Description
Delight in succulent grilled lobster tails smothered in a rich garlic lemon butter sauce. This elegant recipe combines fresh lobster meat with zesty lemon and aromatic garlic, perfect for a sophisticated yet simple main course that’s ideal for summer dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood
- 4 lobster tails (5–6 ounces each)
Sauce
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Lobster Tails: Using kitchen scissors, carefully cut down the center of the top shell of each lobster tail, stopping at the base. Gently loosen the meat from the shell and lift it over the shell, keeping it attached at the base—this technique is called ‘piggybacking.’ Season the exposed lobster meat with salt, pepper, and a light sprinkle of smoked paprika if you choose to use it.
- Make the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped parsley. Remove the sauce from heat and set aside.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high, approximately 400°F (200°C). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Lobster Tails: Place the lobster tails on the grill with the meat side facing up. Generously brush the lobster meat with the garlic lemon butter sauce. Grill for 5 to 7 minutes, basting with additional butter halfway through cooking. The lobster meat is done when it turns opaque and has slight charring.
- Serve: Remove the lobster tails from the grill and serve immediately. Accompany with the remaining garlic lemon butter sauce and lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.
Notes
- If you don’t have access to a grill, broiling the lobster tails in the oven using the same timing and method is an excellent alternative.
- For an extra kick of flavor, add a pinch of chili flakes to the garlic lemon butter sauce or use compound herb butter instead of plain butter.
- Ensure not to overcook lobster to maintain its tender texture—watch for opaque color and slight char as indicators of doneness.
