Grilled Lobster Tails

Grilled Lobster Tails lathered in garlic butter are the definition of luxury made easy. Fancy enough for a celebration, yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner, this grilled lobster tails recipe is ready under 20 minutes.

Whether you're learning how to grill lobster tails for the first time or just craving something indulgent, this recipe delivers every time. Juicy, smoky, and drenched in rich garlic butter, these grilled lobster tails are guaranteed to wow your guests, or just treat yourself right. If you prefer a stovetop method that delivers the same rich flavour, try these seared lobster tails with lemon garlic butter.

What Makes These Grilled Lobster Tails Work

They look fancy, but they're surprisingly fuss-free. Grilling lobster brings out a natural sweetness while adding a touch of smoky char that's impossible to resist. Paired with garlic butter, every bite is rich, tender, and packed with flavor.

This grilled lobster tails recipe is all about balance, simple ingredients, quick cooking time, and showstopping results. Whether you're mastering how to grill lobster tails or already a seasoned pro, this recipe gives you juicy, restaurant-quality grilled lobster without the price tag or the pressure.

What Goes Into These Grilled Lobster Tails

Grilled Lobster Tails don't need a long list of ingredients, just a few fresh, flavorful basics to make them shine. The real secret? That golden garlic butter.

• Lobster Tails: The star of the show. Choose fresh or frozen tails that are about 5-6 ounces each for a reliable texture and flavor.
• Butter: Melted and rich, it creates the good base for our garlic herb mixture.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds bold, savory depth to every bite.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens up the richness and balances the buttery flavor beautifully.

Note: Please see recipe card for a full list of ingredients with measurements.

On the stove

1. Prep Lobster: Using kitchen shears, cut the top of each lobster tail lengthwise. Gently pull the meat upward, keeping it attached at the base, and rest it on the top of the shell for presentation.

1. Make Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, chives, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. This rich, herby blend is the secret to big flavor.

1. Season the Tails: Brush the lobster meat with olive oil and a light sprinkle of salt and pepper. Then spoon the garlic butter over each tail, coating the meat fully.

1. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high, about 400°F (200°C). Lightly oil the grates or use a grill-safe pan to keep the lobster from sticking.

1. Grill the Lobster: Place the lobster tails meat-side up on the grill. Close the lid and cook for 8-10 minutes, basting with more garlic butter halfway through.

1. Garnish and Serve: Transfer to a platter, drizzle with any remaining garlic butter, and garnish with extra parsley, chives, and fresh lemon wedges.

For something brighter, try a crisp garden salad or grilled asparagus with lemon. Want to lean into the seafood theme? Pair with shrimp skewers or Creamy Tuscan scallops for a surf-style feast.

Recipe FAQ's

The meat should turn opaque and firm to the touch. A fully cooked lobster tail will also slightly curl and reach an internal temperature of 135–140°F (57–60°C).

Yes! If a grill isn't available, broil them on high heat with the rack positioned in the center of your oven. Watch closely to avoid overcooking.

Definitely. Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the butter mixture for a spicier grilled lobster experience.

What you need

• 1/2 cup butter melted
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons parsley chopped, plus extra to garnish
• 1 tablespoon chives chopped, plus extra to garnish
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt plus extra to season
• 1 pinch black pepper a pinch to taste
• 4 lobster tails
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil for brushing
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes a pinch to taste
• Lemon wedges for serving

Method

1. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium heat.
2. Using kitchen shears, cut top of lobster shell from meaty portion of tail. Using a knife, cut the lobster tail in half lengthwise through meat down the centre.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, lemon juice, herbs, garlic, salt and pepper. Set aside.
4. Brush lobster meat all over with oil. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Grill flesh side down until lightly charred, about 5-6 minutes. Flip lobster, brush meat with HALF of the garlic butter mixture. Cover with lid and grill until just cooked through, about 3-4 minutes more.
6. Remove lobster from grill and season with a little extra salt, black pepper and red pepper flakes.
7. Brush with remaining garlic butter and serve with lemon wedges.