This giant grilled lobster tail is the perfect treat. Not only is it a show stopper, but the taste is out of this world. Perfectly grilled meat, savory and zesty butter make for a rich and decadent meal everyone will enjoy. I get it, it’s expensive, but look for special deals at your local grocery store. I know at my local Mariano’s they frequently have sales.
Lobster tails are a delicious, decadent treat that can elevate any backyard cookout. Getting that tender, slightly charred, smoky flavor requires grilling these crustaceans at just the right temperature. Grilling lobster tails can seem intimidating, but with a few simple tips you’ll be serving up restaurant-quality surf ‘n turf in no time.
In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about choosing the ideal grill temperature for cooking lobster tails to tender, juicy perfection.
Why Grilled Lobster Tails Are So Good
Lobster tails are perfect for grilling because the high dry heat really brings out their sweet briny seafood flavor. The meat gets a nice char while basting in herbed butter, and you get that irresistible smokiness from the grill.
Grilling also cooks the lobster tails quickly, sealing in moisture and giving you a tender interior with a slightly firm, toothsome texture Much better than boiling or steaming which can lead to overcooking
So if you’re looking for an easy, impressive entree, look no further than throwing some lobster tails on the grill.
What Temperature Should You Grill Lobster Tails?
The optimal grill temperature for cooking lobster tails is a medium-high 400-450°F direct heat. Here’s why this temperature range works so well:
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Hot enough to sear the exterior and lock in juices
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Provides even heat to cook through without overdoing it
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Allows you to get nice grill marks and char flavor
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Warm enough for basting butter to melt and get that glossy glaze
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Gives smoke from grates time to penetrate without burning
If your grill thermometer only goes up to 500°F, then aim for between medium 400°F and max heat. The closer to 450°F the better for getting lobster cooked through without becoming tough.
Setting Up Your Grill for Lobster Tails
Preheating your gas or charcoal grill properly ensures you’ll hit that ideal 400-450°F target temperature for grilling lobster. Here are a few tips:
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Gas Grills – Turn all burners to high and close the lid for 10-15 minutes preheat. Quickly clean and oil the grates just before adding lobster.
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Charcoal Grills – Mound charcoal to one side of grill for direct medium-high heat. Let coals get hot and ashy before grilling, about 20 minutes after lighting.
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2-Zone Fire – Set up both gas and charcoal grills for 2-zone cooking to move lobster off direct flames if needed.
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Clean Grates – Heat grill for 15 minutes, then brush grates clean. Oil lightly to prevent sticking.
Once your grill hits 400-450°F, you’re ready to throw those lobster tails on and get the perfect sear!
How to Grill Lobster Tails to Perfection
Grilling lobster tails correctly results in tender meat with a lightly charred outside. Follow these simple steps:
Prep Them Properly
- Start with raw, uncooked tails. Thaw if frozen.
- Cut lengthwise through shells without severing meat.
- Loosen meat from bottom of shells.
- Season flesh with salt, pepper, chili powder, etc.
- Dot with pieces of herb butter.
Grill Them Over Direct Heat
- Place lobster tails meat-side down on hot grill grates.
- Grill for 5-6 minutes over direct heat.
- Resist urge to flip or move too soon so you get nice sear marks.
Baste and Finish
- Flip tails and baste meat with melted herbed butter.
- Grill 2-4 more minutes depending on size until opaque.
- Brush again with butter right before removing.
Check for Doneness
- Use instant-read thermometer to check inner temperature.
- Grill until lobster reaches 140°F for perfect medium doneness.
- Take off grill as soon as it hits 140°F to prevent overcooking.
Follow these simple guidelines for grilling lobster tails at the ideal 400-450°F temperature, and you’ll have tender, juicy, flavorful results every time.
Grilled Lobster Mistakes to Avoid
It’s easy to overcook lobster on the grill if you aren’t careful. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Grilling over direct high heat the whole time
- Cooking too many tails at once overcrowding the grill
- Not preheating grill properly so temp is too low
- Using a thermometer and overcooking past 140°F
- Basting too soon and retarding browning
- Moving the tails too much which prevents grill marks
As long as you preheat your grill, use medium-high heat around 400-450°F, and monitor doneness, you can avoid these pitfalls.
Handy Tips for Grilled Lobster Success
Here are some bonus tips to ensure perfect grilled lobster tails every time:
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Choose sustainable wild-caught lobster tails when possible for better flavor.
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Let tails sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes before grilling for more even cooking.
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Cut shells before grilling but don’t remove meat to preserve moisture.
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Grill flesh-side down first, then baste and finish cooking shell-side down.
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Use tongs and spatulas instead of forks which puncture the meat.
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Serve with grilled lemon halves, drawn butter, or dipping sauces.
Time to Enjoy Grilled Lobster!
Now you’re ready to grill those lobster tails like a seasoned pro! Just fire up your grill to a hot 400-450°F, throw on the tails, baste with herbed butter, and cook to 140°F internal temperature.
In no time, you’ll be biting into tender lobster with hints of smoke and char that your family and friends will rave about. So grab some lobster tails and grill on!
Step 2: How to perfectly grill lobster tail.
Lobster meat is very delicate therefore it doesn’t take much to over cook this expensive protein.
Preheat the grill to a high 350 – 375 degrees and set for indirect heat. Place the lobster on the grill. To prepare the garlic, take a whole head, cut off the top, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap in foil. Place it on the grill to roast. Remove it once tender.
Now, place the lobster tail for about 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees. It is very important to keep an eye on the internal temps. Lobster can be easily overcooked making it rubbery and unpleasant to eat.
- Keep an eye on the internal temp. Lobster overcooks really fast and becomes rubbery. Internal temp should be 140 degrees.
- Rest the grilled lobster once off the grill
Step 1: Prepare the lobster tail.
The best way to enjoy this big, beautiful lobster is to take the meat out of the shell but leave the shell on for looks. By leaving the lobster meat out in the open, you can season it and give it a slightly smoked flavor.
Start by cutting down the middle of the shell. Separate and remove the meat only leaving it attached to the tail. Next, season it with Dad’s Steak seasoning which has the buttery and herby notes you would use on a crustacean.
Must have grillin seasonings!
If you can only find small lobster tails, check out this skewer recipe. You can use the garlic butter from that recipe.
What temperature should you grill lobster tails?
FAQ
What temp should lobster tail be cooked to?
How do you know when lobster is done grilling?
Should I split a lobster tail before grilling?
How to cook a 4 oz lobster tail?
What temperature should lobster tails be grilled?
The temperature at which you should grill lobster tails can depend on the size of the tails and the desired level of doneness. Generally, a gas grill should be preheated to a medium-high heat, which is around 400 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
How do you cook lobster tails on a grill?
Cut about halfway through the meat. Make sure your grill grates are clean and oiled. Preheat your grill for medium-high heat — 400-450°F. To prevent curling, you can skewer the tails. Once the grill is nice and hot, add the lobster tails. Place them “cut side down.” Cook until the shell turns bright orange.
How do you Grill a grilled lobster?
1 For the grilled lobster: If using wooden skewers, place in water. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (400 to 450°). Oil the grill grates well. 2 Cut down the center of the top of lobster shell using strong kitchen scissors. Make a cut through the center of the meat, using a knife, to a depth of about halfway through the flesh.
How do you cook lobster skewers on a grill?
Place the lobster skewers cut side down on the grill. Open the lid of the preheated grill, and place the lobster tails cut side down against the grate. Space the lobsters evenly from one another in the center of the grill for the most even cooking.