Grilled Lobster Tails

Summer Grilled Lobster Tails are a simple and elegant seafood recipe made with fresh lobster tails, melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, and fresh herbs. The lobster is split and grilled shell-side down before being brushed with a flavorful garlic herb butter, creating tender meat with lightly charred edges and a rich, buttery finish.

This easy grilled lobster recipe is perfect for summer dinners, backyard gatherings, special occasions, and seafood cookouts. Serve the lobster with fresh lemon wedges, grilled vegetables, corn on the cob, or a crisp summer salad for a complete warm-weather meal.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Rest Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4 people

Difficulty: Easy

Why You'll Love This Summer Grilled Lobster Tails Recipe

• Tender lobster with a delicious grilled flavor.
• Rich garlic herb butter adds plenty of flavor.
• Fresh lemon brings a bright citrus finish.
• Quick enough for an easy summer dinner.
• Perfect for backyard seafood grilling.
• Elegant enough for special occasions.
• Simple ingredients let the lobster shine.
• Pairs beautifully with classic summer sides.

How to Make Summer Grilled Lobster Tails

1. Prepare the Lobster Tails

Using kitchen shears, carefully cut through the top shell of each lobster tail from the opening toward the tail fan. Do not cut through the bottom shell.

2. Open the Shell

Gently pull the shell apart and loosen the lobster meat with your fingers. Lift the meat slightly over the shell while keeping it attached at the base.

3. Make the Garlic Herb Butter

Melt the butter and stir in minced garlic, lemon juice, parsley, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

4. Prepare the Grill

Preheat an outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.

5. Season the Lobster

Brush the exposed lobster meat generously with the garlic herb butter.

6. Grill Shell-Side Down

Place the lobster tails meat-side up or shell-side down on the grill. Close the lid and cook for about 5–6 minutes.

7. Brush and Finish Cooking

Brush the lobster with more garlic butter and continue grilling until the meat is opaque and reaches about 140–145°F (60–63°C).

8. Rest and Serve

Remove the lobster tails from the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes. Serve with fresh lemon wedges and extra garlic butter.

Tips for Perfect Summer Grilled Lobster Tails

• Choose fresh lobster tails with firm, fresh-smelling meat.
• Use kitchen shears instead of a knife to make splitting the shell easier.
• Avoid cutting completely through the bottom shell.
• Keep the grill at medium-high heat so the lobster cooks without burning.
• Brush with butter during cooking for extra flavor.
• Do not overcook lobster, as the meat can become tough and rubbery.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to check the thickest part of the meat.
• Let the lobster rest briefly before serving.

Delicious Recipe Variations

Spicy Garlic Butter Lobster

Add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the garlic butter.

Lemon Herb Lobster Tails

Increase the fresh lemon juice and add chopped fresh parsley, chives, and dill.

Cajun Grilled Lobster Tails

Add Cajun seasoning and a pinch of smoked paprika to the butter mixture.

Parmesan Garlic Lobster

Sprinkle finely grated Parmesan cheese over the lobster during the final minute of grilling.

Honey Garlic Lobster

Add a small amount of honey to the garlic butter for a sweet and savory glaze.

What to Serve with Summer Grilled Lobster Tails

• Grilled corn on the cob
• Garlic butter potatoes
• Grilled asparagus
• Summer fruit salad
• Watermelon feta salad
• Coleslaw
• Grilled zucchini
• Fresh garden salad
• Garlic bread
• Lemon rice

How to Store Leftover Summer Grilled Lobster Tails

Allow leftover lobster to cool and place it in an airtight container.

Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking and use within 2 days.

For the best texture, gently reheat the lobster with a little butter and avoid overcooking it.

Can Summer Grilled Lobster Tails Be Frozen?

Yes.

Remove the cooked lobster meat from the shell and place it in an airtight freezer-safe container or bag.

Freeze for up to 2 months for the best quality.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently with butter.