Grilled Lobster Tails the Easy Way Using Charcoal

Updated at: 13/12/2024

Ever dreamed of serving restaurant-quality grilled lobster tails, but felt intimidated by the process? Ricer from Dead Broke BBQ shows you it's easier than you think! This video provides a beginner-friendly guide to grilling succulent lobster tails using charcoal, dispelling any myths about complex techniques. Learn how to perfectly season your lobster with a simple yet flavorful garlic butter sauce, expertly prepare the tails for grilling, and achieve that perfect 135-140°F internal temperature for tender, juicy meat. Ricer also shares tips on controlling your charcoal fire for a two-zone cook, ensuring even cooking and preventing burning. Get ready to impress your guests with this seemingly fancy dish that's surprisingly easy to master!

Forget expensive restaurant meals; prepare to elevate your barbecue game with this accessible recipe. From prepping the lobster tails with expert cutting techniques to mastering the charcoal grilling process, this comprehensive guide has you covered every step of the way. Ready to unlock the secrets to flawlessly grilled lobster tails? Let's dive into the detailed instructions below!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Charcoal
  • Chimney starter
  • Wax cubes
  • Kitchen shears
  • Butter
  • Parsley
  • Lemons
  • Garlic press
  • Garlic
  • Cayenne pepper
  • Black pepper
  • Kosher salt
  • Grill grate
  • Grill brush
  • Meat thermometer
Safety Guidelines
  • Always ensure your charcoal is completely ash-covered before placing lobster tails on the grill to avoid flare-ups and burning.
  • Use tongs to handle lobster tails, as they become very hot and delicate during grilling.
  • Check the lobster tails' internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure they reach a safe 145°F (63°C) to prevent foodborne illness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Charcoal

    • Prepare the charcoal. Use wax cubes to light the charcoal in a chimney starter.

  2. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

    • Season the lobster tails. Prepare a garlic butter sauce with butter, parsley, lemon juice, garlic, cayenne pepper, and black pepper.

  3. Prepare the Lobster Tails

    • Prepare the lobster tails. Using kitchen shears, cut down the center of each lobster tail, stopping just before the tail. Peel the meat away from the shell.
    • Season and prep the lobster tails. Season lobster tails with kosher salt and fresh ground pepper.
    Season and prep the lobster tails. Season lobster tails with kosher salt and fresh ground pepper.
    Prepare the Lobster Tails

  4. Set up the Grill

    • Set up the grill. Dump the charcoal onto one side of the grill, creating a two-zone setup. Place the grill grate on.
    Set up the grill. Dump the charcoal onto one side of the grill, creating a two-zone setup. Place the grill grate on.
    Set up the Grill

  5. Melt the Butter Sauce

    • Melt the butter sauce. Place the butter sauce on the indirect heat side of the grill to melt.

  6. First Grill Stage

    • Grill the lobster tails (first stage). Place the lobster tails directly over the coals for 4 minutes. Drizzle with garlic butter sauce.
    Grill the lobster tails (first stage). Place the lobster tails directly over the coals for 4 minutes. Drizzle with garlic butter sauce.
    First Grill Stage

  7. Second Grill Stage

    • Grill the lobster tails (second stage). Move the lobster tails to a spot above the coals for more direct heat, and add more butter sauce. Grill the lemon halves.
    Grill the lobster tails (second stage). Move the lobster tails to a spot above the coals for more direct heat, and add more butter sauce. Grill the lemon halves.
    Second Grill Stage

  8. Check Doneness & Finish

    • Check the temperature and finish cooking. Check the internal temperature of the lobster tails. Aim for 135-140°F (57-60°C).
    • Add finishing touches. Drizzle with more butter sauce, add lemon slices, and sprinkle with paprika.

Tips

  • Don't be afraid to cook lobster; it's simpler than you think.
  • The lobster is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 135-140°F (57-60°C).
  • Grilling the lemons adds extra flavor and juiciness.
  • A two-zone cooking method allows for more control over the cooking process.
  • Be careful of the sharp spikes on the lobster shell.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the Lobster Tails

Reason: Lobster meat becomes tough and rubbery when overcooked.
Solution: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 140-145°F (60-63°C) for optimal tenderness.

2. Uneven Grilling

Reason: Hot spots on the grill can lead to unevenly cooked lobster, with some parts burnt and others undercooked.
Solution: Maintain consistent heat by using a charcoal chimney starter and properly distributing the coals.

3. Not basting frequently enough

Reason: Lobster tails can dry out easily on the grill if not kept moist.
Solution: Baste the lobster tails frequently with butter, garlic, or other desired seasonings to maintain moisture and enhance flavor.

FAQs

How long do I grill lobster tails?
Grill time depends on the size of the tails and your grill's heat. Generally, 3-5 minutes per side for medium-sized tails, adjusting for thickness. They're done when the meat is opaque and easily flakes with a fork.
What temperature should my charcoal grill be?
Aim for medium-high heat. You should be able to hold your hand about 6 inches above the grates for only 3-4 seconds. Too hot and they'll burn, too low and they'll be tough.
How do I prevent the lobster tails from sticking to the grill grates?
Oil the grates well before grilling and lightly oil the lobster tails themselves. Using a grill mat can also help prevent sticking.
What's the best way to tell if my lobster tails are cooked through?
The meat should be opaque (not translucent) and firm to the touch. Use a fork to easily flake the meat – if it flakes easily, it's cooked through. You can also check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer, aiming for 140-145°F (60-63°C).