°F). If using a charcoal grill, wait until the coals are covered with white ash. Ensure the grill grate is clean to prevent sticking.

Prepare the lobster for grilling

3Use a sharp knife to split the lobster in half lengthwise, starting from head to tail, exposing the meat. Remove the dark vein running along the back. This makes grilling faster and allows flavor absorption.

Make garlic butter sauce

4In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. This sauce will baste the lobster and add delicious flavor.

Grill the lobster halves

5Place the lobster halves cut-side down on the grill. Grill for about 5 minutes to sear the meat and get grill marks. Then flip lobster halves cut-side up, baste generously with garlic butter, and grill for another 4-5 minutes. Cooking times may vary based on lobster size and grill heat.

Check for doneness and internal temperature

6Cook lobster until the internal temperature reaches 60°C (140°F). The meat should be opaque and firm. Use a food thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the lobster meat for accuracy. Overcooking can make the meat tough, so monitor closely.

Serve immediately

7Remove lobster from grill and baste once more with garlic butter. Serve hot with lemon wedges. Enjoy immediately for best tenderness and flavor.

Cooking Tips

-Avoid cross-contamination by using separate utensils and cutting boards for raw lobster and other foods.

-If you prefer a smoky flavor, add wood chips to the grill for extra aroma.

-Store leftover cooked lobster in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days to ensure safety.

-For ease, ask your fishmonger to split the lobster for you.

Equipment Needed

Grill (gas or charcoal)
Sharp knife
Meat thermometer
Basting brush
Small bowl for sauce
Tongs

Grocery Shopping List

[ ] Whole live lobster (1.5 to 2 pounds) - $25 - Choose a fresh, lively lobster for best flavor.
[ ] Unsalted butter (4 tbsp) - $1 - Use unsalted to control saltiness.
[ ] Garlic (2 cloves) - $0.20 - Fresh garlic adds best flavor.
[ ] Fresh lemon (1-2) - $0.50 - For fresh juice and garnish.
[ ] Fresh parsley (small bunch) - $1 - Adds color and freshness.
[ ] Salt and black pepper (to taste) - negligible - Use fresh ground pepper for best aroma.

Total estimated cost: $27.70

FAQ

Can I grill frozen lobster?

It is best to grill fresh or fully thawed lobster for even cooking and best texture. Thaw frozen lobster overnight in the refrigerator before grilling.