Grilled lobster tail on a plate garnished with lemon and herbs

Succulent Quick & Easy Grilled Lobster Tail

Name: Succulent Quick & Easy Grilled Lobster Tail
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pieces Frozen lobster tails (shell-on, thawed if frozen) – choose tails with firm, white meat and intact shells; 2 tbsp Unsalted butter – use high-quality butter for better flavor; 1 tsp Minced garlic (freshly minced preferred); 1 tbsp Fresh lemon juice; to taste n/a Salt – use fine sea salt; to taste n/a Ground black pepper – freshly ground is preferred; 1 tbsp Chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

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easy

10 min

Nutritional value per serving

Calories220kcal

Carbs2gram

Fat10gram

Protein25gram

Ingredients

Quantity

Frozen lobster tails (shell-on, thawed if frozen) – choose tails with firm, white meat and intact shells2 pieces
Unsalted butter – use high-quality butter for better flavor2 tbsp
Minced garlic (freshly minced preferred)1 tsp
Fresh lemon juice1 tbsp
Salt – use fine sea saltto taste n/a
Ground black pepper – freshly ground is preferredto taste n/a
Chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)1 tbsp

This quick and easy grilled lobster tail recipe is perfect for home cooks who want a delicious seafood dish without fuss. With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can prepare tender, juicy lobster that bursts with flavor. The recipe ensures safe internal cooking temperature to enjoy your lobster safely. Total cost of ingredients is approximately $15 (13€ / £11 / ₹1100) with a total caloric content of around 220 kcal per serving. Suitable for pescatarian diets. Difficulty level is easy, and total cooking time is about 15 minutes.

Preparation instructions

Prepare the Lobster Tails

1Using kitchen shears, carefully cut down the center of the lobster shell lengthwise toward the tail, avoiding cutting the meat. Use your fingers to gently loosen the meat from the shell without detaching it completely, then lift the meat and rest it on top of the shell. This allows for even cooking and presentation. This step should take about 5 minutes.

Make Garlic Butter Sauce

2In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Stir in minced garlic and lemon juice. Keep warm. This flavorful sauce will baste the lobster as it grills. This takes about 2 minutes.

Preheat the Grill

3Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 190-230°C or 375-450°F). Ensure grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking. This usually takes about 5 minutes.

Grill the Lobster Tails

4Place lobster tails meat side up on the grill. Close the lid and cook for about 5-6 minutes. Then, baste the lobster meat generously with garlic butter and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the meat is opaque and opaque white, firm, and the internal temperature reaches 63°C (145°F), as measured with a food thermometer. Avoid overcooking as lobster meat can become tough.

Serve

5Remove lobster tails from the grill, brush with remaining garlic butter sauce, sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately with extra lemon wedges on the side for squeezing.

Cooking Tips

-Use a digital food thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 63°C (145°F) for safe consumption.

-Thaw frozen lobster tails in the refrigerator overnight for best results. Avoid thawing at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.

-To avoid cross-contamination, wash hands and utensils thoroughly after handling raw lobster.

-If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder can be used but fresh gives better flavor.

-Butter can be substituted with olive oil for a lighter option.

Equipment

Kitchen shears
Grill (gas or charcoal)
Tongs
Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
Basting brush
Food thermometer (digital recommended)

Shopping List

[ ] Lobster tails (2 pieces) – around $12
- Choose tails with firm meat and intact shells, preferably previously frozen from a reliable seafood section.
[ ] Unsalted butter (small pack) – around $2
- Look for quality butter with no added salt for a cleaner taste.
[ ] Fresh garlic (1 bulb) – around $0.50
- Choose firm bulbs without sprouts for the freshest flavor.
[ ] Fresh lemons (1 or 2) – around $0.50
- Pick lemons that feel heavy for their size and have a bright yellow color.
[ ] Fresh parsley (optional) – around $1
- Look for vibrant green leaves without wilting.

Total approximate cost: $15

FAQ

How do I know when the lobster tail is fully cooked?

The lobster tail meat should be opaque white, firm to the touch, and reach an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F) when checked with a food thermometer.