Grilled Tangerine-Infused Lobster Tails
Indulge in the exquisite flavor combination of succulent lobster tails enhanced by the bright citrus notes of tangerines. This recipe showcases the perfect blend of rich unsalted butter, fresh tangerine juice, and zest, creating a delectable dipping sauce that elevates the lobster experience. Perfect for special occasions or a delightful weekend treat, these Grilled Tangerine-Infused Lobster Tails are sure to impress your family and friends with their vibrant colors and flavors. Get ready to savor the taste of summer with every bite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
unsalted butter
1 (cup)
tangerines
2 (juiced and zested)
kosher salt
1/2 (teaspoon)
lobster tails
4 (6 to 8 ounces each)
Instructions
1
In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over very low heat, allowing it to melt slowly without browning.
2
Once melted, skim off any foam that forms on the surface for a clearer sauce.
3
Incorporate the fresh tangerine juice and zest into the melted butter along with the kosher salt, stirring until well combined.
4
Reserve about 1/2 cup of the tangerine butter in a small cup for dipping later, while keeping the remaining mixture warm for basting.
5
Using kitchen shears, carefully split each lobster tail in half lengthwise, exposing the meat.
6
To prevent curling, you may optionally thread a skewer through the center of each lobster tail piece.
7
Gently brush the exposed lobster meat with the reserved tangerine butter from the cup to add flavor.
8
Preheat your grill for direct medium heat, ensuring it is ready for cooking.
9
Place the lobster tails meat-side down on the grill, watching closely for flare-ups. Grill for 2 to 3 minutes until lightly marked.
10
Flip the tails over and continue to grill for an additional 5 to 8 minutes, or until the meat is opaque, firm to the touch, and cooked through. Baste occasionally with the remaining tangerine butter for extra flavor.
11
Remove the lobster tails from the grill and serve them warm with the reserved tangerine dipping butter on the side for an aromatic finish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Grilled Tangerine-Infused Lobster Tails?
This dish features succulent lobster tails grilled with a citrus-infused butter sauce made from fresh tangerine juice and zest.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include 4 lobster tails (6-8 ounces each), 1 cup of unsalted butter, 2 tangerines (juiced and zested), and 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt.
How should I melt the butter for the sauce?
The unsalted butter should be melted over very low heat in a small saucepan to prevent browning.
Why is it recommended to skim the foam off the melted butter?
Skimming off the foam that forms on the surface of the melted butter helps create a clearer and smoother dipping sauce.
How do I incorporate the tangerine flavor?
Stir the fresh tangerine juice and zest along with kosher salt into the melted butter until well combined.
How much butter should I save for dipping?
You should reserve about 1/2 cup of the tangerine butter mixture in a small cup for dipping later.
How do I prepare the lobster tails for grilling?
Use kitchen shears to carefully split each lobster tail in half lengthwise to expose the meat.
How can I prevent lobster tails from curling on the grill?
You can optionally thread a skewer through the center of each lobster tail piece to keep them straight while cooking.
Should I season the lobster before it hits the grill?
Yes, gently brush the exposed lobster meat with some of the reserved tangerine butter to add flavor before grilling.
What grill temperature is best for lobster tails?
Preheat your grill for direct medium heat for the best results.
Which side of the lobster tail goes on the grill first?
Place the lobster tails meat-side down on the grill first.
How long do I grill the meat-side of the lobster?
Grill the lobster meat-side down for 2 to 3 minutes until lightly marked.
How long should the lobster grill on the shell side?
After flipping, grill for an additional 5 to 8 minutes until the meat is opaque and firm.
What should I do while the lobster is grilling on the shell side?
Baste the lobster meat occasionally with the remaining tangerine butter to enhance the flavor.
How do I know when the lobster tails are fully cooked?
The lobster is done when the meat is opaque throughout, firm to the touch, and cooked through.
How should this dish be served?
Remove the tails from the grill and serve them warm with the reserved tangerine dipping butter on the side.
Can I use salted butter instead?
The recipe calls for unsalted butter to better control the salinity, but if you use salted butter, you should reduce or omit the additional kosher salt.
Is tangerine zest necessary?
The zest is crucial as it contains the aromatic oils that provide the bright citrus fragrance and flavor.
What size lobster tails are recommended?
The recipe is designed for tails that are between 6 and 8 ounces each.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
Based on 4 lobster tails split in half, it typically serves 2 to 4 people depending on the portion size.
What is the best way to split the lobster shells?
Kitchen shears are the safest and most efficient tool for splitting the tough lobster shells lengthwise.
Should I be worried about flare-ups?
Yes, because of the butter content, watch closely for flare-ups when the lobster tails are meat-side down.
Can I substitute oranges for tangerines?
Yes, while tangerines have a specific profile, oranges can be used as a substitute for the juice and zest.
What makes this a 'gourmet' recipe?
The combination of high-quality seafood with a clarified, citrus-infused butter sauce creates an elevated dining experience.
Is this recipe suitable for a summer barbecue?
Absolutely, the vibrant citrus notes and grilling method make it a perfect summer seafood dish.
Does the recipe use high heat?
No, it uses medium heat for the grill and very low heat for the butter to ensure delicate flavors aren't burnt.
What is the purpose of the 1/2 cup of reserved butter?
It is intended to be used as a clean dipping sauce at the table, separate from the butter used for basting on the grill.
How do I achieve an aromatic finish?
The aromatic finish comes from serving the lobster with the reserved tangerine butter which highlights the fresh zest.
Can I make the tangerine butter ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the butter and gently reheat it before grilling, though fresh zest is most aromatic when just added.
What texture should the cooked lobster have?
The meat should be firm to the touch rather than soft or rubbery, indicating it is perfectly cooked.