Okay, get ready for a taste explosion! There’s nothing quite like the sweet succulence of perfectly grilled lobster, especially when it’s swimming in a decadent garlic herb butter. I remember the first time I made these Grilled Lobster Tails With Garlic Herb Butter Delight for a special anniversary dinner – I was a little nervous about grilling seafood, but honestly, it’s SO easy and impressive! The smell alone as this cooks on the grill is going to make your neighbors jealous. This recipe practically makes itself, and the creamy, garlicky, herby butter just melts into the lobster, creating pure magic in every single bite. It’s the ultimate summer treat that feels fancy but is surprisingly simple to whip up.
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Lobster Tails With Garlic Herb Butter Delight
Seriously, why wouldn’t you love this? It’s got all the good stuff:
- So Quick and Easy: We’re talking less than 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Incredible Flavor Bomb: That garlic herb butter? It’s a game-changer! It infuses the lobster with so much yummy goodness.
- Impressive Factor: Serve this even for a fancy dinner party, and everyone will think you’re a culinary genius. Lobster always feels like a treat!
- Perfect Summer Meal: Grilling just screams summer, right? This is the ultimate way to enjoy fresh lobster when the weather is warm.
- Minimal Cleanup: Because it’s cooked on the grill and uses simple ingredients, the cleanup is surprisingly easy. Hooray!
- Super Versatile: You can adjust the herbs, add a little spice, or even grill these alongside some veggies. They’re flexible!
Gather Your Ingredients for Grilled Lobster Tails With Garlic Herb Butter Delight
Alright, let’s get our shopping list ready! You don’t need a ton of fancy stuff for this recipe, which is why I love it so much. Here’s what you’ll need to grab:
You’ll want:
- 2 lobster tails, about 6-8 ounces each. Make sure they look nice and fresh!
- 4 tablespoons of good old unsalted butter, softened. Leave it on the counter for a bit so it’s
easy to mix with everything else. - 2 cloves of garlic, minced. I like to mince them super fine so you get that garlic goodness in every bite without big chunks.
- 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley, chopped. Fresh herbs make such a difference, trust me!
- 1 tablespoon of fresh chives, also chopped. They add a delicate oniony flavor that’s just perfect.
- 1/2 teaspoon of lemon zest. This is like a little sunshine flavor boost! Just the yellow part, no white pith.
- Salt, to taste. A little sprinkle goes a long way.
- Black pepper, to taste. Freshly ground is always best if you have it!
If you’re feeling extra adventurous, maybe add a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter mix for a little kick. It’s totally optional, but it’s a fun twist! And don’t forget some lemon wedges for serving – that bright squeeze at the end is pure bliss. These are the simple things that make our
Grilled Lobster Tails With Garlic Herb Butter Delight
truly sing. Just like how a good base makes any dish better, like in this
garlic parmesan chicken
recipe where the simple ingredients shine.
Essential Equipment for Grilled Lobster Tails With Garlic Herb Butter Delight
To make these amazing grilled lobster tails, you don’t need a whole professional kitchen, thankfully! Just a few simple tools will get the job done. Having these ready before you start makes the whole process smooth sailing. Here’s what I always have on hand:
- A Grill: Obviously! Whether it’s charcoal or gas, just make sure it’s clean and ready to go.
- Kitchen Shears: These are a must for butterflying the lobster tails. They’re way easier than trying to use a knife!
- A Small Mixing Bowl: Perfect for whipping up that glorious garlic herb butter.
- Measuring Spoons: For getting those herbs, garlic, and zest just right.
- Cutting Board: For prepping your herbs and garlic.
- Sharp Knife: Even though you’re using shears for the tails, you’ll still need a knife for mincing garlic and chopping herbs.
- Tongs: Essential for safely flipping those lobster tails on the hot grill!
- Basting Brush (Optional but Recommended): This is super handy for spreading that extra garlic herb butter over the lobster while it’s grilling.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Grilled Lobster Tails With Garlic Herb Butter Delight
Alright, time to get down to business! This is where the magic happens, and trust me, it’s way simpler than it looks. Just follow along, and you’ll have restaurant-quality grilled lobster tails in no time. It’s all about a few key steps to get that perfect, tender, buttery goodness.
Prepping Your Grill and Lobster Tails
First things first, let’s get that grill fired up! You want it nice and hot, so preheat it to medium-high heat. While it’s getting to temperature, it’s time to prep those beautiful lobster tails. The trick here is butterflying them. Grab your kitchen shears and cut right down the top of the hard shell, but stop before you get to the very end of the tail fin. Don’t cut all the way through! Then, gently pull the shell open. You’ll lift the lobster meat out of the shell and let it rest right on top. It’s like giving the lobster a little tan before it hits the grill! This makes it super easy to baste and ensures the meat cooks evenly.
