If you’ve ever wanted to impress your guests—or just treat yourself—Grilled Garlic Butter Lobster Tails are the move. They’re decadent but surprisingly easy, and when that garlic butter hits the hot grill? Magic. Steam meets sizzle, and friends, we’re in flavor town. Let’s make your next dinner feel like a seaside escape, no passport or plane ticket required!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I first made these on a beach trip with friends—portable grill, salty breeze, and a cooler full of seafood dreams. Everyone thought I’d hired a gourmet chef (spoiler: it was just me and a stick of butter). Ever since, it’s been my go-to for summer nights and special occasions alike.
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort
- Garlic butter + flame-kissed lobster = flavor explosion
- Easy way to elevate any dinner menu
- Doubles as date-night or dinner-party magic
Ingredients Breakdown
Essentials
- 4 lobster tails (5–6 oz each), thawed if frozen
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Pro Tips
- If your lobster tails are frozen, thaw them overnight in the fridge or under cold water for 30 minutes.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter if you like a little heat.
- Use kitchen shears to butterfly the lobster—easiest method hands down!
- Look for wild-caught lobster tails for the best flavor and sustainability.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high (around 400°F). Lightly oil the grates.
- Using kitchen shears, cut down the center of each lobster tail shell, stopping at the tail. Gently pull the meat up and rest it on top of the shell (this is called “butterflying”).
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk to blend.
- Brush half of the garlic butter over the exposed lobster meat.
- Place the lobster tails meat side up on the grill. Close the lid and cook for 6–8 minutes, basting once with more garlic butter, until the meat is opaque and slightly charred.
- Remove from the grill, baste one final time with remaining garlic butter, and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges and a side of your choice. (Crusty bread to mop up the garlic butter? Yes, please.)
Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- Don’t overcook—the meat should be opaque and tender, not rubbery.
- Test doneness by lightly prodding the thickest part—it should give just a little, like the pad of your thumb.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can broil them under high heat for similar results (about 10 minutes).
- Baste generously—extra garlic butter never hurt anyone.
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Add a touch of Cajun seasoning or Old Bay to the butter for a Southern twist.
- Serve over creamy risotto or roasted veggie couscous for a full meal.
- Pair with grilled asparagus, corn on the cob, or a fresh citrus salad.
- Surf & Turf it—hello grilled steak and lobster tails dream team!
- Swap parsley for chives or tarragon for a herbaceous finish.
FAQs
Can I make these in advance?
You can prep the garlic butter and butterfly the tails a few hours ahead, but grill them right before serving for the best texture and flavor.
What kind of grill should I use?
Gas or charcoal both work beautifully. Just make sure it’s hot and the grates are oiled to prevent sticking.
How do I know the lobster is done?
The meat will be white and opaque, and the shell will turn bright red. Depending on size, most medium tails cook in about 7–8 minutes.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Ingredients:
- 4 lobster tails (5–6 oz each)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- Lemon wedges
Instructions:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high and oil the grates.
- Butterfly the lobster tails by cutting the top of the shell and lifting the meat on top.
- Mix butter, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Brush lobster meat with the butter mixture.
- Grill meat-side up for 6–8 minutes, basting once during cooking.
- Remove when meat is opaque and slightly charred. Baste again and garnish with parsley.
- Serve with lemon wedges.
Nutrition: ~250 calories per serving
Love this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out, or tag me on Instagram @thekitchensaid when you share your stunning lobster creations! Sharing is caring—send this one to your seafood-loving crew.