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Grilled lobster tails with herb butter on a plate

Butterflied lobster tails with herb butter on the grill

Grilled Lobster Tails

Grilled Lobster Tails

25 minMedium

Prep Time

15 min

Cook Time

10 min

Total Time

25 min

Servings

4

4 lobster tails

Difficulty

Medium

Cost

Premium

$$$

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Grilled Lobster Tails

Butterflied lobster tails with herb butter on the grill

Luxurious lobster tails split and grilled until tender, basted with herb-garlic butter. A restaurant-quality dish made effortlessly at home.

15m

Prep Time

10m

Cook Time

25m

Total Time

4

Servings

Medium

Difficulty

Premium $$$

Cost

Main CourseGluten-FreeKeto
Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen

February 16, 2023(Updated April 13, 2026)

Grilling lobster tails is surprisingly simple and produces results that rival any steakhouse. Butterflying the tail exposes more meat to the flame for even cooking and dramatic presentation.

Why This Recipe Works

The shell protects the delicate lobster meat from drying out while the grill adds a smoky char impossible to replicate indoors. Herb butter bastes the meat as it melts into the crevices.

Ingredients

  • 4 lobster tails (6-8 oz each)
  • 4 tbsp butter, melted
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 lemon, halved
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. 1

    Using kitchen shears, cut the top shell lengthwise down the center. Gently pull the meat up through the slit, resting it on top of the shell.

  2. 2

    Mix melted butter with garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Brush generously over the lobster meat.

  3. 3

    Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Place lobster tails shell-side down.

  4. 4

    Grill with the lid closed for 8-10 minutes, basting with butter every 2-3 minutes, until meat is opaque and reaches 140°F.

  5. 5

    Grill lemon halves cut-side down for 2 minutes. Serve lobster with charred lemon and remaining herb butter.

Serving Suggestions

Ways to Serve This Dish

  • Serve with a fresh side salad for a balanced meal

  • Pair with your favorite grain or bread on the side

  • Garnish with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation

Substitutions

Lobster tailsLarge prawns or langoustines

More affordable with similar grilling technique

ButterGhee or olive oil

Ghee has a higher smoke point; olive oil is dairy-free

Tips & Storage

Pro Tips

  • Use kitchen shears, not a knife, for easier and safer shell cutting.

  • Thaw frozen tails overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture.

Storage

Refrigerate for up to 1 day. Best eaten fresh off the grill.

Reheating

Gently reheat in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes—lobster toughens when reheated too long.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (180mg) · 4 servings

Calories280
LowModerateHigh

A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet

Protein30g
Carbohydrates16g
Fat1g
Fiber520mg
Sugar0g
Sodium0g

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when lobster is done?
The meat turns opaque white and reaches 140°F internally. Do not overcook.
Cold water or warm water tails?
Cold water tails (Maine, Canada) are more tender and sweet than warm water varieties.

Explore More

More Main CourseGluten-Free RecipesKeto RecipesGrill Recipes
Sarah Chen

About Sarah Chen

Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.

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