Crafting the Perfect Garlic Herb Butter
Now for the star of the show – that glorious garlic herb butter! In a little bowl, just toss in your softened butter. It needs to be soft enough to mix easily, not melted. Then, add in your minced garlic, freshly chopped parsley, chives, and that lovely lemon zest. Give it all a good stir until everything is combined into a beautiful, fragrant spread. I like to mash it around a bit with my spoon to make sure the garlic and herbs are really getting distributed. This butter right here is the secret weapon for amazing flavor, kind of like the base for our delicious homemade garlic herb butter. It’s also super similar to the butter you’d use for garlic butter shrimp!
Grilling Your Lobster Tails to Perfection
Okay, time for the main event! Season those lovely lobster tails with a little salt and pepper right on the meat. Then, take your garlic herb butter and spread it generously all over the lobster meat. You want a nice, thick coating. Now, carefully place the lobster tails, meat-side down, onto your hot grill grates. Let them sizzle for about 2 to 3 minutes. You’ll see some nice grill marks and maybe a little char, which is exactly what we want! Next, carefully flip them over so the shell side is down. Grill for another 5 to 7 minutes. The meat should turn opaque (that’s a fancy word for cooked through and white) and feel firm. In the last couple of minutes, brush on any extra garlic herb butter for that extra richness. Watch closely so they don’t overcook – nobody likes tough lobster!
Tips for the Best Grilled Lobster Tails With Garlic Herb Butter Delight
Even though this recipe is super straightforward, there are a few little tricks I’ve picked up that really make these Grilled Lobster Tails With Garlic Herb Butter Delight sing. It’s all about those little extra touches that elevate them from just good to absolutely amazing. Trust me, these tips will have you grilling lobster like a pro in no time!
- Pick the Freshest Lobster You Can Find: This is honestly the most important tip! Look for lobster tails that feel heavy for their size and have firm, shiny meat. If they smell like the ocean, that’s a good sign. Avoid any that look dull or have a strong, fishy odor. Freshness is key to that sweet, delicate lobster flavor. It’s the main reason why this grilled lobster is so fantastic.
- Don’t Overcook It – Seriously! Lobster cooks super fast, and overcooked lobster turns rubbery and sad. Keep a close eye on it. The meat should just turn opaque and firm. Remember, it continues to cook a little even after you take it off the grill. It’s better to pull it off a minute early than too late. I’ve learned that the hard way with these garlic butter lobster shells – the timing is everything!
- Play Around with Your Herbs: While parsley and chives are classic and delicious, don’t be afraid to experiment! A little bit of fresh dill adds a lovely bright note, or some finely chopped tarragon can give it a slightly anise-like flavor that’s really interesting. Even a touch of rosemary can work if you’re careful not to use too much. Whatever you choose, make sure they’re finely chopped so they distribute evenly in the butter.
- Lemon Zest is Non-Negotiable (For Me!): Okay, I know I said some things were optional, but the lemon zest? That’s one I wouldn’t skip. It really brightens up the richness of the butter and the sweetness of the lobster. Just the zest, mind you – the white pith underneath is bitter. A microplane zester is your best friend here for getting those little fragrant oils without any of the pith. It just adds that perfect little zing!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Grilled Lobster Tails With Garlic Herb Butter Delight
Okay, let’s chat about these ingredients for a sec. Sometimes you might be missing something, or maybe you just want to jazz things up a bit! Don’t you worry, this recipe is pretty forgiving, and I’ve got some ideas to help you out.
The Lobster Tails: You really want nice, fresh lobster tails for this. About 6-8 ounces each is a good size – big enough to feel substantial, but not so huge they take forever to cook. If you can’t find fresh, the frozen ones are totally fine! Just make sure you thaw them completely in the fridge overnight before you start. Don’t even try to grill them frozen, okay? That would be a recipe for sad, unevenly cooked lobster.
The Butter: Unsalted is the way to go here. It lets you control the saltiness yourself. And softened is key – you want it easily spreadable, not melted into a puddle. If you accidentally melted it, just pop it into the fridge for a bit until it firms up just enough. Remember, butter is where all that amazing garlic and herb flavor really clings to!
Garlic & Herbs: Minced garlic is fantastic, but if you’re in a pinch and only have garlic powder, use about 1/2 teaspoon. It’s not quite the same punch, but it’ll work in a hurry. For the fresh herbs, parsley and chives are my go-to because they’re bright and not too overpowering. But feel free to swap them out! Fresh dill is wonderful with seafood, or even a little bit of finely chopped tarragon can add a sophisticated note. Just finely chop whatever you use so they mix in easily. A little dried Italian seasoning blend can also work in a pinch, about 1/2 teaspoon.
