How Long to Cook Lobster Tails on the Grill for Perfectly Grilled Lobster Every Time

Lobster tails are a delicacy that many home cooks are hesitant to make at home, thinking they can only get that tender, juicy texture from a high-end restaurant. However, grilling lobster tails is easier than you think and an impressive meal to serve for any special occasion. With just a few tips on how long to cook lobster tails on the grill, you can have restaurant-quality grilled lobster right in your own backyard.

In this article, I’ll go over everything you need to know to grill lobster tails to perfection. We’ll cover:

• Benefits of grilling vs other cooking methods
• How to prep lobster tails for the grill
• How long to cook lobster based on size and grill temperature
• How to tell when lobster tails are done
• Serving suggestions and side dishes

After reading you’ll be ready to fire up the grill and enjoy one of summer’s ultimate treats – grilled lobster tails!

Why Grilling Is the Best Method for Cooking Lobster Tails

There are several ways you can cook lobster tails – boiling, steaming, broiling, and grilling. So why choose grilling? Here are some of the main benefits:

• Enhanced flavor – The hot, dry heat of the grill sears the outside of the lobster, caramelizing natural sugars and adding that charbroiled taste. Lobster tails are basted with garlic-lemon butter as they grill imparting even more flavor to the meat.

• Better texture – Grill heat helps firm up the texture of lobster, so you get a nice combination of tender interior and slightly charred exterior. The moderate indirect heat prevents overcooking the interior.

• Fun presentation – Grilled lobster looks beautiful presented on a platter, often served whole with shell on. It has great visual appeal.

• Tailor cooking time – Grilling gives you more control over gradually cooking the lobster tails to the right doneness based on size.

For the best results, grilling really is the optimal preparation method. Now let’s go over how to get them grill-ready.

Preparing Lobster Tails for the Grill

Proper prep is key to getting the most out of grilling lobster tails. Here are the easy steps:

Step 1: Thaw – Lobster tails should be fully thawed before grilling. To thaw frozen tails overnight, place in a shallow dish in the refrigerator for 8 to 12 hours.

Step 2: Butterfly – Use kitchen shears to cut about halfway through the top center shell lengthwise. Cut just until you reach the base. Then use your hands to open up the shell.

Step 3: Loosen Meat – Gently lift and loosen the meat from the bottom shell. The meat should still be attached at the base.

Step 4: Prepare Seasoning – In a small bowl, melt some butter and mix with minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper and any other desired seasonings. Set aside to use for basting while grilling.

Step 5: Brush with Oil – Lightly brush the top exposed side of the meat with olive or avocado oil. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt.

Now you’re ready to hit the grill!

How Long to Cook Lobster Tails Based on Size and Grill Temperature

The length of time needed to perfectly cook lobster tails will depend on two factors – the size of the tails and how hot your grill is.

Here are general guidelines based on these factors:

For 6-8 oz tails grilled over medium heat (350°F to 450°F):

• Cook 5-7 minutes flesh side down
• Flip and cook 4-5 more minutes flesh side up
• Check internal temperature to confirm doneness

For 10-12 oz tails grilled over medium heat (350°F to 450°F):

• Cook 8-10 minutes flesh side down
• Flip and cook 6-8 more minutes flesh side up
• Check internal temperature to confirm doneness

For any size tails grilled over high heat (500°F+):

• Cook 1-2 minutes less per side
• Check frequently to avoid overcooking

The most accurate way to tell when lobster tails are cooked to perfection is to use an instant-read thermometer. Check the internal temperature in the thickest part of the meat. When it reaches 135°F, they’re done.

If you don’t have a thermometer, look for the opaque color to extend throughout the center and the meat to loosen from the shell slightly. Be careful not to overcook.

Basting and Finishing the Lobster Tails

Once the lobster tails have developed nice grill marks on the first side, flip them over flesh side up to finish cooking.

Now is when you’ll brush the reserved garlic-lemon butter over the meat to add tons of flavor as it finishes grilling. Keep basting every minute or so until the tails are done.

The butter will melt from the heat, getting absorbed right into the hot lobster for maximum taste.

Don’t walk away once you start basting! The butter can burn quickly if left to sit on the grill. Stay close by to keep basting until the tails are finished.

Allow the lobster tails to rest for just 1-2 minutes when you remove them from the grill before serving. Dig in and enjoy your grilled lobster feast!

Side Dishes and Sauces to Serve with Grilled Lobster Tails

A fresh grilled lobster tail is delicious all on its own. But why not pair it with complementing foods and sauces to take your meal to the next level?

Here are some sensational sides to consider:

• Grilled corn on the cob – Skip the boiling and throw corn right on the grill alongside the lobster for irresistible charred kernels.

• Grilled asparagus – Simple seasoned grilled asparagus is a classic pairing with lobster or seafood.

• Garlic mashed potatoes – Rich, creamy potatoes are the perfect counterbalance to the sweet lobster meat.

• Rice pilaf – Fluffy rice pilaf with herbs is an easy and tasty side.

• Dinner rolls – Butter rolls are ideal for dipping in any lobster meat juices.

Don’t forget the sauces! Having a lemon garlic aioli, melted butter, or rich hollandaise for dipping takes grilled lobster over the top.

Grilling Lobster Tails FAQs

If you’re new to grilling lobster, chances are you have a few questions about the process. Here are answers to some commonly asked questions:

Should I grill lobster tails from raw or boil/steam first? Don’t boil or steam before grilling. You’ll achieve the best flavor and texture by grilling raw, uncooked tails.

Can I grill lobster that’s already cooked? Pre-cooked lobster can be grilled but the texture won’t be quite as good. Stick to raw shells-on tails for the full grilled experience.

Do I need to baste while grilling or can I just brush on butter after? Basting while grilling is important! It prevents the meat from drying out and adds so much flavor.

What if some of the butter gets burned from the grill? A little blackening won’t ruin the taste. Just scrape off any severely burned bits before serving. A small amount of char from the butter actually enhances the flavor.

How do I prevent the tail meat from sticking to the grill? Be sure to oil/butter the grates. Use a metal spatula to carefully lift tails when flipping or removing. Don’t forcefully scrape.

Enjoy Restaurant-Worthy Grilled Lobster Any Night of the Week

If you love indulging in grilled lobster tails at your favorite restaurant, you’ll be thrilled to learn how easy it is to make them at home. Now that you know exactly how long to cook lobster tails on the grill based on size and temperature, you can recreate that gourmet dining experience right in your backyard.

Be sure to have all your accompaniments ready to serve – drawn butter, lemon wedges, dipping sauces, and savory sides. Pour some chilled white wine or rosé and you’ve got the ultimate summer meal.

Grilled lobster makes for a stunning presentation at parties or date nights too. Impress your guests with your culinary skills. The compliments on the tender, juicy, flavor-packed tails will keep coming all evening long.

So fire up that grill and get ready for your new go-to grilled lobster recipe. I hope you’ll find grilling lobster to be fun and surprisingly simple. The only hard part is resisting the urge to have it every night!