Grilled Lobster Tails

Total Time

Prep: 15 min. + marinating Grill: 10 min.

Makes

6 servings

Updated: Jan. 17, 2024
I had never tried grilling lobster tails at home until I tried this convenient and deliciously different recipe. It turned out amazing, and has left me with little reason to ever order grilled lobster tail at a restaurant again. Here's how to cook lobster tails on the grill. —Katie Rush, Kansas City, Missouri

Ingredients

  • 6 frozen lobster tails (8 to 10 ounces each), thawed
  • 3/4 cup olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons minced fresh chives
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Directions

  1. Using scissors, cut 3 to 4 lengthwise slits in underside of tail to loosen shell slightly. Cut top of lobster shell lengthwise down the center with scissors, leaving tail fin intact. Cut shell at an angle away from the center of the tail at base of tail fin. Loosen meat from shell, keeping the fin end attached; lift meat and lay over shell.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the remaining ingredients; spoon over lobster meat. Cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
  3. Place lobster tails, meat side up, on grill rack. Grill, covered, over medium heat until meat is opaque, 10-12 minutes.

Grilled Lobster Tail Tips

How do you remove the vein from a lobster tail?

To remove the vein from a lobster tail, hold the fleshy end of the tail (where the tail originally connected to the body), locate the vein and gently pull with your fingers until it detaches from the tail. You can also use a small, sharp paring knife to get the vein started before completely loosening it with your fingers.

Can you grill frozen lobster tails?

You can grill frozen lobster tails, but you’ll need to let the frozen lobster tails thaw completely in your refrigerator overnight. Once the lobster tails are thawed, proceed with preparing and grilling as the recipe directs.

How do you know when lobster tails are done on the grill?

When grilling lobster, the lobster meat should look opaque when it's done. Take care to follow the timing in the recipe so as not to overcook the lobster meat. And when it is done, it’s delicious as-is with drawn butter to dunk it in, but you can also use the grilled meat in some of our other favorite lobster recipes.

Research contributed by Mark Neufang, Taste of Home Culinary Assistant
Baked Lobster Tails: Prepare lobster tails as recipe directs. Preheat oven to 375°. Place on a baking sheet. Bake, uncovered, 15-20 minutes or until meat is firm and opaque.

Nutrition Facts

1 lobster tail: 446 calories, 29g fat (4g saturated fat), 215mg cholesterol, 869mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 43g protein.