Lemon Zest: This little bit of zest makes a HUGE difference! It cuts through the richness of the butter and really brightens up the lobster. If you don’t have a zester, you can carefully use the small holes on a box grater. Just make sure you’re only getting the yellow part and avoiding the bitter white pith underneath. If you absolutely can’t find a lemon, a tiny squeeze of fresh lemon juice whisked into the butter *after* it’s off the heat can add some brightness, but fresh zest is truly king here.
Serving Suggestions for Grilled Lobster Tails With Garlic Herb Butter Delight
Okay, so you’ve got these incredible Grilled Lobster Tails With Garlic Herb Butter Delight, and now you need the perfect partners! You don’t want to just eat lobster on its own, right? It’s like putting on a fancy outfit but forgetting your shoes! 😉 Let me tell you, the right sides can totally make the meal feel extra special. Think bright, fresh flavors that complement the rich lobster and buttery goodness.
Here are some of my absolute favorites:
- Crisp Salads: A light, zesty salad is *perfect*. A classic Caprese salad with juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil is always a winner. Or, you could go for something like a vibrant colorful vegetable salad with a light vinaigrette. The acidity just cuts through the richness of the butter beautifully.
- Grilled or Roasted Asparagus: You’ve already got the grill going, so why not toss some asparagus on there too? A little olive oil, salt, pepper, and maybe a squeeze of lemon at the end is all it needs. So simple, so delicious. Roasted asparagus with a hint of garlic is also amazing.
- Garlic Bread or Crusty Baguette: Hear me out! You need something to sop up all that extra garlic herb butter that’s left on the plate. A warm, crusty piece of bread, maybe toasted with a little garlic spread, is pure heaven for soaking up every last drop of that deliciousness.
- Lemon-y Rice Pilaf or Quinoa: If you want a starch, something light and flavorful is best. A fluffy rice pilaf flavored with lemon and maybe some finely chopped herbs, or even just simple steamed white rice, provides a nice base without competing with the lobster.
- Steamed Green Beans with Toasted Almonds: It’s a classic for a reason! The slight crunch of the almonds with tender green beans is lovely, and it adds a nice pop of green to your plate.
And drinks? A crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Pinot Grigio is always a fantastic choice. Or, if you’re feeling festive, a glass of chilled Prosecco or Champagne is pure celebration!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve managed to have some leftover grilled lobster tails? Lucky you! Or maybe you’re planning ahead and want to know the best way to store them. Whatever the case, making sure your leftover lobster stays delicious is pretty important. You don’t want all that hard work going to waste, right?
Here’s the deal: Grilled lobster is best enjoyed fresh, no doubt about it. But if you do have some leftovers, the key is to store them properly so they don’t dry out too much. Once they’ve cooled down a bit (don’t leave them sitting out for too long!), wrap them up snugly. I usually like to wrap them first in a little plastic wrap or foil, then pop them into an airtight container. This double protection helps keep as much moisture in as possible. Stored this way in the refrigerator, they should be good for about 1 to 2 days. Any longer, and they might start to lose their magic.
Now, for reheating – this is where you have to be a little gentle! You definitely don’t want to blast these in the microwave and turn them into rubber. My favorite way to reheat them is in a low oven. Pop them back into a baking dish, maybe add a tiny splash of water or some extra melted butter (if you have any left from making the garlic herb butter!), cover them loosely with foil, and warm them up for about 5-10 minutes at a low temperature, maybe around 300°F (150°C). You just want to gently warm them through until they’re no longer cold. Another method is to give them a quick sauté in a pan with a little bit of butter over low heat. Just enough to warm them up without cooking them further. Remember, the goal is just to bring them back to a nice serving temperature!
Frequently Asked Questions About Grilled Lobster Tails With Garlic Herb Butter Delight
Got questions about making these amazing grilled lobster tails? I’ve got you covered! Here are some things folks often ask, and I’m happy to share my two cents:
Can I make the garlic herb butter ahead of time?
Oh, absolutely! This is one of my favorite make-ahead tricks. You can totally whip up the garlic herb butter mixture a day or two in advance. Just mix all the butter, garlic, herbs, and lemon zest together, then cover it tightly and pop it in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, just let it sit out on the counter for about 15-20 minutes to soften up a bit so it’s easy to spread. It’s a lifesaver on busy nights!
What’s the best way to butterfly lobster tails?
