Grilled Lobster Tails with Citrus Herb Butter

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Succulent lobster tails grilled to perfection and brushed with a zesty citrus herb butter, perfect for a summer seafood feast. This seafood-inspired summer cookout ready in about 27 minutes pairs tails (about 6 oz each) lobster tails, unsalted butter, lemon zest for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Seafood cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Using kitchen shears, cut down the top shell of each of the 4 lobster tails and gently pull the meat out to rest on top of the shell.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, combine 6 tbsp unsalted butter, 1 tsp lemon zest, 1 tsp orange zest, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mix until smooth and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Brush the lobster meat lightly with 1 tbsp olive oil to prevent sticking and place the tails meat-side down on the grill. Cook for 5 minutes until the shell is charred and the meat begins to firm.
  4. Step 4: Flip the lobster tails over and brush generously with half of the citrus herb butter mixture. Grill for another 3-4 minutes until the meat is opaque and cooked through, basting once more with the remaining butter before removing from heat.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately, spooning any remaining citrus herb butter over the lobster for an aromatic finish.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Lobster Tails with Citrus Herb Butter take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Grilled Lobster Tails with Citrus Herb Butter?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep unsalted butter from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Lobster Tails with Citrus Herb Butter?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Lobster Tails with Citrus Herb Butter for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled Lobster Tails with Citrus Herb Butter?

Seafood summer cookout like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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