Grilled Lobster Tails with Lemon Herb Butter: A Luxurious Yet Simple Summer Delight
If you’re searching for an elegant seafood dish that’s as quick as it is impressive, look no further than Grilled Lobster Tails with Lemon Herb Butter. This recipe is the perfect balance between indulgence and simplicity, ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish. Whether you’re hosting a special gathering or treating yourself to a gourmet meal at home, this lobster tail recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Grilled lobster tails have a way of turning any dinner into an occasion. The sweet, succulent meat pairs beautifully with the zesty and aromatic lemon herb butter, elevating each bite into pure bliss. What makes this recipe truly shine is how approachable it is—even for novice home cooks. No need for complicated techniques or specialty tools; just a grill, some simple ingredients, and a touch of culinary enthusiasm.
This dish is ideal for:
- Romantic dinners or date nights at home
- Summer cookouts and backyard BBQs
- Holiday meals or celebratory dinners
- Anyone following a low-carb, gluten-free, or high-protein lifestyle
Ingredients You’ll Need
To keep things simple, this recipe uses just a handful of fresh, flavorful ingredients:
- 2 lobster tails, split and cleaned
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (fresh is best)
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Pro Tip:
If you’re cooking for more people, simply double or triple the recipe. The flavors scale beautifully!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Lobster:
Using kitchen shears, cut the top shell of each lobster tail lengthwise down the middle. Gently pull the meat up and out, resting it on top of the shell while keeping it attached at the base. This not only gives the tails a beautiful presentation but also allows the meat to cook evenly.
2️⃣ Make the Lemon Herb Butter:
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good stir until the ingredients are well mixed and aromatic.
3️⃣ Season & Grill:
Generously brush the lobster meat with the lemon herb butter. Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 375–400°F). Place the lobster tails meat-side up and grill for 5–6 minutes, basting once halfway through. The lobster is done when the meat is opaque and lightly charred.
4️⃣ Finish with Butter:
Remove the lobster tails from the grill. Drizzle the remaining lemon herb butter over the meat and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.
5️⃣ Serve:
Plate immediately with fresh lemon wedges. Serve hot for maximum flavor.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Kitchen shears or sharp scissors (to prep the lobster)
- Grill or grill pan (charcoal, gas, or electric)
- Basting brush
- Small mixing bowl
- Tongs
- Serving platter
Optional but helpful:
- Instant-read thermometer (lobster is fully cooked at 140°F internal temperature)
Tips, Tricks, and Recipe Swaps
✅ Don’t Skip the Basting:
Brushing the tails with butter halfway through ensures every bite is juicy and flavorful. If you’re grilling with the lid down, open it quickly to baste so you don’t lose too much heat.
✅ Add Some Heat:
If you like a bit of spice, consider adding a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the butter mixture.
✅ No Grill? No Problem!
You can broil these lobster tails in the oven. Set your broiler on high, place the lobster tails on a baking sheet, and cook for 5–6 minutes, basting halfway through.
✅ Herb Variations:
Swap parsley for dill, thyme, or chives depending on your flavor preference. Fresh herbs are always preferred, but dried ones work in a pinch.
Food and Drink Pairings
Side Dishes:
- Grilled asparagus with a squeeze of lemon
- Garlic butter rice or wild rice pilaf
- Roasted baby potatoes
- Crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette
Wine Pairings:
- Chardonnay – Buttery notes complement the richness of the lobster
- Sauvignon Blanc – Its citrusy acidity highlights the lemon in the butter
- Sparkling wine or Champagne – Always a festive and refreshing choice
If you prefer a non-alcoholic drink, try sparkling water with lemon and fresh herbs or a chilled cucumber mint mocktail.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Storage:
Place leftover lobster meat in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating Tips:
Gently reheat in a covered pan over low heat with a little extra butter or lemon juice to keep it from drying out. Avoid microwaving, which can make the texture rubbery.
Creative Use for Leftovers:
- Lobster rolls
- Lobster mac and cheese
- Toss into a seafood pasta or salad
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
❓How do I know when the lobster is cooked through?
The meat will turn from translucent to opaque white. You can also use a thermometer—lobster is safe to eat at 140°F.
❓Can I use frozen lobster tails?
Absolutely. Just make sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water before cooking.
❓What’s the best way to split the shell?
Kitchen shears are your best friend. Cut through the top of the shell lengthwise, stopping just before the tail fin. Then use your fingers to gently pry the shell open and lift the meat up.
❓Can I make the lemon herb butter in advance?
Yes! You can make the butter mixture a day ahead and store it covered in the fridge. Reheat gently before using.
❓Is lobster healthy?
Lobster is low in fat and high in protein—about 27g per tail! It’s also a good source of vitamins and minerals like B12 and zinc. Just go easy on the butter if you’re watching calories.
Final Thoughts + Call to Action
Grilled Lobster Tails with Lemon Herb Butter is the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re dining on the coast of Maine, glass of wine in hand, with the ocean breeze all around. It’s a recipe that’s simple enough for a weeknight treat yet luxurious enough for a celebration. With just a few ingredients and under 20 minutes of cooking time, you’ll be amazed by how much flavor you can achieve.
