Best Lobster Tail Recipes
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 RecipeCooking Tips for the Best Results Smoked Lobster TailsGrilled Lobster TailsStuffed Lobster TailsCast-Iron Skillet Lobster RecipeWhat to Serve with Your Lobster DinnerMake it a Surf and Turf!Leftovers & Reheating Lobster TailFAQs for Lobster TailsThis sauce is FYR! 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. 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. Add flavor to everything you’re cooking shop over the fire spice lines 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. 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 Smoky lobster is paired with the creamy, tangy taste of esquites, a Mexican corn salad. View Recipe Honey Cajun Smoked Lobster Tails Sweet and spicy, these lobster tails are glazed with honey and seasoned with Cajun spices, creating a mouthwatering bite. View Recipe Smoked Lobster Tails with garlic butter These smoked lobster tails are drenched in a spicy garlic butter sauce that enhances their rich, smoky taste. View Recipe Smoked Lobster Tails Simple and straightforward, these smoked lobster tails let the lobster's natural flavor shine through with just a hint of smoke. View Recipe 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 Simple and classic, these grilled lobster tails are perfect for purists who love lobster's natural flavor. View Recipe Grilled Lobster Recipe Grilled Garlic Butter Lobster because who doesn't love protein covered in butter and cheese? View Recipe Grilled Lobster Tails with Honey Cajun Butter Grilled to perfection and basted with honey Cajun butter, these lobster tails are sweet, spicy, and smoky. View Recipe Skewered Lobster Tails Simple, succulent lobster tail skewers that are perfect for grilling season. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce. View Recipe Grilled Lobster Tails with Honey Cajun Butter Our grilled lobster tails get a Southern twist with some honey Cajun butter. It's a perfect backyard cook if you're craving sweet and spicy! View Recipe Lobster Tail Skewers with Bang Bang Sauce Tender chunks of lobster tail grilled on skewers and served with a spicy, creamy Bang Bang sauce that's sure to be a crowd-pleaser. View Recipe Sriracha Butter Grilled Lobster Tails For those who like it hot, these grilled lobster tails are slathered in a sriracha butter sauce that packs a punch. View Recipe Coal Roasted Baja Lime Lobster Cooking some seafood straight on the coals today with this Coal Roasted Baja Lime Lobsters recipe. Inspired by the dish from the Southwest. View Recipe Dirty Lobster Tails with Hatch Chile Butter Sauce Grilled with the shell on and smothered in a Hatch chile butter sauce, these lobster tails are full of bold, Southwestern flavors. View Recipe Wood Plank Lobster Tails Grilled on a wood plank, these lobster tails take on a subtle, smoky flavor that's absolutely irresistible. View Recipe Grilled Lobster Tails with Beer Butter Grilled Lobstser Tails with Beer Butter is a fun summer meal that is super simple and easy to make. The Sam Adam's Beer Butter dip is insane and complements the whole dish. Add some fries on the side or a fresh salad, and you are in heaven. View Recipe 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 Lobster tails stuffed with a rich garlic butter mixture create a luxurious and indulgent dish that's perfect for special occasions. View Recipe Bacon Stuffed Lobster Tails Everything's better with bacon! These lobster tails are stuffed with a savory bacon mixture that adds a delicious, smoky flavor. View Recipe Crab Stuffed Lobster The ultimate seafood indulgence, these lobster tails are stuffed with a rich, creamy crab mixture for a double dose of decadence. View Recipe 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 Cooked in a cast-iron pan, these lobster tails with simple ingredients are topped with a crispy Parmesan crust that adds a savory crunch to every bite. View Recipe Stuffed Cajun Lobster Mac and Cheese Who doesn’t love homemade mac and cheese?! That’s the foundation for this Stuffed Cajun Lobster Mac and Cheese recipe. View Recipe 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 Why are Maine lobsters the best? 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. Can I still make lobster tail recipes if I buy a whole lobster? 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. Where can I find the best Maine lobsters? 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. What kind of charcoal do you recommend when grilling lobster tails? 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. Get stoked for life This sauce is FYR! an all-new line created for live fire cooking Born from a deep passion for food and flavor. Whether you’re grilling in the backyard or live fire cooking around the world, we have what you need to transform every meal into an adventure. Derek Wolf Derek is the driving force behind Over the Fire Cooking. He started cooking with live fire in 2016 and decided to start a social media page so his friends and family could follow the journey. Fast forward to today and Over the Fire Cooking has spread across multiple platforms with millions now following Derek's fire cooking journey. He's a southern fellow who enjoys everything from classic BBQ to Central and South American inspired dishes. Whatever he's cooking up, it's guaranteed to be so freakin' delicious!