There’s no denying it; lobster is a rich, tasty food that is ideal for special occasions like the holidays. Lobster boasts a sweet flavor that is not as fishy as crab.
Not only is the flavor succulent, but it is also gratifying.
In addition to this, the high ratio of muscle meat in lobster tails combined with the smoky charred flavor of a pellet grill is the perfect combination.
Contents
What Do I Need to Grill Lobster?
Like cooking BBQ salmon, or BBQ shrimp, grilling lobster is super easy.
You need a thermometer, tongs, basting brush, and skewers to grill lobster.
A thermometer is essential whether you are cooking a bottom round roast,ranch steak, eye of round steak, or grilling lobster.
The only way you will know your lobster is finished cooking is by checking the internal temperature of the tails.
If you’re looking for a thermometer, check out the 5 best infrared thermometers review guide.
You will also need tongs to flip the lobster tails over. These tongs can also come in handy for arranging charcoal at the bottom of the grill.
However, make sure you use a different pair of tongs to move charcoal to prevent the particles from getting on your lobster tails.
Furthermore, you will also need a basting brush. Check out our basting guide if you want to know how to baste.
Basting your lobster tails with butter throughout the grilling process will give the lobster additional flavor.
Lastly, you will also need skewers, especially if you intend to remove the lobster meat from the shell.
Use disposable bamboo skewers for this, and make sure you soak them in water for a minimum of 30 minutes.
Lobster tails have a habit of curling up while they are cooking; the bamboo skewers will prevent them from curling up.
How To Prep Lobster Tails
There are multiple ways to prepare lobster for grilling.
For example, you can leave the soft tissue in the tail, pull the meat out of the shell so it sits on top of the shell, or remove the soft tissue from the shell.
How to Butterfly Lobster Tails
Use kitchen shears to cut the lobster tail shells until you reach the tail. Do not cut into the lobster tail.
Use a sharp knife, cut the meat following the same path created when the shell was cut.
However, don’t cut through the tail of the lobster. Pull the lobster out over the shell to sit on top of the shell.
Alternatively, you can also split the lobster tail all the way in half. This method allows the lobster to cook evenly and creates a larger surface area to be charred.
At this point, you can remove the lobster meat from the shell or leave it in the shell.
Do You Boil Lobster Before Grilling?
Boiling lobster before grilling is optional. You should boil lobster only if you are dealing with live lobsters.
If you parboil flash-frozen lobster tails, the chances of overcooking your lobster will drastically increase.
How Long to Grill Lobster Tails?
The time frame it takes to grill lobster depends on the size of the lobster tails. However, the accepted equation is 1 minute per pound of lobster.
For example, if you have 6-8 pounds of lobster, the cooking time would be 6-8 minutes,
A telltale sign that the lobster tails are finished cooking is the vivid red color the shells turn as well as the opaque color of the meat.
However, the best way to tell if your lobster tail is done is by using a meat thermometer.
Once the lobster has an internal temperature of 140℉, it is finished cooking.
What Should I Serve With Lobster Tails?
Believe it or not, lobster tails are actually served with meat rather than vegetable sides—lobster pairs well with seared Denver steak, shrimp, salmon, and other seafood dishes.
In addition to this, if you want to serve lobster as the main meal, you can pair it with grilled asparagus, mashed potatoes, or steamed broccoli and carrots. Rice is also a great option as a side of lobster.
Should I Grill Lobster on a Gas or Charcoal Grill?
Whether or not you grill lobster on a charcoal grill, portable pellet grill, or gas grill is up to you.
On the one hand, a charcoal grill, commonly called a wood fire grill, is ideal because it allows the smoky flavor to penetrate the lobster meat.
On the other hand, gas grills are extremely convenient as you do not have to add charcoal to the grill.
If you are using charcoal and want to know how much charcoal to use or how to make charcoal, review or how-to guides.
How to Grill Lobster
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- zest and juice 2 lemons
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 6-8 oz. lobster tails
Instructions
- Place the cup of butter into a small saucepan and set it over medium-low heat. Once the butter melts, use a spoon to skim the foam off the top of the butter.
- Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, parsley, and garlic powder, remove it from the heat, set aside 1/2 cup of the butter sauce, and reserve the rest of the butter sauce in the pot.
- Allow your kamado grill to heat to a temperature between 350°F-450°F. If you are using a pellet or charcoal grill, arrange the fuel on one side of the grill to create an indirect cooking zone.
- Cut the lobster tails lengthwise using kitchen shears and thread your soaked skewers through the lobster to prevent them from grilling.
- Brush the lobster tails with the half cup of butter sauce, then brush the grill’s cooking grates clean. Place the lobster tails onto the grill, flesh side down, and cook them for 2-3 minutes with the id on the grill until they have grill marks.
- Turn the lobster tails oven and cook them for 5-8 minutes until the meat is white while brushing it with more butter. Remove the grilled lobster tails and serve them with the reserved butter sauce on the side.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to grill lobster tails, you will never go back to boiling lobster tails again. Happy grilling!
I have been smoking and grilling meat from an early age and enjoy sharing my knowledge and expertise through the hundreds of articles I have written about BBQ. I hope to make everyone’s BBQ journey that little bit easier.