Italian-Style Grilled Lobster with Herb Infusion
This exquisite Italian-style Grilled Lobster recipe brings the flavors of the Mediterranean right to your table. Tender lobsters are first blanched for optimal tenderness and then infused with a vibrant mixture of garlic, fresh basil, and earthy olive oil. Optional dried tomato zest adds a rich, tangy flavor that beautifully complements the sweetness of the lobster. Grilled to perfection, each lobster half is finished with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts and aged Romano cheese, making it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Perfect for special occasions or a weekend treat, serve it alongside fragrant rice or rich risotto and a fresh green salad for a meal that’s sure to impress.
N/A
Servings
400
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
garlic cloves
2 (finely chopped)
lemons
2 (zest of or substitute with 2 tablespoons of dried tomatoes, finely chopped)
fresh basil
1/3 cup (finely chopped)
olive oil
1/4 cup (extra virgin recommended)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
lobsters
4 (500 g each) (blanched)
toasted pine nuts
3 tablespoons (coarsely chopped)
Romano cheese
1/4 cup (grated)
Instructions
1
In a small mixing bowl, combine finely chopped garlic, lemon zest (or dried tomatoes), freshly chopped basil, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste and mix well to create a flavorful herb infusion.
2
Prepare the lobsters by blanching them in salted water for 5 minutes. Once blanched, slice each lobster in half lengthwise and gently break the claws to expose the meat.
3
Spread the garlic-basil mixture generously over the cut side of each lobster half. Place the lobsters in the refrigerator and let them marinate for at least 1 hour to absorb the flavors.
4
Preheat your barbecue grill to medium-high heat.
5
Place the marinated lobster halves on the grill, shell-side down, alongside the claws. Grill for 6 to 7 minutes, or until the lobster shells turn a vibrant red and the meat becomes opaque and easily pulls away from the shell.
6
For the claws, grill them for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they are cooked through.
7
Once cooked, remove the lobster from the grill and sprinkle with toasted pine nuts and grated Romano cheese. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil just before serving.
8
Serve the grilled lobster with a side of fluffy rice or creamy risotto and a refreshing green salad.
Nutrition Information
30g
Fat
10g
Carbs
25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the flavor profile of the Italian-Style Grilled Lobster?
This recipe features a Mediterranean flavor profile, combining garlic, fresh basil, and earthy olive oil with optional tangy dried tomatoes.
How many lobsters does this recipe require?
The recipe calls for 4 lobsters, each weighing approximately 500 grams.
How do I make the herb infusion for the lobster?
Combine finely chopped garlic, lemon zest or dried tomatoes, freshly chopped basil, and olive oil in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
What can I substitute for lemon zest in this recipe?
You can substitute lemon zest with 2 tablespoons of finely chopped dried tomatoes for a richer, tangy flavor.
Why should I blanch the lobsters before grilling?
Blanching the lobsters in salted water for 5 minutes ensures optimal tenderness before they hit the grill.
How long should the lobsters be blanched?
The lobsters should be blanched in salted water for exactly 5 minutes.
How do I prepare the lobster for marinating after blanching?
Slice each lobster in half lengthwise and gently break the claws to expose the meat for better flavor absorption.
How long should the lobster marinate in the refrigerator?
Let the lobsters marinate for at least 1 hour to allow the meat to fully absorb the garlic-basil flavors.
What grill temperature is recommended for this recipe?
Preheat your barbecue grill to a medium-high heat setting.
Which side of the lobster should be placed on the grill first?
Place the lobster halves on the grill shell-side down to protect the delicate meat while cooking.
How long do I grill the lobster halves?
Grill the lobster halves for 6 to 7 minutes until the shells are vibrant red and the meat is opaque.
How long should the lobster claws be grilled?
The claws should be grilled for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until cooked through.
How do I know when the lobster is fully cooked?
The lobster is ready when the shells turn bright red and the meat becomes opaque and pulls away easily from the shell.
What toppings are added to the lobster after grilling?
Once removed from the grill, sprinkle the lobster with toasted pine nuts and grated Romano cheese.
What type of cheese is used in this Italian-style recipe?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of grated Romano cheese for a sharp, salty finish.
Are there nuts in this lobster recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 3 tablespoons of toasted, coarsely chopped pine nuts.
What should I drizzle over the lobster just before serving?
A final drizzle of extra virgin olive oil is recommended just before serving to enhance the flavors.
What are some recommended side dishes for this meal?
Serve the grilled lobster with fluffy rice, creamy risotto, or a refreshing green salad.
How many calories are in a serving of this lobster?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving of this grilled lobster contains 30 grams of fat.
How much protein is in this lobster dish?
There are 25 grams of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
This dish contains 10 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How many garlic cloves are used in the herb infusion?
The infusion requires 2 finely chopped garlic cloves.
How much fresh basil is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of finely chopped fresh basil.
Is this recipe suitable for special occasions?
Yes, it is specifically described as a gourmet feast perfect for special occasions or weekend treats.
Does the recipe use extra virgin olive oil?
Yes, extra virgin olive oil is recommended for both the marinade and the final drizzle.
What is the total number of ingredients used?
This recipe uses 9 primary ingredients, including seasoning.
Can I use this recipe for a summer barbecue?
Absolutely, it is tagged as a summer recipe and a barbecue-friendly dish.
Is salt and pepper included in the marinade?
Yes, salt and pepper should be added to the garlic-basil mixture to taste.
How do you prepare the pine nuts?
The pine nuts should be toasted and then coarsely chopped before being sprinkled over the cooked lobster.