Philadelphia, PA - There are several different ways to prepare lobster tails on the grill: one way is to remove the soft shell tissue underneath the tail and then remove the shell altogether. Another is to cut the tail in half and place it on the grill. But my favorite is the third way, which is pretty much a combination of the two.
Master the Grill: Elevate Your Lobster Tail Experience
Grilling lobster tails can seem daunting, but with the proper technique, you'll enjoy succulent, perfectly cooked lobster in no time. While there are various methods, this guide presents a foolproof approach that combines the best of both worlds: preserving the shell for presentation while maximizing flavor absorption.
Step 1: Prep the Lobster Tails
Begin by gently cutting through the top shell of each lobster tail using kitchen shears. Take care not to cut past the tail end, as you want to keep the shell mostly intact for presentation. Next, use a sharp knife to carefully split the lobster meat along the same path as the shell cut, ensuring you don't slice all the way through.
Step 2: Open Sesame!
Place the lobster tail on a cutting board and gently pry it open like a book. The remaining soft membrane will hold the sections together, allowing you to expose the delicate lobster meat.
Step 3: Fire Up the Grill
Prepare your grill for direct low/medium heat. This will ensure even cooking and prevent the lobster meat from drying out.
Step 4: Season and Sizzle
Generously rub the exposed lobster meat with olive oil, ensuring it's well coated, and season lightly with salt and pepper, allowing the lobster's natural sweetness to shine through.
Step 5: Grill to Perfection
Place the lobster tail flesh-side down on the preheated grill. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the flesh turns opaque and slightly charred. Carefully flip the lobster tails over and continue grilling for another 4-5 minutes.
Step 6: Baste with Flavor
As the lobster tails cook, prepare an herb and butter mixture. This could be as simple as melted butter infused with garlic and herbs like thyme, parsley, or chives. Once the tails are flipped, generously baste them with this aromatic mixture to enhance their flavor and juiciness.
Step 7: Final Touch
For a final burst of flavor and a touch of char, finish cooking the lobster tail flesh-side up over direct heat for a minute or two. This will give them a beautiful golden brown color and a slightly crispy texture.
Step 8: Indulge and Enjoy!
Remove the lobster tails from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter. The meat should be firm, opaque, and cooked through. Serve immediately with additional melted butter and your favorite sides, such as grilled corn, asparagus, or a fresh salad.
Following these simple steps, you can create restaurant-quality grilled lobster tails to impress your guests. Don't be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your signature flavor profile. Remember, the key to grilling lobster tails is to cook them gently over low heat and to baste them frequently with a flavorful butter mixture.
