– **Title**: Butterflied Grilled Lobster Tail
– **Ingredients**:
– 4 lobster tails
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– Lemon wedges (for serving)
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F/200°C).
2. Using kitchen shears, carefully cut down the top of each lobster tail, from the shell towards the tail without cutting all the way through. Gently pull the shell apart to expose the meat, keeping it attached at the base.
3. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Brush a generous amount of the garlic butter mixture over the exposed lobster meat.
5. Place the lobster tails on the grill, shell-side down. Grill for about 6-8 minutes, basting with additional garlic butter halfway through, or until the lobster meat is opaque and cooked through.
6. Remove the lobster tails from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes.
7. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges and the remaining garlic butter for dipping. Enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lobster Tails: Fresh or frozen lobster tails will work here. If you’re on a budget, shrimp or even crab legs can be a tasty substitute for a similar flavor. I’ve used both and they turn out great!
Unsalted Butter: This adds richness to the dish. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use olive oil instead. It won’t be as creamy, but it will give a lovely flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a strong flavor. If you don’t have any, garlic powder works too, just use about 1/4 teaspoon for every clove. I always prefer fresh for its punchy taste.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice is best for brightness, but bottled juice is okay if you’re in a pinch. You can also use lime juice if you want to mix things up a bit.
Paprika and Cayenne Pepper: Paprika gives a nice color and flavor, while cayenne adds heat. If you prefer no heat, just skip the cayenne or use a milder pepper like smoked paprika to keep it flavorful.
How Do You Butterfly a Lobster Tail Properly?
Butterflying a lobster tail makes it easy to cook and eat. Here’s how to do it in a few simple steps.
- Use sharp kitchen shears for safety. Cut down the center of the shell, stopping just before the fins.
- Gently pry the shell apart until it opens. You want to keep the meat attached at the end for a beautiful presentation.
- Carefully lift the lobster meat out of the shell slightly, and rest it on top of the shell. This helps it cook evenly on the grill.
Remember, take your time and be gentle, so you don’t tear the meat. This technique will help achieve that stunning butterfly look!”
How to Make Butterflied Grilled Lobster Tail
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Lobster:
- 4 lobster tails
For the Butter Mixture:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty grilled lobster tail recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 7 minutes of grilling time. In total, you’re looking at about 20 minutes from start to enjoying a delicious meal. Perfect for a special occasion or a fancy dinner at home!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Grill:
First things first, fire up that grill! Preheat it to medium-high heat, which is about 400°F to 450°F. This will give you the perfect sear on your lobster tails.
2. Preparing the Lobster Tails:
Take your kitchen shears and carefully cut down the center of the top shell of each lobster tail. Stop right before you get to the tail itself. Gently open the shell to butterfly the tail, making sure the meat stays attached at the end. This will help it cook more evenly and look beautiful on the plate!
3. Mixing the Butter Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and a little salt and pepper. Stir it well until all the ingredients are combined. This will add fantastic flavor to your lobster!
4. Basting the Lobster:
Brush the butter mixture generously over the exposed lobster meat. Make sure each piece is well coated for maximum flavor. Yum!
5. Grilling the Lobster Tails:
Now, place the lobster tails on the grill with the meat side facing up. Grill them for about 5-7 minutes. You want to cook them until the meat turns opaque and gets those beautiful grill marks. Don’t forget to baste with any remaining butter mixture halfway through for extra deliciousness!
6. Rest and Serve:
Once the lobster tails are all cooked, take them off the grill and let them sit for a couple of minutes. This will help the juices set in. When you’re ready to serve, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and place some lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over that sweet lobster meat. Enjoy your fabulous grilled lobster tails!
Can I Use Frozen Lobster Tails for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw the lobster tails before grilling. You can thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or place them in a sealed plastic bag and submerge in cold water for about 30 minutes. Pat them dry before butterflying and grilling to ensure you get a nice sear.
What Can I Use Instead of Unsalted Butter?
If you’re looking for a substitute, you can use olive oil for a lighter option or ghee for a dairy-free alternative. Both will add a lovely flavor to the lobster. Keep in mind that using a different fat might slightly change the overall taste, so choose one that complements the other ingredients well.
How Should I Store Leftover Grilled Lobster Tails?
Store leftover grilled lobster tails in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, try steaming them briefly or warming them on low heat in a microwave to avoid drying out the meat.
Can I Adjust the Spice Level in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can adjust the cayenne pepper to your taste or omit it entirely for a milder flavor. If you want to add some heat without the spice, try incorporating a splash of hot sauce into the butter mixture or serving with a spicy dipping sauce on the side!
