Grilled Lobster Tails with Cajun Garlic Butter Sauce

Alright fam, let me tell you right now — if you’ve never grilled lobster tails before, this right here is about to change your whole seafood game. We’re talkin’ about succulent lobster meat kissed by the flames of the grill, then drenched in the most flavorful, buttery, spicy Cajun garlic sauce you ever tasted. This dish is not only show-stopping, it’s finger-lickin’ soul food that’ll make folks think you’ve been cheffin’ at a five-star spot. You don’t need to wait on a fancy night out — we bringin’ that luxury flavor right to your backyard grill.

Why You Need This Lobster Tail Recipe in Your Life

Let’s keep it real. Lobster can be intimidating, but once you get the hang of it — it’s one of the most rewarding proteins to cook. Especially on the grill. That smoky char mixed with buttery, spicy, garlicky goodness? Man, that’s a flavor explosion.

What makes this recipe a must?

• It’s quick – Lobster cooks fast, so you’re not tied to the grill all day.
• It’s elevated – This dish is a showpiece, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself.
• It’s versatile – Add it to pasta, serve it with rice, or eat it straight off the shell.
• That Cajun garlic butter sauce – we not skimpin’ on flavor, we’re layering it.

If you want next-level flavor, this is it. Let’s get to work!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Lobster Tails:

• 4 lobster tails (5–6 oz each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Cracked black pepper, to taste
• Lemon wedges, for serving

For the Cajun Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 1 cup salted butter
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons Creole seasoning
• 1/2 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 cup chicken stock
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-Step Guide to Grilled Lobster Tails with Cajun Garlic Butter Sauce

Prep the Lobster Tails

• Use kitchen shears to cut through the top of the shell from the open end to just before the tail.
• Gently pull the shell apart and lift the lobster meat out, resting it on top of the shell for that professional look.
• Rinse lightly under cool water and pat dry with paper towels.

Season the Lobster

• Brush each lobster tail with olive oil.
• Season with salt and black pepper.
• Set those beauties aside while you fire up the grill.

Preheat the Grill

• Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
• Clean and oil the grates so nothing sticks.

Make the Cajun Garlic Butter Sauce

• In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
• Add diced onion and cook until translucent (3–4 minutes).
• Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
• Stir in Creole seasoning, onion powder, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes.
• Pour in chicken stock and bring to a light simmer.
• Add lemon juice and finish with chopped parsley.
• Keep warm on the side — we basting with this and drizzling heavy later!

Grill the Lobster Tails

• Place the lobster tails meat side down for 4–5 minutes to get that char.
• Flip and cook shell side down another 4–6 minutes until the meat is opaque and firm.
• During the last few minutes, baste with that Cajun garlic butter sauce.

Plate and Serve

• Place grilled lobster tails on a platter.
• Spoon extra sauce over the top.
• Garnish with lemon wedges and chopped parsley.
• Serve hot with your favorite sides.

Expert Tips and Tricks

• Don’t Overcook: Lobster gets rubbery quick. Once it’s opaque, it’s done.
• Use a meat thermometer: Aim for 135°F internal temp.
• Serve sauce on the side: Let people dip, drizzle, and drown it how they want.
• Add smoked paprika: For even more depth in the sauce.
• Upgrade to compound butter: Mix sauce with softened butter and chill it for next-level flavor on steak too.

Variations of Grilled Lobster Tails

1. Lemon Herb Butter: Swap Cajun for lemon zest, thyme, and rosemary.
2. Garlic Parmesan Lobster: Add shredded Parm into the butter.
3. Spicy Asian Twist: Use gochujang, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
4. Surf and Turf: Pair with grilled steak.
5. Honey Cajun: Add honey to the Cajun butter.
6. Tequila Lime Butter: A splash of tequila and lime juice for brightness.
7. Coconut Curry: Coconut milk and curry powder butter blend.
8. Chili Lime: Fresh lime zest and chili powder.
9. Smoked Lobster: Use wood chips and indirect heat.
10. Lobster Tacos: Chop meat, toss in butter, and serve in tortillas.
11. Stuffed Lobster: Add shrimp or crab stuffing.
12. Lobster Pasta: Toss chopped meat and sauce with linguine.
13. Jerk-Spiced Lobster: Use Jamaican jerk seasoning.
14. Garlic Butter Poached: Poach tails in butter and grill for finish.
15. Lobster Mac & Cheese: Fold meat and sauce into creamy mac.

What to Serve with Grilled Lobster Tails

1. Garlic mashed potatoes
2. Cajun dirty rice
3. Grilled asparagus
4. Corn on the cob
5. Coleslaw
6. Macaroni and cheese
7. Roasted Brussels sprouts
8. Caesar salad
9. Creamy risotto
10. Toasted French bread
11. Grilled zucchini
12. Sweet potato fries
13. BBQ Baked beans
14. Wild rice pilaf
15. Chilled pasta salad

Storage Tips

• Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Reheat gently on the stove or in the oven with a splash of broth or butter.
• Avoid microwaving — it can dry the lobster out.

How Much Should I Make for Family Gatherings?

Here’s the breakdown:

• 4 people: 4–6 lobster tails
• 6–8 people: 8–10 lobster tails
• 10+ people: 12–16 tails, double the butter sauce

Pro Tip: Always make more sauce than you think you need — folks go wild over it.

Can I Make It Ahead of Time?

Yes! Here’s how:

• Lobster tails: Butterfly and season up to a day ahead. Keep covered in fridge.
• Butter sauce: Make 1–2 days in advance. Reheat gently before serving.
• Reheat lobster: Gently warm in oven at 250°F with foil and some butter sauce.

Grilled Cajun Garlic Butter Lobster Tails

These grilled Cajun Garlic Butter Lobster Tails are next-level good! We’re talkin’ tender, juicy lobster meat basted with a bold, buttery sauce that’s packed with garlic, Creole seasoning, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, and fresh herbs. Whether it’s a special occasion or you’re just grillin’ to impress, this dish is all flavor and all fire.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Cajun, Grilled, Seafood

Servings 4

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• – 4 lobster tails 5–6 oz each
• – 2 tablespoons olive oil
• – Salt to taste
• – Cracked black pepper to taste
• – Lemon wedges for serving
• For the Cajun Garlic Butter Sauce:
• – 1 cup salted butter
• – 1/2 onion diced
• – 4 cloves garlic minced
• – 2 tablespoons Creole seasoning
• – 1/2 tablespoon onion powder
• – 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• – 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust to taste
• – 1/2 cup chicken stock
• – 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• – 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped

Instructions

 

• Use kitchen shears to cut through the top shell of each lobster tail, from the open end to just before the tail fan.
• Gently pull the shell apart and lift the meat out, resting it on top of the shell. Rinse lightly under cool water and pat dry.
• Brush lobster meat with olive oil, then season with salt and cracked black pepper. Set aside.
• Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Clean and oil the grates.
• In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent (3–4 minutes).
• Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
• Stir in Creole seasoning, onion powder, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes.
• Pour in chicken stock and bring to a light simmer. Add lemon juice and chopped parsley. Keep warm for basting.
• Place lobster tails on the grill meat side down for 4–5 minutes to sear and get char marks.
• Flip and cook shell side down for another 4–6 minutes, or until meat is opaque and firm.
• During the last few minutes of cooking, baste generously with Cajun garlic butter sauce.
• Remove from grill and place on a serving platter. Spoon extra sauce over the top.
• Garnish with lemon wedges and extra parsley. Serve hot with your favorite sides.

Keyword garlic butter lobster, grilled lobster, grilled lobster tails, lobster tails

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