Grilled Lobster Tails with Herb Garlic Butter Recipe

ByElara Stone
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Introduction

Grilled Lobster Tails with Herb Garlic Butter is an elegant and flavorful dish perfect for a special occasion or a luxurious weeknight meal. The tender lobster meat pairs beautifully with a rich, aromatic butter that enhances every bite. This recipe is simple to prepare and sure to impress.

The image shows grilled lobster tails with their shells acting as a natural base. Each tail has a thick white layer of lobster meat, slightly charred around the edges, topped with a spread of bright green herb butter, which appears creamy and finely textured. The lobster shell is rich orange with grill marks and some charring that enhances the cooked look. The grill's black bars are visible beneath the lobster pieces, adding contrast to the colors of the food. The overall scene gives a fresh and appetizing feeling with a focus on the rich, creamy texture of the lobster meat and the vibrant green topping. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 4 medium lobster tails (thawed if frozen)
  • Olive oil spray
  • Pinch of salt and pepper (to taste)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving)
  • Herb Garlic Butter:
    • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick, at room temperature)
    • 1/4 cup minced fresh herbs (Italian parsley, chives, or basil, not packed)
    • 2 tablespoons minced garlic
    • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
    • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
    • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
    • Plastic wrap

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Prepare the herb garlic butter by placing the softened butter in a mixing bowl. Add the minced herbs, garlic, kosher salt, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
  2. Step 2: Transfer the compound butter onto the center of a piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Shape it into a round log and twist the ends to seal. Refrigerate for 30 to 60 minutes until firm and easy to slice.
  3. Step 3: Prepare the lobster tails by placing them shell side up on a cutting board. Using a large, sharp knife, cut through the shell down the center from the tail to where the body used to be.
  4. Step 4: Season the exposed lobster meat with a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Lightly spritz with olive oil.
  5. Step 5: Preheat your grill to medium-high. Clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
  6. Step 6: Place each tail flesh side down directly on the grill grates. Close the hood and cook for about 1 1/2 minutes. Then, turn the tails 45 degrees to create cross-hatch marks. Close the hood and grill for another 1 1/2 minutes.
  7. Step 7: Remove the tails from the grill and spread 1/2 tablespoon of the herb garlic butter over each one.
  8. Step 8: Return the tails to the grill, flesh side up. Close the hood and continue cooking for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on size, until the meat is opaque and firm to the touch.
  9. Step 9: Remove from the grill and serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Tips & Variations

  • For a smoky flavor, try using a charcoal grill or add some wood chips to your gas grill.
  • If fresh herbs are not available, substitute with 1 tablespoon dried herbs—but reduce salt accordingly.
  • Serve with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
  • Use clarified butter instead of regular butter if you want a cleaner taste and higher smoke point.

Storage

Cooked lobster tails are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven (around 250°F) or in a covered pan over low heat to prevent overcooking and maintain tenderness.

How to Serve

Four grilled lobster tails with a slightly charred orange shell and white, firm cooked meat are placed on a wooden cutting board. Each lobster tail is topped with a bright green herb butter sauce that adds texture and color contrast on the white meat. In the upper part of the image, there is a roll of herb butter wrapped in clear plastic wrap, showing a creamy light green texture speckled with darker green herbs. One small slice of herb butter is cut and placed near the roll. The wooden cutting board sits on a white marbled surface, creating a clean background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen lobster tails for this recipe?

Yes, just be sure to fully thaw them in the refrigerator before cooking for even grilling and best texture.

How do I know when the lobster tails are done?

The meat should be opaque and firm to the touch, not translucent or rubbery. Overcooking can make the lobster tough, so monitor closely during the final grilling step.

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Grilled Lobster Tails with Herb Garlic Butter Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 56 reviews
  • Author: Elara
  • Total Time: 32 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
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Description

This Grilled Lobster Tails with Herb Garlic Butter recipe combines succulent lobster meat grilled to perfection with a flavorful homemade herb garlic butter. The butter is infused with fresh herbs, garlic, lemon zest, and juice, enhancing the natural sweetness of the lobster. Perfect for an elegant summer meal or special occasion, this dish is simple to prepare on the grill, delivering a deliciously smoky, tender seafood experience.

Ingredients

Scale

Herb Garlic Butter

  • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick, at room temperature)
  • 1/4 cup minced fresh herbs (Italian parsley, chives, or basil, not packed)
  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Lobster Tails

  • 4 medium lobster tails (thawed if frozen)
  • Olive oil spray
  • Pinch salt and freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Make the Herb Garlic Butter: In a mixing bowl, soften the unsalted butter with a rubber spatula until spreadable. Add the minced fresh herbs, garlic, kosher salt, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
  2. Shape and Chill Butter: Transfer the compound butter to the center of a sheet of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Shape it into a round log and twist the ends to seal. Refrigerate for at least 30 to 60 minutes until solid enough to slice.
  3. Prepare Lobster Tails: Place each lobster tail shell-side up on a cutting board. Using a large, sharp knife, carefully cut through the shell down the center from tail to where the body used to be, exposing the meat.
  4. Season Lobster Meat: Lightly season the exposed lobster meat with a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Spritz with olive oil spray to lightly coat.
  5. Preheat and Prepare Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
  6. Initial Grill of Lobster: Place each lobster tail half flesh side down directly on the grill grate. Close the hood and grill for about 1 1/2 minutes. Then, turn the tails 45 degrees for cross-hatch marks, close the hood, and grill another 1 1/2 minutes.
  7. Add Herb Garlic Butter: Remove the lobster tails from the grill and transfer to a pan. Spread about 1/2 tablespoon of the chilled herb garlic butter onto each tail half.
  8. Finish Grilling: Return the buttered lobster tails to the grill, this time flesh side up. Close the hood and continue grilling for 3 to 5 minutes depending on tail size, until the lobster meat is opaque and firm to the touch.
  9. Serve: Remove the lobster tails from the grill. Serve immediately garnished with fresh lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.

Notes

  • Be careful while cutting through the lobster shell to avoid injury; a sharp, sturdy knife works best.
  • The compound butter can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
  • Adjust grill time based on the size of the lobster tails to avoid overcooking.
  • If you don’t have a grill, this recipe can also be adapted to broil in the oven by placing lobster tails on a baking sheet under the broiler.
  • Use fresh lemon wedges to brighten the flavor when serving.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Seafood
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: grilled lobster tails, herb garlic butter, seafood recipe, summer grilling, easy lobster recipe, lobster with butter

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