Grilled Lobster Tails with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce

If you’re craving something indulgent, succulent, and downright delicious, then you’ve hit the jackpot with these Grilled Lobster Tails with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce. Picture perfectly grilled lobster meat with a slight char, tender and juicy, drizzled with the most mouthwatering garlic lemon butter sauce. The combo of rich, buttery flavors with a citrusy kick will have you feeling like you’re dining at a five-star restaurant—but in the comfort of your own home.

This dish is ideal for special occasions, date nights, or when you simply want to treat yourself to something extraordinary. It’s surprisingly easy to make and will impress everyone at your table. Trust me, this is one you’ll want to make again and again.

Why You’ll Love Grilled Lobster Tails with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce

Impressive but Easy: It may seem fancy, but making grilled lobster tails is way simpler than you think. Just a few steps and you’ll be in lobster heaven.

Packed with Flavor: The garlic lemon butter sauce is the star here. The buttery richness combined with the zesty lemon and savory garlic elevates the lobster to a whole new level.

Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or celebrating a special moment, these lobster tails are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. They look fancy, but are actually quite simple to prepare.

Quick to Prepare: With only a few ingredients and about 15 minutes on the grill, this dish comes together in a flash. Perfect for when you want something fancy without the hours of effort.

Light but Satisfying: Lobster is a lean protein that’s full of flavor, making it both satisfying and light. It pairs beautifully with almost any side dish!

Ingredients

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

For the Grilled Lobster Tails:

• Lobster tails: These are the star of the show, so fresh lobster tails are key! You can use frozen tails, but make sure they’re fully thawed before grilling.
• Olive oil: For brushing the lobster tails to help them cook evenly and get that perfect grilled texture.
• Lemon zest: Adds an extra pop of citrus flavor to complement the lemony sauce.
• Salt and pepper: To season the lobster tails and bring out their natural sweetness.

For the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce:

• Butter: The creamy base for the sauce. You can use unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness.
• Garlic: Minced garlic provides the aromatic and savory punch to balance the richness of the butter.
• Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives the sauce that zesty brightness and perfectly balances the butter.
• Fresh parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds a hint of color and freshness to the sauce.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): If you like a little heat, red pepper flakes are a great addition to give the sauce a slight kick.

Instructions

Time to fire up the grill and get those lobster tails ready for some flavor magic!

Step 1: Prepare the Lobster Tails

Begin by using kitchen shears to cut the top of the lobster shells lengthwise down the center, exposing the meat. You can also gently pull the meat out, leaving it attached at the base, to make it easier to grill. Lightly brush the lobster meat with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and a bit of lemon zest for that extra burst of citrus flavor.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until it’s fragrant but not browned. Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors, then remove from heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley. Set aside.

Step 3: Grill the Lobster Tails

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the lobster tails meat-side down on the grill and cook for 4-6 minutes, until the meat is opaque and slightly charred. Then, flip them over and grill for another 2-3 minutes, just to finish cooking and get that beautiful grill mark. Be careful not to overcook the lobster, as it can become tough.

Step 4: Drizzle with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce

Once the lobster tails are done, remove them from the grill and place them on a serving platter. Generously spoon the garlic lemon butter sauce over the lobster meat, allowing it to soak in. Serve with extra sauce on the side for dipping.

Nutrition Facts

Here’s a quick estimate of the nutritional information for each serving of this delightful dish:

• Servings: 2
• Calories per serving: 350
• Total Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 150mg
• Sodium: 560mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 5g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 1g
• Protein: 32g

(Note: nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 20-22 minutes

How to Serve Grilled Lobster Tails with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce

These lobster tails are perfect on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas to round out your meal:

Steamed Veggies: Light, fresh vegetables like asparagus or green beans work perfectly alongside the rich lobster tails.

Garlic Bread: A side of warm garlic bread is always a hit, and it’s perfect for soaking up any extra garlic lemon butter sauce.

Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes are a satisfying side that complement the tender lobster tails.

Fresh Salad: A simple, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette will balance the richness of the lobster.

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tips to make your grilled lobster tails even better:

Grill Temperature: Make sure your grill is preheated to the right temperature—medium-high heat gives the best sear without overcooking the lobster.

Butter Flavor: You can experiment with adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the butter sauce for extra flavor.

Test for Doneness: Lobster is done when the meat is opaque and firm to the touch. If you have a meat thermometer, aim for an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).

Serving Suggestions: For an even fancier presentation, garnish your lobster tails with extra fresh parsley or lemon wedges.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen lobster tails?
A1: Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the lobster tails before grilling for the best texture and flavor.

Q2: Can I cook these lobster tails in the oven instead of on the grill?
A2: Absolutely! You can broil the lobster tails in the oven. Set the oven to broil and cook the lobster meat-side up for about 8-10 minutes, or until opaque and slightly browned.

Q3: Can I use a different sauce instead of garlic lemon butter?
A3: Definitely! You could try a creamy Alfredo-style sauce, or even a tangy mustard sauce. The garlic lemon butter is classic, but you can get creative with your favorite flavors.

Q4: How do I know when lobster tails are done cooking?
A4: Lobster tails are cooked when the meat is opaque and firm. You can also check the internal temperature—when it hits 140°F (60°C), it’s done.

Q5: Can I make the garlic lemon butter sauce ahead of time?
A5: Yes! You can prepare the sauce ahead of time, but be sure to reheat it gently before serving.

Q6: Can I grill lobster tails without the shell?
A6: Yes, you can! If you prefer, you can remove the shell before grilling, but the shell helps protect the meat from drying out during cooking.

Q7: How long should I grill lobster tails?
A7: Grill lobster tails for 4-6 minutes on the meat side first, and then flip them for another 2-3 minutes to finish cooking.

Q8: Can I use this recipe for whole lobsters?
A8: Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time depending on the size of the lobsters. A whole lobster will take longer to cook, usually 12-15 minutes on the grill.

Q9: Can I freeze cooked lobster tails?
A9: Yes, you can freeze cooked lobster tails! Just make sure they’re properly sealed in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll stay good for up to 3 months.

Q10: What wine pairs best with grilled lobster tails?
A10: A crisp white wine like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or a sparkling wine is a great choice. The acidity and freshness balance the richness of the lobster perfectly.

Conclusion

These Grilled Lobster Tails with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce are the ultimate showstopper—perfect for celebrating special moments or treating yourself to a luxurious meal. The rich and tender lobster, paired with a zesty garlic lemon butter sauce, creates a dish that’s as satisfying as it is indulgent. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make and will leave everyone at the table asking for more. Whether you’re grilling for a date night or a dinner party, this recipe will elevate your meal to something truly unforgettable!

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