If you’re a lobster fan looking for an epic lobster tail recipe, stop scrolling and discover what kind of steakhouse-level magic you can create with your own backyard grill or smoker.
Today, I’m curating my best lobster recipes all in one spot. As you’ll soon see, the boiled lobster tail is not the only way to celebrate this wondrous seafaring crustacean. Lobster tail meat is meaty, hearty, and always the perfect centerpiece for a meal that’s so freakin’ delicious!
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love Each Lobster Tail Recipe
- Cooking Tips for the Best Results
- Smoked Lobster Tails
- Grilled Lobster Tails
- Stuffed Lobster Tails
- Cast-Iron Skillet Lobster Recipe
- What to Serve with Your Lobster Dinner
- Make it a Surf and Turf!
- Leftovers & Reheating Lobster Tail
- FAQs for Lobster Tails
- This sauce is FYR!
Why You’ll Love Each Lobster Tail Recipe
There are few things better in life than taking a bite of some buttery lobster. As any seafood lover knows, lobster and melted butter (with garlic and a sprinkling of fresh parsley) is already a match made in foodie heaven!
When you have the right recipe in front of you, you can make lobster with the best flavor that rivals any steak. The sweet, tender meat pairs perfectly with a variety of seasonings and cooking methods.
Each recipe card below expands on the possibilities and ventures into the world of seasoned lobster tails. The bold, zesty, spicy, and citrusy flavor combinations are all designed to bring out the natural goodness of the lobster.
Whether smoked, grilled, stuffed or cooked in a cast-iron pan, lobster tails offer versatility and a gourmet touch to any meal. Plus, they cook quickly, making them a win-win for your next special occasion or weeknight dinner.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results
- Best Quality Lobster: Sourcing live lobster is the first step to having the best lobster tail dinner ever. If you can’t get fresh lobster tails, frozen is a great option, but make sure they are properly thawed before cooking.
- Butterfly the Tails: For even cooking and a beautiful presentation, butterfly your lobster tails by cutting down the top of the shell with a pair of kitchen shears and spreading the meat open.
- Season Generously: Lobster meat is sweet and delicate, so don’t be afraid to season generously. Garlic, butter, herbs and a bit of lemon juice can enhance its natural flavor. If you haven’t tried my seasonings yet, they would also add the perfect burst of complex flavor.
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- Monitor the Temperature: Lobster tails cook quickly, so watch them closely to avoid overcooking. They are done when the meat is opaque and firm. The recommended internal temperature of the lobster is 140 degrees F.
- Handy Tools: When making lobster, grab a cutting board, a pair of sharp kitchen shears to break through the hard shell, and a small saucepan for melting butter.
Smoked Lobster Tails
The smoking process takes more patience than grilling, but it’s worth it every time. In fact, sometimes this is the easier option because they cook slower and therefore make it more difficult to overcook. Not impossible… but more difficult. Plus, the smoky flavor that gets imparted on the lobster meat is delicious!
Smoked Lobster Tails with Esquites
Honey Cajun Smoked Lobster Tails
Smoked Lobster Tails with Spicy Garlic Butter
Smoked Lobster Tails
Grilled Lobster Tails
Grilled lobster is a classic way to give the buttery meat a deep and satisfying flavor from your smoky charcoal. The lobster cooks faster this way, so be ready when it’s go time.
Grilled Lobster Tail
Grilled Lobster Recipe
Grilled Lobster Tails with Honey Cajun Butter
Grilled Lobster Tail Skewers
Grilled Lobster Tails with Honey Cajun Butter
Lobster Skewers with Bang Bang Sauce
Sriracha Butter Lobster Tails
Coal Roasted Baja Lime Lobster
Dirty Lobster Tails with Hatch Chile Butter Sauce
Wood Plank Lobster Tails
Stuffed Lobster Tails
Stuffed lobster tails are a true showstopper, bringing together the rich flavors of lobster with a variety of mouthwatering ingredients.
Stuffed Lobster Tail with Garlic Butter
Bacon Stuffed Lobster Tails
Crab Stuffed Lobster
Cast-Iron Skillet Lobster Recipe
Last but not least, one of my favorite ways to cook lobster tail is in my well-seasoned cast-iron skillet.
Parmesan Crusted Lobster Tails
Stuffed Cajun Lobster Mac and Cheese
What to Serve with Your Lobster Dinner
Pair your lobster tails with classic sides like garlic mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus or a fresh garden salad. For a more luxurious touch, consider making truffle mac and cheese, parmesan risotto or rice pilaf. Obviously, don’t forget a glass of crisp white wine or a refreshing cocktail to complete the insanely good meal.
Make it a Surf and Turf!
Leftovers & Reheating Lobster Tail
Leftover lobster tails can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to two days. To reheat, gently warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the lobster tough and rubbery. You can also use leftover lobster meat in salads, sandwiches, or pasta dishes.
If you enjoyed this lobster recipe round up, check out my some of my other round ups for grilled steak, burnt ends and even chicken legs!
FAQs for Lobster Tails
It’s the cold water. The icy, nutrient-rich waters of the North Atlantic provide the ideal environment for lobsters to grow slowly, which results in tender, sweet meat.
Absolutely! If you buy a whole lobster, you can definitely still make lobster tail recipes. Simply remove the tail from the rest of the lobster by twisting it off where it meets the body. The remaining lobster meat can be used for other dishes like lobster bisque, lobster rolls, or seafood pasta.
You can find high-quality Maine lobsters online from reputable seafood suppliers or usually at your local grocery store. Many offer overnight shipping to ensure freshness. Look for suppliers with good reviews and a solid reputation for quality.
I prefer lump charcoal for grilling lobster tails because it burns hotter and cleaner than briquettes. It imparts a wonderful smoky flavor without any chemical taste. Brands like Cowboy Charcoal, Royal Oak or Kamado Joe are excellent choices for high-quality lump charcoal.
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This sauce is FYR!
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