Delight your guests with grilled lobster tails served with lemon butter, garlic, and parsley. They require a little effort, but the result is an impressive dish that’s perfect for special occasions or elegant dinners at home.
Table of Contents
How to Cook Lobster Tails
For 4 people
Difficulty: Easy
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lobster tails | 4 | Thawed if frozen |
| Butter | 125 g | Soft |
| Garlic | 1 clove | Finely minced |
| Parsley | 1 bunch | Leaves only, plus extra to serve |
| Dijon mustard | 1 | |
| Chili powder | 1 pinch | Optional |
| Lemon (juice) | 1 | Freshly squeezed |
| Lemon (wedges) | 1 lemon | Ready to serve |
Preparation
Step 1
- Make the lemon butter by mixing all the ingredients together. Season to taste and set aside.
- This butter can be made up to two days in advance. Remove it from the refrigerator before use so it can soften.
Step 2
- Use kitchen shears to cut along the top of the lobster shells.
- Turn the tails over and gently break the ridges of the shell.
- Use your fingers to open the shell and loosen the meat, keeping it attached at the base.
- Peel the meat back halfway.
- Use a knife to cut along the top of the tail without cutting all the way through.
- Remove the vein if visible.
- Place the tails in a shallow roasting pan and add a small amount of butter to each one.
The lobster tails can be prepared a few hours in advance and kept chilled until cooking.
Step 3
- Heat the grill to high heat and grill the lobster tails for 10 minutes, until fully cooked.
- Plate the tails and drizzle with the butter from the pan, or pour the butter into a separate dish and place it in the center of the table so each guest can use it on their portion.
- Serve with lemon wedges and sprinkle with extra parsley, if desired.
Video Guide 📽️
Nutritional Value (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Energy | 325 kcal |
| Fat | 27 g |
| Saturated fat | 17 g |
| Carbohydrates | 1 g |
| Sugars | 1 g |
| Fiber | 0.1 g |
| Protein | 19 g |
| Salt | 1.42 g |
FAQs
Can I cook lobster tails without a grill?
Yes, lobster tails can also be broiled in the oven. Place them under a hot broiler and cook until the meat is opaque and tender.
How do I know when lobster tails are cooked?
The meat should turn opaque and firm, and the internal temperature should reach about 60°C (140°F).
Can I prepare lobster tails ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the lobster tails and keep them chilled for a few hours before grilling. The butter can also be made in advance.
Is chili powder necessary?
No, chili powder is optional. You can omit it or replace it with another mild spice if preferred.
Conclusion
These grilled lobster tails are a simple yet elegant seafood dish that delivers rich flavor with minimal cooking time. With lemon butter, fresh herbs, and perfectly cooked lobster, this recipe is ideal for entertaining or celebrating a special moment at home.
