Can You Grill Frozen Lobster Tails? The Ultimate Guide to Grilling Frozen Lobster

Lobster tails are a delicious and luxurious treat that can take any backyard cookout from basic to gourmet The sweet, succulent meat pairs perfectly with the smoky flavors from the grill But is it possible to go straight from the freezer to the grill? Can you grill frozen lobster tails?

The short answer is yes, you can grill frozen lobster tails! However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind to ensure they turn out tender and juicy Properly grilling frozen lobster tails requires understanding how to safely thaw and prep them before tossed them on the hot grill

In this detailed guide, we will cover everything you need to know about grilling frozen lobster tails from start to finish. You’ll learn:

• How to select the best frozen lobster tails
• Pro tips for thawing frozen lobster tails
• Prepping methods like splitting and skewering
• Seasoning and marinating recipes
• Step-by-step grilling instructions
• Serving ideas and pairings

Equipped with this knowledge, you’ll be ready to fire up the grill and enjoy succulent grilled lobster tails, even when working with frozen tails. Let’s get cooking!

Can You Throw Frozen Lobster Tails Straight on the Grill?

While you can grill frozen lobster tails, you should never throw them straight from the freezer onto the hot grill.frozen lobster tails must be properly thawed before grilling in order to cook evenly and achieve the proper texture.

Grilling frozen lobster tails risks uneven cooking, where the outside will burn while the inside remains icy cold. This leads to overdone, rubbery meat. Frozen shells may also crack and fracture on the grill.

For best results, always thaw frozen lobster tails overnight in the refrigerator before grilling. This allows the frozen lobster to gently defrost and come up to temperature.

Selecting Frozen Lobster Tails for Grilling

Not all frozen lobster tails are created equal. When shopping, keep an eye out for:

• Species: Opt for cold water lobster like Maine lobster over warm water varieties. The meat will be sweeter and firmer, holding up better on the grill.

• Size: Choose medium to large lobster tails that are 6-7 oz or bigger. Smaller tails can overcook easily with direct grill heat.

• Quality: Look for frozen lobster tails that feel solidly frozen, with no signs of frost or freezer burn. The shell should be intact with no cracks.

Buying previously frozen quality lobster tails allows you to enjoy grilled lobster any time without paying premium fresh lobster prices.

Pro Tips for Thawing Frozen Lobster Tails

To safely thaw frozen lobster tails:

• Place tails in a bowl to catch drips and place in the refrigerator overnight. Never thaw at room temperature.

• Change the bowl halfway through thawing to drain away melted ice if needed.

• Check tails periodically and reposition. Thinner tail tips may thaw first.

• Lobster tails are ready to prep and grill when their flesh is no longer icy and moves freely inside the shell.

Thawed lobster tails will feel flexible but cold, with no crunchy ice crystals remaining inside.

Prepping Thawed Lobster Tails for Grilling

Once your frozen lobster tails have thawed, you need to prep them before tossing them on the grill by:

Splitting the Shell

There are a few options when splitting lobster tails:

• Butterfly cut: Cut along the top of the shell but leave the bottom intact. The tail can open up like butterfly wings.

• Fully split: Cut all the way through both the top and bottom of the shell to divide the tail in half.

• Skewer: Thread a skewer lengthwise through the tail to prevent curling.

Splitting exposes more surface area for grilling and seasoning. Just take care not to overcook the exposed meat.

Removing the Digestive Tract

A small vein runs through the tail meat which needs removal before grilling. Pull it out with a fork or tweezers. Give the meat a quick rinse afterward.

Patting the Lobster Meat Dry

Pat the lobster meat dry before grilling. Excess moisture on the meat can cause steaming which affects flavor and texture.

Seasoning and Marinating Thawed Lobster Tails

Adding flavor through seasons, rubs, butter, and marinades prevents the lobster from drying out over the hot fire. Consider:

• Light seasoning – Sea salt, cracked pepper, minced garlic

• Herbed butters – Garlic-chive, tarragon, or parsley butter

• Vibrant marinades – Mojo sauce, chimichurri, Thai curries

• Spice rubs – Cajun blackening seasoning, jerk dry rub, BBQ rub

• Quick marinades – Olive oil, lemon, herbs (but avoid long acidic marinates)

Get creative with flavors, but avoid over-seasoning buttery lobster. Brush on marinades and butters just before grilling.

How to Grill Previously Frozen Lobster Tails

Follow these simple steps for perfect grilled thawed lobster tails:

1. Prepare Your Grill

• Heat your charcoal or gas grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F to 450°F.

• Use two-zone fire setup, with hotter and cooler sides.

• Clean and lightly oil the grill grates if needed.

2. Grill Split Lobster Tails Flesh Side Down First

• Place split lobster tails flesh side down on the hot grill zone.

• Grill for 4 minutes until browned without flipping.

3. Flip and Grill Shell Side Down

• Flip lobster tails and grill shell side down for another 3-4 minutes.

• Baste with any marinades or butters during last few minutes.

4. Check Internal Temperature

• Grill until the internal temperature of the lobster reaches 135°F-140°F.

• Use an instant-read thermometer to check doneness.

• Cooked lobster will be opaque throughout.

5. Let Lobster Tails Rest

• Remove tails from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

• The residual heat will finish cooking the lobster tails perfectly.

• Take care, as the grill-hot shells can still burn fingers while resting!

Grilled Frozen Lobster Tail Recipe

This easy recipe walks through grilling thawed frozen lobster tails step-by-step:

Ingredients:

• 4 frozen lobster tails, 8-10 oz each, thawed
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 stick melted butter
• Kosher salt and cracked black pepper
• Lemon wedges

Instructions:

1. Thaw frozen lobster tails overnight in the refrigerator.
2. Prepare and heat grill to medium-high. Split tails lengthwise, cutting through shell.
3. Brush lobster meat with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Grill lobster tails meat-side up with lid closed until opaque, 6-8 minutes.
5. Flip tails and grill until grill marks appear on meat, about 30 seconds.
6. Serve grilled lobster tails with lemon, melted butter, and enjoy!

Serving Up Your Grilled Frozen Lobster Tails

Impress your guests with beautiful plating and tantalizing accouterments:

• Serve grilled lobster with lemon butter, fresh lemon wedges, parsley and charred lemon halves.

• Pair with grilled seasonal vegetables like zucchini, squash, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus.

• Offer dipping sauces like clarified butter, aioli, Hollandaise, or rich buttery sauces.

• Make it a surf and turf night by pairing with grilled filet mignon or NY strip steak.

• Bake foil wrapped potatoes on the grill alongside the lobster to round out your meal.

Wine and Beer Pairings for Grilled Lobster Tails

Grilled lobster deserves a proper drink pairing to accent its sweet and savory flavors:

White wines:

• Sauvignon Blanc
• Chardonnay
• Pinot Grigio
• Sparkling Wine

Beers:

• Pilsners
• Wheat Beer
• Blonde Ale
• Pale Ale

The light, crisp nature of these wines and beers complements lobster instead of overpowering it.

Grilling Frozen Lobster vs Fresh Lobster Tails

While grilling previously frozen lobster tails can yield delicious results, fresh lobster tails do have some advantages:

• Fresher flavor – Fresh raw lobster has superior sweetness and flavor over thawed frozen tails.

• Less prep – No thawing time is needed with fresh tails. They are