Updated on April 9th, 2023
An expensive yet appreciated seafood dish, lobster tails are a delicious treat. And because they cost so much, it’s understandable for those who want to make them know the best ways to. One of these ways is grilling, and here we’ll give you great tips on how to grill great-tasting lobster tails.
Why Grill Lobster Tails?
There are different ways to prepare lobster tails, and each offers a unique experience and requires different methods. However, grilling lobster tails has its specific perks. First, it’s a quick process and requires few ingredients. Second, the grilling process gives the tails a final smoky flavor with just a hint of char. Plus, it’s also convenient, as it offers a flexible method of preparing what most people consider a gourmet food item both indoors and outdoors.
Preparing the Lobster Tail
To cook lobster tails on the grill, you need to bear a few notes in mind. Lobster is very costly, and the last thing you need is to ruin it with one slight error during cooking. Luckily, these tips won’t help prevent such a case;
Choosing and Thawing
While most people would tell you fresh lobster tails are the best-tasting, the frozen ones work just as well. Plus, you can use any type of lobster tail you wish or can get your hands on, so long as they’re all roughly the same size. This makes sure they cook at the same rate.
If you’re using frozen lobster tails, allow them to thaw overnight in the fridge. But if you’re in a hurry, simply leave in a bowl of cold water until the flesh softens. Note that for larger rails, you may have to change the water at least after 30 minutes.
Cutting and Seasoning
You have to cut through the shell to reach and season the flesh. First, cut the tail from the center down with a pair of kitchen shears. Once done, use a sharp knife to cut through the initial cut, stopping at the bottom shell, then continue downwards, stopping at the tail. Remove the track and put a skewer through the flesh, so it doesn’t curl when you grill.
Seasoning Lobster tails aren’t complicated either. With a good smear of oil and a dash of pepper and salt, you can enhance the taste of the flesh. You can even add any extra seasonings you wish or use butter instead of oil. Or you can combine both by using oil at the start, then butter just as it’s done and ready.
Grilling the Lobster Tails
Lobster tails cook quickly and need direct heat. So, grill over direct medium heat- about 350 to 400°F will do. The entire grilling process takes not more than 10 minutes, and the lobster is fully cooked when the internal temperature hits from 135 to 140°F.
Other Handy Tips for Grilled Lobster Tails
Always grease the grill rack before using. This makes sure food doesn’t stick to the rails.
Serve the lobster tails immediately it’s ready. They’re better that way, and if you reheat, the flesh toughens even more.
Lobster tails can be cooked on any type of indoor or outdoor grill.
Recommended garnishes for serving lobster tails include finely chopped parsley and lemon wedges. They also go well with starchy side dishes, melted butter dips, and grilled vegetables.
Feeling excited about grilled lobster tails? Then try this simple recipe.
PrintGrilled Lobster Tails Recipe (6 servings)
Ingredients
- 6 medium-sized lobster tails, thawed and washed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons black pepper
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- With a pair of kitchen shears, cut the centre top of the lobster tail, just above the flesh. Trace the cut with a sharp knife and slice through the flesh, stopping just at the bottom shell.
- Continue downwards and stop at the tail fin. Clean out the tract and skewer the flesh. Repeat this for each tail.
- Slightly stretch the opened shell, and flatten the meat with your hands. Then, apply a generous brush of olive oil to each tail, and season with pepper and salt.
- Place the tails on the grill with the flesh facing down and leave to cook for 5 minutes. Turn the face-up and cook for another 5 minutes. Serve with any sides you want.
If you want visual direction, click here for a video recipe.
