How Long Do You Cook Lobster Tails on the Grill?

Lobster tails are a delicious decadent treat that can easily be grilled to perfection at home. When cooking lobster tails on the grill timing is everything to ensure the meat comes out tender and juicy. Follow these simple tips to learn exactly how long to grill lobster tails.

Select the Right Lobster Tails

• Look for raw uncooked lobster tails that are about 10 ounces each. Larger tails may need a minute or two longer.

• Make sure the shells are hard and not cracked. Soft shells mean lower quality.

• Thaw frozen tails overnight in the fridge before grilling.

Prep the Tails for Grilling

• Use kitchen shears to cut through the top of the shell lengthwise without cutting all the way through the tail.

• Then, use a knife to cut the lobster meat down the center but not all the way through.

• Opening up the lobster tail like this allows the meat to cook evenly and helps flavors penetrate

• Brush the meat lightly with olive oil or melted butter and season simply with just salt and pepper.

Determine Grill Time

• Grill lobster tails over direct high heat. The grill temperature should be about 500-550°F.

• Place the tails shell-side down first. Grill for 5-7 minutes per side.

• After flipping once, start brushing the meat frequently with herb butter or an oil-based marinade.

• Total grill time will be 10-12 minutes for 10 ounce tails.

Check for Doneness

• The easiest way to test when lobster tails are cooked through is by temperature.

• Use an instant read thermometer to check the thickest part of the meat. It should reach 135°F when done.

• You can also check for visual signs like opaque, pearly white meat or the meat separating from the shell slightly.

• If squeezed, the meat should feel firm yet still be moist and juicy inside when fully cooked.

Add Flavor While Grilling

• Consider soaking wooden skewers in water before inserting them lengthwise through each tail. This makes grilling easier.

• Brush with lemon-garlic butter or chimichurri to add big, bold flavor.

• You can also marinate briefly in olive oil, citrus, and dry spices before grilling.

• For a smoky flavor, try adding soaked wood chips to the hot grill before cooking.

Finish with Herb Butter

• Melting flavored butter over the hot lobster as soon as you remove it from the grill really takes these tails over the top.

-Mix softened butter with chopped fresh herbs like dill, tarragon, parsley, basil, or chives along with a squeeze of lemon.

• You can also add minced garlic, crushed red pepper, lemon zest, or grated Parmesan cheese to the butter.

• Spoon the herb butter over the piping hot lobster right when it comes off the grill.

Other Handy Tips

• Let the grill preheat fully before adding lobster tails to ensure they cook at the right speed.

• Resist the urge to move or turn the tails too often while grilling. Frequent flipping slows cooking.

• If the shell starts to char or burn before the interior is done, move tails to indirect heat.

• Brush on extra butter or oil if the exterior seems dry. The basting liquid keeps the meat moist.

• Serve grilled lobster tails with grilled corn, potatoes, or asparagus for the full summer cookout experience.

Grilling lobster to perfection takes some technique, but the impressive, restaurant-worthy results are so worth it. Keep these simple grilling times and foolproof tips in mind to enjoy perfect tender, juicy lobster off your own grill this summer.

Grilling Lobster Tails Step-By-Step

Follow these simple steps for grilling lobster tails right every time:

1. Prep the Tails

• Use kitchen shears to cut through the top shell lengthwise without cutting all the way through.

• Next, cut the lobster meat open down the center but not completely through.

2. Brush with Oil and Season

• Lightly brush the lobster meat with olive oil or melted butter.

• Sprinkle lightly with just salt and pepper.

3. Grill Shell-Side Down First

• Place tails shell-side down on hot grill at 500°F.

• Grill for 5-7 minutes then flip once.

4. Baste and Finish Cooking

• Brush meat side frequently with herb butter or oil as it finishes cooking.

• Grill for 4-5 minutes more after flipping.

5. Check Temperature

• Use an instant read thermometer to test doneness. Meat should reach 135°F.

6. Rest and Serve

• Let tails rest for 2-3 minutes before serving with any remaining flavored butter.

• Enjoy your restaurant-quality grilled lobster!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you keep lobster tails from curling on the grill?

• Soak wooden skewers in water first and then insert them lengthwise through the tail before grilling.

• You can also wrap the underside of each tail with a small piece of foil to help them stay flat.

Can you grill frozen lobster tails?

• Yes, but they must be thawed first. Keep frozen tails refrigerated for 24-36 hours before grilling.

What temperature is best for grilling lobster tails?

• Grill over direct high heat, around 500-550°F. This ensures the exterior gets nicely charred while the interior cooks through.

How do you grill lobster tails without sticking?

• Make sure grill grates are well-oiled before adding the tails. Also, don’t move them too frequently while they cook.

What are the signs that lobster tails are done on the grill?

• Check for opaque pearly white meat, the meat separating from the shell slightly, a firm texture yet still moist inside, and 135°F on an instant read thermometer.

Can you grill lobster tails on a gas grill?

• Yes, lobster tails can absolutely be made on either a charcoal or gas grill. Just make sure to preheat fully first and cook over direct high heat.

In Conclusion

Grilling lobster tails requires paying close attention to a few key details, especially monitoring temperature and avoiding overcooking. With a hot grill, a few simple prep steps, and 10-12 minutes total cook time, you can enjoy succulent, flavorful grilled lobster straight from your backyard. Use an instant read thermometer to eliminate any doubts about doneness. A quick brush of flavored butter right after grilling makes a fittingly luxurious finish for these lobster tails.