Grilled Lobster with Garlic and Herb Butter

by

Description:
A luxurious and flavorful seafood dish featuring lobster grilled to perfection and basted with a rich garlic and herb butter. The perfect recipe for a summer barbecue or an elegant dinner, combining the natural sweetness of lobster with savory, buttery goodness.

Origin:
This dish is inspired by coastal New England cuisine, where lobster is abundant and often served simply to highlight its natural flavor. The addition of garlic and herb butter draws influence from French culinary traditions, blending American seafood with European flair.

Ingredients Quantity:
Main Ingredients:

  • 2 whole lobsters (about 1.5 lbs each) or 4 lobster tails
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Garlic Herb Butter:

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt, to taste

Optional Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (adds tang to the butter)
  • 1 tablespoon white wine (adds depth to the butter)
  • A few thyme leaves (adds fragrance)
  • A pinch of smoked paprika (adds a smoky flavor)

Instruction:

  1. Make the garlic herb butter by mixing the softened butter with garlic, parsley, chives, lemon juice, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, and salt in a bowl. Set aside.
  2. If using whole lobsters, parboil them in salted water for 4–5 minutes until shells turn red. Let cool.
  3. Split the lobsters or tails lengthwise. Remove the digestive vein and rinse gently.
  4. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F or 200°C).
  5. Brush lobster meat with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
  6. Place the lobster flesh-side down on the grill. Grill for 4–5 minutes until slightly charred.
  7. Flip the lobsters shell-side down, spread garlic herb butter over the meat, and grill for another 3–4 minutes. Baste with more butter as desired.
  8. Remove from grill and serve hot with additional melted garlic butter and lemon wedges.

Tips for Success:

  • Don’t overcook the lobster; the meat should be just opaque and tender.
  • Use fresh herbs for the most vibrant flavor.
  • Chill the butter slightly before applying so it spreads evenly.
  • Grill with the shell side down after flipping to prevent burning and keep the meat moist.
  • Use a sharp knife to cleanly split the lobster.

Recommendation:
Side Dishes:

  • Grilled corn on the cob
  • Roasted or grilled vegetables
  • Garlic bread
  • Mixed green salad with citrus vinaigrette

Wine Pairing:

  • Crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, or Champagne
  • Light, citrusy beers or sparkling water with lemon

Nutrition (per serving – approx. 1 lobster or 2 tails with butter):

  • Calories: ~450 kcal
  • Protein: 38g
  • Total Fat: 32g
  • Saturated Fat: 17g
  • Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 170mg
  • Sodium: 600mg

Let me know if you’d like this formatted as a printable recipe card or prepared for a blog post!

Leave a Comment