How to Grill Lobster Tails Perfectly on a Charcoal Grill

Lobster tails are a delicious and luxurious treat that can elevate any backyard barbecue. Grilling lobster tails on a charcoal grill infuses them with a wonderful smoky flavor while keeping the meat moist and tender. While grilling lobster tails is easy, there are some tips and techniques you can use to grill them just right. In this article, I’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to grill lobster tails on a charcoal grill for perfectly cooked results every time.

Ingredients

• 2 lobster tails, thawed if frozen
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Lemon wedges, for serving
• Melted butter, for serving

Necessary Equipment

• Charcoal grill
• Charcoal
• Chimney starter
• Tongs
• Basting brush
• Instant-read thermometer

Step 1: Prepare the Lobster Tails

First things first, you’ll need to prep the lobster tails for grilling. Here are two easy methods

Butterfly Cut

1. Using kitchen shears, cut lengthwise through the top of the lobster shell. Cut along the tail but do not cut all the way through.
2. With a sharp knife, continue the cut through the lobster meat, splitting it in half while leaving the bottom connected.
3. Spread the lobster meat open like a book.

Fully Split

1. Using a sharp knife or kitchen shears, cut lengthwise through the top shell and meat to completely separate the lobster tail into two halves.

I prefer the butterfly method as it exposes more surface area for browning while keeping the integrity of the tail intact But either method will work!

Step 2: Oil the Grates

To prevent the lobster from sticking it’s important to oil the grates before grilling. Use a wad of paper towels dipped in vegetable oil to lightly grease the grates.

Step 3: Light the Charcoal and Preheat Grill

If using a charcoal grill, dump the charcoal in the bottom and light it using a chimney starter. Once the coals are lit, spread them out evenly and then put the cooking grate in place. Close the lid and allow grill to preheat for 15-20 minutes until the temperature reaches 500-600°F.

You want very hot heat to sear the lobster tails.

Step 4: Oil and Season the Lobster

While grill is heating up, drizzle the lobster tails with olive oil or melted butter and season generously with salt and pepper. Rub the seasoning all over the meat.

Step 5: Grill the Lobster Tails

Carefully place the lobster tails meat-side down onto the hot grates. Let them sear for 2-3 minutes until lightly charred. Using tongs, flip over and cook shell-side down for another 2-3 minutes.

After flipping, move the tails over indirect heat or turn off one burner to create a cooler side on a gas grill. This prevents overcooking.

Step 6: Baste and Continue Cooking

Start basting the lobster tails with melted butter. Continue cooking for 5-7 more minutes, basting frequently, until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 140°F. The shells will turn bright red when done.

Basting helps keep the tails moist and adds flavor.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Immediately remove the lobster tails from the grill and serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over the meat. Offer additional melted butter for dipping if desired. Dig in and enjoy!

The key is not overcooking the lobster. It just needs a quick sear on each side over direct heat and then indirect cooking to finish. Monitoring the temperature and frequently basting prevents drying out.

Grilling Lobster Tail Tips

Follow these tips for perfect grilled lobster tails every time:

• Choose tails that are similar in size for even cooking.
• Defrost frozen tails overnight in the fridge before grilling.
• Cut lengthwise through the shell before grilling for better heat penetration.
• Oil the hot grates well before adding the lobster to prevent sticking.
• Grill over direct high heat to start, then move over indirect heat to finish cooking.
• Baste the tails frequently with melted butter or olive oil to keep moist.
• Remove from grill when the internal temperature reaches 140°F for tender meat.
• Allow the lobster tails to rest for 5 minutes before serving. The temperature will rise a bit more as they rest.

Choosing Lobster Tails

When buying lobster tails for grilling, here are a few things to look for:

• Choose tails that are similar in size, between 5-8 ounces each, for consistent cooking.
• Look for tails labeled “fresh” not frozen whenever possible. The meat will be firmer.
• Make sure shells are not cracked or leaking. This indicates dryness.
• Avoid tails with yellowish meat or foul odor which signals spoilage.
• For more affordable tails, select rock lobster tails over Maine lobster.

Rock lobster tails are a bit smaller but are an inexpensive alternative to pricey Maine lobster tails. Either variety will taste delicious grilled!

Best Woods for Grilling Lobster Tails

Adding wood chips or chunks to your charcoal grill can really boost the flavor of grilled lobster tails. Soaking the wood helps control smoke and prevent flame-ups. These are the best woods to use:

• Alder – Provides a light, sweet smoke flavor
• Apple – Imparts a fruity, mild smokiness
• Cherry – Gives a slightly sweet, woodsy flavor
• Hickory – Adds a bold, bacon-like smoky taste

I suggest apple or cherry wood for lobster to complement the sweetness of the meat without overpowering it. Stay away from mesquite which might be too strong.

Marinades and Rubs for Grilled Lobster Tails

While grilled lobster tails are delicious seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and butter, you can also add more flavor with marinades and dry rubs.

Simple Lemon Garlic Marinade

• Fresh lemon juice
• Minced garlic
• Olive oil
• Chopped fresh parsley

Brown Sugar and Chili Dry Rub

• Light brown sugar
• Smoked paprika
• Ground chipotle chili powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Just brush lobster tails with the marinade or rub about 30 minutes before grilling. Start with a thin coat to prevent burning.

Serving Suggestions

Grilled lobster tail is amazing served as is, but here are some tasty serving ideas:

• Serve with clarified butter for dipping.
• Offer lemon wedges for squeezing over the meat.
• Pair with grilled corn on the cob and asparagus.
• Make lobster tacos with grilled tortillas, pico de gallo, avocado.
• Toss grilled lobster meat with pasta and creamy lemon sauce.
• Stuff lobster meat into a baked potato along with chives.
• Put on toasted buns for lobster rolls with butter and mayo.

However you choose to serve them, lobster tails hot off the grill are a spectacular treat! Grilling really intensifies the sweet flavor of the lobster.