How to Cook Lobster Tails on the Mini Kamado Grill
If you’re a seafood lover, you know how rich and delicious a lobster tail can be, topped with herbs and melted butter. If you know how to cook lobster tails on the grill, you can save money and make sure your lobster tails are cooked and seasoned to absolute perfection. In this article, we are going to share how to cook lobster tails on the small ceramic grill.
The key to cooking lobster tails on the mini kamado grill is preparation and timing. It’s also important to know how to pair crustaceans with the right ingredients, side dishes, and drinks. Grilled lobster tails may not be the best kid-friendly BBQ recipe for picky eaters, but they’re sure to delight any seafood lover!
A Guide to Cooking Lobster Tails on the Grill
1.How to Prepare Lobster Tails for the Grill
• How to Cut a Lobster Tail
2.How to Cook Lobster Tails on the Grill
3.Tips for Grilling Lobster Tails
• Is grilled lobster tail better than steamed lobster tail?
• Fresh Lobster Tail vs Frozen Lobster Tail
How to Prepare Lobster Tails for the Grill
When you buy lobster tails, try to buy lobster tails that are similar in size so they cook at the same rate. You can buy lobster tails fresh or frozen, and there are several ways to prepare them before grilling. Whichever technology you choose comes down to personal preference. We recommend trying out a few of these methods to find what works best for you and using our essential tips for cooking success.
How to Cut a Lobster Tail
No matter how you choose to cut a lobster tail, make sure you have sharp kitchen shears and a sharp knife handy. Before starting, if you are using frozen tails, make sure the lobster tails are completely thawed.
Cutting Technique #1
1.Use sharp kitchen shears to cut off the top of each tail from end to end.
2.Use a knife to cut the lobster meat into the slices you made with scissors, stopping when the knife hits the bottom shell.
3.Flatten the cut lobster tails with your hands.
4.Run the skewer through the meat to prevent it from curling as it cooks.
Cutting Technique #2
1.Repeat steps 1 and 2 in technique #1.
2.Cut the bottom crust lengthwise so that one tail becomes two pieces.
Cutting Technique #3
1.Use kitchen shears to cut the top of the lobster shell lengthwise.
2.Cut the meat in half with a knife. Don’t cut all the way.
3.Insert a kebab lengthwise to prevent the lobster meat from curling as it cooks.
How to Cook Lobster Tails on the Grill
No matter how you decide to prepare your grilled lobster tail, delicious herbs and garlic butter can take any lobster tail to the next level.
Raw materials:
• ½ cup melted butter
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Fresh cracked black pepper
• 4 lobster tails, about 8 ounces each (about 250 grams)
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Red pepper flakes
• Lemon slices
Directions:
1.Set the grill to direct cooking, then preheat it to medium heat, about 350 to 375º F.
2.Cut lobster tails using your preferred technique.
3.Combine melted butter, lemon juice, herbs, garlic, salt and pepper in a bowl and set aside.
4.Brush lobster meat with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
5.Place the lobster tail meat-side down on the grill for about 5 to 6 minutes or until the meat is lightly charred.
6.Brush the lobster meat with half of the herb-butter mixture.
7.Cover and cook for another 3 or 4 minutes or until cooked through.
8.Remove lobster from grill and season with additional salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
9.Brush with remaining garlic butter and serve with lemon wedges.
Tips for Grilling Lobster Tails
Cook the perfect lobster tail on the grill using these tips:
• Be careful not to overcook the lobster or the meat will become tough. When the shell turns red and the flesh is opaque, it’s done. Use an instant read thermometer to ensure 140 to 145º F.
• Serve the lobster as soon as it comes off the grill for the most delicious results.
• Grill lobster over charcoal, gas, or a grill pan. They all give you charred and smoky results.
• Use whatever lobster is most easily available, whether it’s Maine or lukewarm spiny lobster. The closer its origin is to you, the fresher it will taste.
• While you can’t go wrong with garlic and herb butter, don’t be afraid to try other more underrated seasonings and flavors.
• Lobster meat may firm up when reheated, but you can use its leftovers in delicacies like lobster macaroni and cheese—not that you might have any leftovers!
• Serve lobster tails with grilled or fresh vegetables, baked potatoes, or an orzo salad.
Is grilled lobster tail better than steamed lobster tail?
Absolutely! Grilled lobster tails bring out the flavor and add a smoky, charred finish to them. Steaming, on the other hand, can cause the meat to soak in water and dilute the flavor, a mistake to avoid when making lobster. Also, grilling is easier and faster than steaming lobster. If you haven’t tried grilled lobster tails, now is the time!
Fresh Lobster Tail vs Frozen Lobster Tail
Unfortunately, not all of us were able to get fresh lobster on short notice. If available, fresh lobster tails are always a good choice. They taste better and are healthier for you. However, frozen lobster tails also work.
If you choose to freeze lobster tails, make sure to thaw them before placing them on the grill. Just like cooking lobster tails, there are different ways to defrost lobster tails. If you need them to thaw faster, you can thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, or place them in a bowl of cold water. Don’t put them under hot water or in the microwave, no matter how tempting it is.
Cook lobster tails on the grill
Now that you know how to cook lobster tails on the grill, try them! They’re easy and quick for a quick midweek meal, yet elegant enough to prepare for a special guest. For the ultimate lobster tail grilling experience, pair your seafood dishes with the perfect wine and be sure to savor the last bite!