Grilled Lobster with Garlic Butter

Name: Grilled Lobster with Garlic Butter
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 2 live lobsters (1.5-2 lbs each); Salt (for boiling water); 1 lemon (cut in half); 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted); 4 cloves garlic (minced); 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped); 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Easy Comfort Recipes

I always look forward to grilling lobster during the summer months, and this Grilled Lobster with Garlic Butter has become my ultimate go-to recipe. There's something incredibly satisfying about the smoky flavor that comes from the grill when combined with the rich allure of garlic butter. Every bite is a delightful experience, whether I’m hosting friends or enjoying a quiet dinner at home. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, which means I can spend less time in the kitchen and more time savoring the company around me.

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-01-05T20:41:28.145Z

Grilling lobster is an art I've honed over the years. What truly elevates the dish is the garlic butter, which I whip up using fresh garlic and herbs. I’ve noticed that letting the butter sit for a few minutes enhances the flavors beautifully, allowing the garlic to fully infuse into the mix. It creates a sauce that simply sings when drizzled over the grilled lobster.

One key detail I’ve learned is to not overcook the lobster. The meat should be just opaque, as it continues to cook even after being removed from the grill. Timing is everything, and I always check for doneness carefully to ensure a perfect result every time.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Succulent lobster meat infused with rich garlic butter.
Simple grilling technique that enhances flavor.
Impressive dish for entertaining or a special date night.

      

Mastering the Grill

Grilling lobsters is an art that requires both technique and attention. One of the biggest challenges when grilling lobster is achieving the perfect cook without drying out the meat. Using medium-high heat is crucial; too high, and you risk charring the shell before the meat is cooked through. I recommend placing the lobster halves with meat side down on the grill first to sear them, giving you a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the tender meat.

Monitoring the grilling time is vital. Aim for about 5-7 minutes on the grill after you’ve brushed the meat with garlic butter. You’ll know they’re done when the meat turns opaque and the edges start to boast a golden hue. A good tip is to check if the shell has turned bright red; this indicates that the lobster is properly cooked.

The Role of Garlic Butter

The garlic butter in this recipe is not just a flavorful addition; it plays a critical role in enhancing the overall experience of grilled lobster. The melted butter coats the meat, infusing it with richness while the garlic adds depth. Fresh parsley not only contributes color and freshness but also balances the richness of the butter. If you’re short on time, prepared garlic butter can be used, but I find that fresh garlic makes a significant difference in flavor.

My favorite technique is to drizzle some garlic butter onto the meat while grilling. This creates a glossy finish, amplifying the flavor while adding moisture to prevent drying. Don't hesitate to be generous with your brush; good coverage means more flavor and a more satisfying bite.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

When serving grilled lobster, presentation matters. Lay the lobster halves, beautiful side up, on a large platter, and drizzle with additional garlic butter for an inviting look. Adding lemon halves not only enhances the visual appeal but also provides a zesty brightness that complements the richness of the lobster; a squeeze of lemon just before serving can elevate the dish tremendously. Consider adding a sprinkle of extra chopped parsley for a pop of color.

Pair your grilled lobster with sides that are equally light and appetizing. Grilled vegetables, such as asparagus or zucchini, bring seasonal freshness that works perfectly. A light salad with a vinaigrette can cut through the richness of the lobster, making for an excellent meal that guests will remember.

Ingredients

For the Lobster

2 live lobsters (1.5-2 lbs each)
Salt (for boiling water)
1 lemon (cut in half)

For the Garlic Butter

1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
4 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Notes:

Make sure to use fresh lobsters for the best flavor.

Instructions

Prepare the Lobsters

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lobsters and cook for about 5-6 minutes until they turn bright red. Remove and let cool slightly.

Preheat the Grill

While the lobsters cool, preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

Prepare Garlic Butter

In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

Cut Lobsters

Using kitchen shears, cut the lobsters in half lengthwise, separating the meat from the shell.

Grill the Lobster

Place the lobster halves on the grill, meat side down, and brush with garlic butter. Grill for about 5-7 minutes until the meat is opaque.

Serve

Remove from the grill and drizzle with additional garlic butter. Serve with lemon halves.

Serving Suggestions:

Pair with grilled vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the garlic butter mixture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find live lobsters at your local market, you might consider using frozen lobster tails. While the grilling method will remain the same, adjust cooking times because tails may cook faster than whole lobsters. Always check that they are fully thawed and ideally, grill them on a lower heat to prevent burning.

For a different flavor experience, switch out the unsalted butter with ghee or olive oil for a lighter version. Ghee has a slightly nutty flavor that can complement the seafood nicely. You can also adjust the levels of garlic and lemon juice based on your taste preference, making this recipe flexible for everyone's palate.

Make-Ahead Tips

While lobster is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the garlic butter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to fuse even more flavors, consider letting it sit for a day before using it. Just warm it gently before brushing on the lobsters to revive the flavor and consistency.

Another time-saving tip is to pre-boil the lobsters and chill them. This allows you to finish the grilling process just before serving, making it an excellent choice for entertaining. Make sure to cover them securely in the fridge to maintain consistency and prevent drying out.

Troubleshooting Grilled Lobster

If your lobster meat seems tough or overly chewy, it likely indicates overcooking. Keep in mind that lobster continues to cook even after being removed from heat, so be vigilant about timing. For future grilling, set a timer for the lower end of the cooking time range and check for doneness carefully.

On the other hand, if the flavor seems lacking, it’s essential to ensure you’re using fresh ingredients, especially garlic. Squeeze additional lemon juice over the lobsters just before serving to brighten the dish and enhance flavors. Experimenting with different levels of seasoning in the garlic butter can also ensure it complements rather than overwhelms the natural sweetness of the lobster.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen lobster?

Yes, but fresh lobster will give you the best flavor and texture. If using frozen, thaw it completely before cooking.

→ What if I don't have a grill?

You can also prepare this recipe in the oven under the broiler for a similar grilled effect.

→ How do I know when lobster is done cooking?

The meat should be opaque and firm to the touch. Overcooking can lead to rubbery texture.

→ Can I make garlic butter in advance?

Certainly! You can prepare the garlic butter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat before use.