Butterflying is super easy once you get the hang of it! The key is to use sharp kitchen shears. Lay the lobster tail flat on your cutting board, with the underside (the soft, pale part) facing up. Now, imagine a line going down the middle from the top of the tail to the fan tail. Use your shears to cut straight down that line, but stop *before* you get to the very end of the tail fin. Don’t cut all the way through! Once you’ve made that cut, gently spread the shell open. You can then carefully lift the lobster meat out of the shell, stretching it a bit, and lay it right on top of the shell. It looks so impressive and helps the meat cook evenly on the grill!
Can I grill lobster tails in foil?
You sure can! If you’re worried about flare-ups, or just want to keep things extra neat, grilling lobster tails in foil packets is a great option. Place your butterflied and buttered lobster tail on a piece of heavy-duty foil. You can seal it up into a nice little packet, leaving a bit of room for steam. Place the foil packets on the grill over medium-high heat. They might take a few minutes longer than grilling them directly, so check them after about 8-10 minutes. The meat should be opaque and cooked through. It won’t get those lovely grill marks, but they’ll still be super tender and delicious!
How do I know when the lobster is cooked?
This is super important to avoid dry lobster! The best way to tell is by looking at the color and feeling the texture. The lobster meat will turn from translucent (kinda see-through) to opaque white. It should also feel firm to the touch. You can gently press the thickest part of the tail meat with your finger – if it springs back slightly, it’s likely done. If you’re really unsure, you can always use an instant-read thermometer; it should register around 140-145°F (60-63°C) in the thickest part of the meat. Remember, it will continue to cook a little bit even after you take it off the grill, so err on the side of slightly underdone rather than overdone!
Nutritional Information (Estimated)
Okay, let’s talk about what you’re actually eating with these glorious Grilled Lobster Tails With Garlic Herb Butter Delight. Now, keep in mind these are just estimates, because honestly, how much butter you use, the exact size of the lobster tail, and all those little things can change things up a bit! But this should give you a pretty good idea:
- Serving Size: 1 Lobster Tail (this is based on those 6-8 ounce tails we talked about!)
- Calories: Around 350. It’s a rich dish with the butter, but lobster itself is pretty lean!
- Fat: Roughly 20g. This includes the healthy fats from the lobster and, yes, the deliciousness from our butter mixture! About 12g of that is saturated fat, mainly from the butter.
- Protein: Loads of it! Expect about 35g of high-quality protein from the lobster, which is awesome for keeping you full.
- Carbohydrates: Pretty low, usually around 5g. This mostly comes from the small amounts of herbs and zest, and any tiny bits of sugar in the lobster itself.
- Cholesterol: Lobster does have cholesterol, so it’s around 200mg.
- Sodium: This can vary a lot depending on how much salt you add, but typically it’s in the 300mg range.
So, while it’s definitely a richer dish thanks to that fantastic garlic herb butter, it’s still a fantastic source of lean protein. Enjoy every single bite!
Share Your Grilled Lobster Tails With Garlic Herb Butter Delight Creation!
Alright, you’ve made it through! You’ve grilled up some absolutely stunning Grilled Lobster Tails With Garlic Herb Butter Delight, and I bet they look and smell incredible. Now comes the fun part: sharing your masterpiece!
I just LOVE hearing from you guys. Seriously, seeing your photos and reading about your experiences makes my day. Did you try adding a little spice to the butter? Did you serve it with that creamy lemon risotto I mentioned? Or maybe you tried it with a whole grilled lemon? Whatever you did, I want to see it!
Please, please, PLEASE share your photos on social media – you can tag me @[YourSocialMediaHandle] (make sure to replace this with your actual social media handle!). And if you loved the recipe (and I know you will!), a star rating and a comment right here below the recipe would be amazing. It helps other cooks find this recipe and tells me what you folks are loving. Happy cooking, and happy sharing!
Print
Grilled Lobster Tails With Garlic Herb Butter
- Total Time: 25 min
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Juicy grilled lobster tails brushed with a flavorful garlic herb butter.
Ingredients
- 2 lobster tails (about 6–8 ounces each)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Butterfly the lobster tails by cutting down the top of the shell with kitchen shears, stopping before the tail fin. Gently pull the shell open and lift the meat out, resting it on top of the shell.
- In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped chives, and lemon zest. Mix well.
- Season the lobster meat with salt and pepper.
- Spread the garlic herb butter mixture evenly over the lobster meat.
- Place the lobster tails, meat-side down, on the preheated grill. Grill for 2-3 minutes until lightly charred.
- Flip the lobster tails and grill for another 5-7 minutes, or until the meat is opaque and cooked through. Baste with any remaining butter mixture during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Remove from grill and serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter mixture.
- Serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over the lobster.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 lobster tail
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
Keywords: grilled lobster, lobster tails, garlic butter, herb butter, seafood recipe, grilling, summer recipe