Grilled Lobster Tail Recipes

So, you have been persuaded to try grilled lobster tails - good for you, because it's an easy way to cook lobster. However, before you begin, you may want to take the time to look at a few grilled lobster tail recipes, and tips on how to BBQ lobster tails.

How do you Barbeque Lobster Tails

When cooking lobster tails on a grill you have two types of lobsters to choose from...

...clawed and unclawed.

Since a clawed lobster requires that you remove the body and claws from the tail, prior to grilling, many people prefer to use unclawed lobsters when grilling lobster tails. As for myself...

...I am a die-hard fan of fresh, live Maine lobster. So, when I am preparing grilled lobster tail recipes, I'm left with only one option, a clawed lobster!

Whichever you choose, clawed or unclawed, here is a quick lesson on how to cook lobster tail on the grill.

Grilled lobster tails tip: If you choose clawed lobster for grilling lobster tails, use hard shell lobsters versus soft shell lobsters, as the meat is heartier and easier to manage.

Step 1: Don't be intimidated by grilled lobster tail recipes!

Banish the notion that since lobster is fairly expensive and often served as a "special occasion" treat, it must be difficult to prepare. Not so! Grilling lobster tails is as easy as grilling shrimp. But for the true lobster lover, MUCH more rewarding!

Step 2: When cooking frozen lobster tail...

Completely thaw lobster tails before grilling, either by storing them in the refrigerator overnight or placing them in a pan of cold water for a couple of hours.

Many chefs recommend par-boiling thawed tails for three minutes before grilling. However, if the tails are fully thawed and grilled appropriately this is not necessary.

When cooking live lobster tail...

Boil before grilling. Place the lobster head first into a large pot of salted, boiling water and cook at a full boil for at least seven minutes.

Drain the water and once the lobster has cooled to the point where it can be handled, remove the head and claws and rinse the tail well. Do NOT discard the claws of lobsters that come from the northern Atlantic waters, as they typically will contain absolutely decadent lobster meat!

Step 3: Place the lobster tails on a cutting board, hard shell side down.

Step 4: Butterfly lobster tail by cutting the underbelly (the soft, whiter side) down the center, leaving an inch of meat intact at the end of the shell.

Step 5: Gently open the shell, exposing the meat. Carefully lift the meat up and over the shell, leaving the meat attached at the end of the shell.

Step 6: Lengthwise, place a skewer through each tail to prevent them from curling while cooking. Wooden skewers need to be soaked for around 30 minutes prior to insertion.

You may also be interested in:
How to Cook Lobster Tail, Types of Lobsters, Types of Tails

Step 7: Warm the grill to a medium high heat.

Step 8: Baste the lobster meat with seasonings. Salt and/or pepper, Old Bay Seasoning, fresh dill, Cajun spices, lemon and parsley, all work well with lobster meat. Some people enjoy garlic, but use all seasonings sparingly so as not to mask the taste of the lobster meat.

Step 9: Place the lobster tail, shell side down, directly on the pre-heated grill. Close the lid.

Step 10: After five minutes baste the lobster meat again.

Step 11: Grill until the meat is completely opaque. Cooking time is usually around 10 - 15 minutes, depending on the size of the tails.

Step 12: Remove the grilled lobster tails, drizzle with plain butter, clarified butter, or seasoned butter and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

For variations on grilled lobster tail recipes follow Step 1 through 4, then...

...infuse the meat with flavor by filling the butterfly cut with seasoned butter (see Step 8) and wrap the tail in aluminum foil. With the shell side down place the wrapped tail on a pre-heated medium high grill and cook until the meat is opaque - around 10 - 15 minutes depending on the tail size.

If oriental lobster sounds appealing, try seasoning the meat with pineapple juice and soy sauce, preferably using low sodium sauce since the lobster will already has a salty flavor.

Or, you may want to check out Chef Jason Hills grilled lobster tail recipes video, where he pre-cooks the lobster tails on a grill and then finishes them off on his kitchen stove.

Be creative and experiment, and you are bound to come up with your own fabulous grilled lobster tail recipes. And, if you would like to share them, please contact me and I will be happy to include them here.