Grilling Lobster Tails on Gas Grill
Grilled lobster tails are a simple way to enjoy this luxurious seafood delicacy. This recipe is easy enough for a weeknight and elegant enough for dinner with guests.
Start with fresh or frozen lobster tails. Choose those that are a bright red color and free of any blemishes or spots. Brush all over with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper.
Preparation
Lobster tails are a luxurious seafood treat, and it’s easy to grill them on your Weber gas grill. If you’re serving them as a special occasion, consider adding some herbs or spices to the butter you brush them with before grilling.
To prepare lobster for grilling, start by using kitchen shears to cut the exposed flesh portion away from the lower shell. Then, use a knife to cut through the top membrane but not the bottom one. This method prevents the lobster from curling as it cooks, and it allows you to keep the shell as a convenient basin for the melted butter.
To grill the lobster tails, preheat your grill to medium heat. Then, rub the tails with olive oil and season them with salt and pepper to taste. If the tails are particularly large, you may want to skewer them with a metal skewer lengthwise. This will help prevent them from curling during cooking and will also make it easier to flip them.
Place on the Grill
Whether fresh or frozen, lobster tails are quick to cook. You don’t need to boil them before grilling, but do a brief marinade to infuse flavor and add moisture. You can also skewer them before grilling, which helps keep them flat and ensures they cook evenly.
Using kitchen shears, cut through the top of each shell, but don’t cut all the way through the lobster meat. Open each shell like a book and pull apart slightly, so the lobster meat is exposed. Skewer the lobster tails lengthwise if desired, which will help them stay flat and not curl during cooking.
Brush the cut side of each lobster tail with oil and season with paprika, pepper, garlic powder, and salt. Place lobster tails, flesh side down, on a preheated gas grill over indirect heat for about 10 minutes or until their internal temperature reaches 140 degrees F. While they’re grilling, baste frequently with the butter sauce to moisten and add flavor.
Cooking Time
If you’re grilling lobster tails from frozen, be sure to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. You can also thaw them on the same day by placing in a sealed plastic bag and immersing in cold water. Never cook them from warm or hot water, or they won’t be tender and juicy.
Use kitchen shears to cut a lengthwise slit down the center of the lobster shell, being careful not to cut into the meat. Flip the lobster tails over and gently separate the shell from the meat (a little bit of effort is needed).
Brush the lobster tails with the garlic butter mixture and sprinkle with salt. Grill the lobster tails on indirect heat for 10 minutes. Turn and baste the lobster tails with the butter mixture once halfway through the cooking time. Lobster tails are done when the meat turns a bright pink and the shells become slightly charred. Serve the grilled lobster tails drizzled with the remaining butter mixture and garnished with parsley.
Finishing
Once the lobster is cooked, serve it with your favorite sauce or marinade. You can also grill some veggies for a nice contrast to the richness of the lobster. This is a great meal to serve at a fancy seafood restaurant.
To prepare the lobster tails, start by using kitchen shears to cut through the top shell, just enough to loosen it up slightly. Then, use a knife to cut almost but not completely through the bottom shell. Next, insert a wooden skewer lengthwise through each lobster to keep it from curling up while grilling.
Then brush the lobster tails with olive oil and season them generously with salt and black pepper. Place them on the grill and cook until the meat is opaque, about 10-15 minutes. Once finished, brush with the remaining garlic lemon butter and enjoy! This makes a fantastic appetizer or main dish for any occasion. If you are serving this for a special occasion, you can garnish it with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
Grilling Lobster Tails on Gas Grill Step By Step
Grilling lobster tails on a gas grill is a fantastic way to enjoy this delicious seafood. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to grill lobster tails on a gas grill:
Ingredients:
- Lobster tails
- Olive oil or melted butter
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Optional seasonings: lemon juice, minced garlic, fresh herbs (such as parsley or tarragon)
Equipment:
- Gas grill
- Sharp kitchen shears
- Grill tongs
- Basting brush
Instructions:
- Preheat the Gas Grill:
- Preheat your gas grill to medium-high heat, which is around 350-400°F (175-200°C). Ensure the grill grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Lobster Tails:
- Start by placing the lobster tails on a cutting board. Using sharp kitchen shears, cut along the top of the shell lengthwise, stopping at the base of the tail. Be sure not to cut into the meat.
- Split the Lobster Tails:
- Carefully spread open the shell to expose the lobster meat. It should be easy to lift the meat out and rest it on top of the shell. Make sure the meat is still attached at the base of the tail.
- Season the Lobster Tails:
- Brush the exposed lobster meat with olive oil or melted butter. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and any optional seasonings like lemon juice, minced garlic, or fresh herbs.
- Prep the Grill for Direct Heat:
- If your gas grill has multiple burners, turn off one side and leave the other side on medium-high heat. You’ll grill the lobster tails over direct heat on the side that’s on.
- Grill the Lobster Tails:
- Place the prepared lobster tails, shell-side down, on the hot side of the grill grates.
- Cover and Grill:
- Cover the grill and cook the lobster tails for about 4-5 minutes. The shell should turn bright red, and the meat should become opaque and firm.
- Baste and Grill More:
- Open the grill and use a basting brush to apply more olive oil or butter to the exposed lobster meat. Continue grilling for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the meat is fully cooked.
- Check for Doneness:
- To check for doneness, insert a sharp knife or meat thermometer into the thickest part of the lobster meat. It should register at least 140-145°F (60-63°C).
- Remove and Serve:
- Once the lobster tails are grilled to your liking, remove them from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter.
- Garnish and Enjoy:
- Serve the grilled lobster tails with your preferred sauce, additional lemon wedges, or melted butter for dipping. Enjoy!
Grilled lobster tails make for an elegant and mouthwatering dish. They’re perfect for special occasions or just a delicious seafood dinner. Pair them with your favorite sides, such as garlic butter roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad, for a complete and satisfying meal.
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