Before placing the lobster tails on the grill, they need proper preparation:

Thawing: If you’re using frozen lobster tails, ensure they are fully thawed. This can be done by placing them in the refrigerator for 8-10 hours or immersing them in cold water for a quicker thaw.

Butterflying: Once thawed, use kitchen scissors to cut the top shell of the tail lengthwise, exposing the meat. Gently lift the meat, leaving it attached at the base, and rest it on top of the split shell. This is known as butterflying and allows even cooking.

Lobster tails, with their rich and succulent meat, offer a canvas for various seasoning blends that can suit a range of palettes:

Butter Mixture: Melt butter and mix it with minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. This aromatic mixture can be brushed onto the lobster meat before and during grilling.

Alternative Seasonings: For a spicy twist, consider adding paprika or cayenne pepper. You can also infuse the melted butter with fresh herbs like rosemary or tarragon for an added flavor punch.

Herb Delight: Mix butter with chopped fresh dill, basil, and chives. This combination brings a garden-fresh aroma and flavor to the lobster.

Tropical Fusion: Combine melted butter with a touch of coconut milk, finely chopped cilantro, and lime zest. This tropical blend complements the sweetness of the lobster.

Mediterranean Mix: Incorporate olive oil, minced garlic, a touch of lemon zest, chopped fresh oregano, and crumbled feta cheese. This gives a Grecian touch to your dish.

Spicy Southwest: Melt butter with ground chipotle pepper, lime zest, and finely chopped cilantro for a smoky and zesty kick.

Asian Flair: Use a mix of melted butter, a dash of soy sauce, grated ginger, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. This will lend an Asian-inspired flavor profile to your lobster.

The moment has arrived! It’s time to grill:

Preheat the Grill: Ensure the grill is hot. Aim for a medium heat – about 350°F (175°C). If using a charcoal grill, let the coals turn grayish-white before grilling.

Placement: Place the lobster tails meat-side down first. This will give them a nice char. After 4-5 minutes, flip them over to shell-side down.

Cooking Time: Lobster tails take about 10-12 minutes to grill. The exact time will vary based on their size. The lobster is done when the meat is opaque and registers an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).

Basting: As the lobster grills, regularly baste it with the butter mixture. This keeps the meat moist and adds layers of flavor.

Lobster tails are rich and flavorful, and a little goes a long way. Consider these serving tips:

Lemon Wedges: The tangy freshness of lemon contrasts beautifully with the rich lobster meat. Always serve grilled lobster tails with lemon wedges on the side.

Side Dishes: Complement your lobster tails with light sides like a green salad, grilled asparagus, or garlic-infused mashed potatoes.

Dipping Sauces: While the butter mixture works wonderfully, feel free to offer other sauces like a tangy cocktail sauce or a rich garlic aioli.

Pasta: Toss some linguine or spaghetti in garlic, olive oil, and chili flakes. Place the grilled lobster meat on top, and garnish with fresh parsley. The delicate pasta complements the robust flavor of the lobster.

Risotto: A creamy lemon and herb risotto can be a delightful side. The creaminess of the risotto contrasts well with the charred flavor of grilled lobster.

Fresh Salsas: Offer a range of fresh salsas like mango salsa, pineapple salsa, or a classic tomato salsa. The refreshing and tangy flavors of these salsas can cut through the richness of the lobster.

Grilled Corn on the Cob: Brush corn with a bit of the seasoning mix you used for the lobster and grill it. The sweet and charred corn kernels offer a delightful texture contrast.

Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted Mediterranean vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant drizzled with a touch of balsamic glaze can be a hearty side.

Potato Salad: A light, herbed potato salad with a mustard and lemon dressing can be a cooling accompaniment.

Dessert Pairing: Considering the luxurious nature of lobster, pairing it with a dessert wine like Sauternes followed by a light lemon sorbet can be the perfect end to your meal.

Avoid overcooking. Lobster meat can turn rubbery if overcooked. Always keep an eye on them and use a meat thermometer if unsure.

If the lobster tails are curling up too much while grilling, you can skewer them lengthwise to keep them straight.

Don’t discard the shells after eating. They are packed with flavor and can be used to make a rich seafood stock.