Herb-Crusted Grilled Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter
Indulge in a romantic culinary experience with these Herb-Crusted Grilled Lobster Tails, a delightful dish that brings the essence of fine dining right to your home. This recipe is a cherished reminder of intimate evenings spent with my husband, when we would transform our dining room into a candlelit haven. The rich flavor of fresh lobster is complemented by a savory garlic butter and an aromatic herb crust, creating a dish that’s both sophisticated and comforting. Perfect for special occasions or a cozy date night at home, these lobster tails are sure to impress and ignite the spark of romance.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
lobster tails
2 (thawed if frozen (6-8 oz each))
fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons (freshly squeezed)
unsalted butter
3 tablespoons (melted)
garlic
2 cloves (minced)
dry breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (plain or seasoned)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
pepper
1/2 teaspoon (freshly ground)
thyme
1/4 teaspoon (dried)
marjoram
1/4 teaspoon (dried)
oregano
1/4 teaspoon (dried)
basil
1/4 teaspoon (dried)
rosemary
1/4 teaspoon (dried)
sage
1/4 teaspoon (dried)
garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon (freshly grated)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the lobster tails. Holding each lobster tail shell side down, carefully cut away the ribbed membrane using kitchen shears, getting as close to the shell as possible for maximum flavor absorption.
2
Gently remove the lobster meat in one piece from each shell. Rinse the meat under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels to ensure a proper sear.
3
Drizzle each lobster tail with fresh lemon juice, allowing the citrus to enhance the natural sweetness of the lobster. Set the tails aside to marinate briefly.
4
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter and add the minced garlic. Stir until fragrant, then remove the mixture from heat to avoid burning the garlic.
5
In a plastic ziplock bag, combine the dry breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, thyme, marjoram, oregano, basil, rosemary, sage, garlic powder, cayenne (to taste), and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Seal the bag and shake well to ensure all ingredients are evenly mixed.
6
Coat each piece of lobster meat in the melted garlic butter and then shake it in the breadcrumb mixture inside the ziplock bag until fully coated.
7
Carefully return the coated lobster meat into their respective shells, ensuring they fit snugly.
8
Preheat your grill and place the lobster tails shell side down on a rack positioned 4-6 inches above glowing coals. Enhance the smoky flavor by adding hickory wood chips to the coals.
9
Grill the lobster tails for approximately 10 minutes, turning them from side to side, but do not flip them over. This will allow the meat to cook evenly while the shell imparts flavor.
10
Cover the grill and continue to cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the lobster meat is cooked through and opaque.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary dish described in this recipe?
The dish is Herb-Crusted Grilled Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter, a sophisticated and comforting seafood recipe.
How many lobster tails are needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 lobster tails, approximately 6-8 oz each.
How do you prepare the lobster tail shell?
Hold the tail shell side down and use kitchen shears to cut away the ribbed membrane, getting close to the shell.
Should the lobster meat be rinsed?
Yes, rinse the meat under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels to ensure a proper sear.
What is the purpose of the lemon juice?
The lemon juice is drizzled over the lobster tails to enhance their natural sweetness.
How is the garlic butter prepared?
Melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter with 2 minced garlic cloves over low heat until fragrant.
What method is used to mix the herb crust coating?
The dry ingredients are combined in a plastic ziplock bag and shaken well to ensure even mixing.
Which dried herbs are included in the crust?
The crust includes thyme, marjoram, oregano, basil, rosemary, and sage.
What type of breadcrumbs are required?
You can use 1/2 cup of plain or seasoned dry breadcrumbs.
Is there cheese in the lobster coating?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of freshly grated parmesan cheese is added to the crust mixture.
How is the lobster meat coated with the crust?
Each piece of lobster meat is first coated in melted garlic butter and then shaken in the breadcrumb mixture inside a ziplock bag.
Do you cook the lobster meat inside the shell?
Yes, after coating the meat, you return it to the shell and ensure it fits snugly before grilling.
Where should the lobster tails be placed on the grill?
Place them shell side down on a rack positioned 4-6 inches above glowing coals.
How can you add a smoky flavor to the lobster?
You can enhance the smoky flavor by adding hickory wood chips to the grill coals.
How long do you grill the lobster tails initially?
Grill them for approximately 10 minutes, turning them from side to side.
Should you flip the lobster tails over on the grill?
No, do not flip them over; only turn them from side to side to allow the shell to impart flavor.
What is the final step in the grilling process?
Cover the grill and continue to cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes.
How do you know the lobster is fully cooked?
The lobster is done when the meat is cooked through and appears opaque.
Can you use frozen lobster tails?
Yes, but they must be thawed before starting the preparation.
What heat level is used for the garlic butter?
Low heat is used to melt the butter and cook the garlic to avoid burning.
How much garlic is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 2 cloves of minced garlic.
Is there any spice added for heat?
Yes, 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper is added, which can be adjusted to taste.
How much salt and pepper should be used?
The recipe suggests 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground pepper.
What is the measurement for the dried herbs?
Most dried herbs (thyme, marjoram, oregano, basil, rosemary, and sage) are measured at 1/4 teaspoon each.
What occasion is this recipe recommended for?
It is recommended for romantic dinners, cozy date nights, or special occasions.
How much lemon juice is drizzled on the tails?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Should the garlic butter stay on the heat while coating?
No, remove it from the heat once it is fragrant to prevent the garlic from burning.
What is the benefit of keeping the meat in the shell while grilling?
Keeping the meat in the shell allows the shell to impart flavor to the meat while it cooks evenly.
Does this recipe include garlic powder as well as fresh garlic?
Yes, it uses fresh minced garlic for the butter and 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder for the breadcrumb crust.
What is the texture of the crust?
The crust is an aromatic herb and parmesan breadcrumb mixture that becomes crisp during grilling.