Mastering Bbq Lobster: A Step-By-Step Guide

how to cook lobster on a bbq

Grilled lobster is a surprisingly easy dish to cook and a great way to prepare this popular crustacean. Grilling brings out its best flavour and gives it a wonderful, smoky taste. There are a few different ways to grill lobster, including keeping it in its shell, removing it from its shell, or grilling it after butterflying it. In this article, we will take you through the steps to make the perfect grilled lobster, including how to prepare the meat, what temperature to grill at, and how long to grill for. We will also suggest some mouth-watering sauces and seasonings to elevate your dish.

Characteristics Values
Preparation time 10 minutes
Cooking time 10-15 minutes
Total time 20-25 minutes
Servings 2 lobster tails
Internal temperature 140°F
Main ingredients Lobster tails, butter, seasoning
Additional ingredients Olive oil, lemon, garlic, herbs, spices
Tools Kitchen shears, grill, bowl, brush, knife, thermometer

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How to butterfly a lobster tail

Butterflying a lobster tail is a great way to prepare the meat for grilling and help it absorb more flavour. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Firstly, make sure you have a good pair of kitchen shears. These will make cutting through the shell much easier. You will also need a sharp knife.

To start, cut straight down the centre of the shell to the base of the tail using your kitchen shears. Be careful not to cut all the way through the tail. Then, gently open the two sides of the shell and pull the meat out. You can use your finger or a small utensil to help release the lobster from its shell.

Next, place the lobster meat atop the shell. Use your sharp knife to make a shallow score through the centre of the meat and gently pull it apart with your fingers.

And there you have it – a butterflied lobster tail! You can now season and grill your lobster tail.

Some recipes suggest scoring the meat before pulling it out of the shell, while others recommend removing the bottom of the shell, pulling out the flesh, and then flipping it over to place it back in the shell. This creates a "boat" for the lobster to cook in and allows it to absorb more buttery flavour.

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How to grill a lobster

Ingredients

To grill a lobster, you will need the following ingredients:

  • Lobster
  • Butter (unsalted)
  • Olive oil
  • Lemon
  • Garlic
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Cajun seasoning
  • Parsley
  • Red wine vinegar
  • Shallots
  • Chives
  • Chile flakes

Preparation

Before grilling your lobster, you will need to prepare it. Firstly, if your lobster is frozen, make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or in a bowl of cold water for 30 minutes if you are short on time. Do not thaw lobsters on the countertop.

Next, you will need to butterfly the lobster tail. Cut through the top center of the shell with kitchen shears until you reach the base. Gently open the shell and pull out the meat, then lay it on top of the shell. Use a sharp knife to make a shallow score through the center of the meat and gently pull it apart.

Grilling

Preheat your grill to a high heat of around 400°F. You can test if your grill is ready by placing your hand 2-3 inches above it; if it's too hot to keep it there for more than a couple of seconds, it's ready. Lightly oil the grate.

Place the lobsters on the grill over direct heat, shell-side down. Grill the lobsters until the meat is firm and white with no translucency, which should take around 5-7 minutes. Do not turn the lobsters over during grilling, as you will lose the juices and any roe or tomalley. If the shells start to blacken, move them to a cooler part of the grill.

Serving

Lobsters are best served fresh off the grill. You can serve them with a butter sauce, such as lemon-chive butter or garlic-parsley butter, and a side of grilled corn.

Tips

  • The internal temperature of the lobster should reach 140°F. Be careful not to overcook, as the meat will become rubbery.
  • Remove the lobster from the refrigerator 20 minutes before cooking to bring it closer to room temperature, as it is easier to work with this way.
  • If you are serving grilled lobster as a main course, count on at least one 1-pound lobster per person.
  • Don't throw away the shells! Freeze them and use them to make a rich lobster stock for bisque and other seafood soups and sauces.

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How to make a lemon-chive butter sauce

To make a delicious lemon-chive butter sauce to accompany your barbecued lobster, follow these steps:

Melt two sticks of unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Ensure you are using a saucepan that is sufficiently sized to accommodate the other ingredients and allow for easy whisking. It is important to use unsalted butter as a base so you can control the seasoning added to the sauce.

Once the butter is melted, add the juice of one fresh lemon. Be sure to strain the lemon juice to avoid adding any bitter pips or pulp to the sauce. You can adjust the quantity of lemon juice to your taste, but one lemon should provide a good balance of acidity. Next, finely chop a handful of fresh chives and add them to the saucepan. The chives will provide a delicate onion flavor and a beautiful pop of color to your sauce. Stir the ingredients together with a whisk to ensure they are well combined.

At this point, you can also add a crushed garlic clove (optional) for some extra depth of flavor. If you decide to include garlic, be mindful that a little goes a long way, and you don't want to overpower the other flavors in the sauce. Season the sauce with a pinch of salt and some freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Whisk the sauce again to ensure all the ingredients are incorporated, and taste it to adjust any seasonings to your preference.

Keep the lemon-chive butter sauce warm over very low heat until you are ready to serve your barbecued lobster. This sauce is the perfect accompaniment to grilled seafood, adding a rich, tangy, and herby flavor to your dish. Simply spoon some of the sauce over the cooked lobster tails, or serve it on the side for dipping those juicy lobster pieces. Enjoy your delicious creation!

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How to prepare a lobster for grilling

Preparing a lobster for grilling is a simple process, but it requires a few key steps to ensure the best results. Here is a detailed guide to help you get started:

Step 1: Selecting and Storing the Lobster

Start by choosing fresh lobsters, which have a brownish shell and grayish flesh. Avoid any with a strong fishy smell. If you're using frozen lobster tails, be sure to thaw them before grilling. The best way to do this is by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or using the quick-thaw method by soaking them in a bowl of cold water for about 30 minutes.

Step 2: Gathering Your Tools and Ingredients

You will need a good pair of kitchen shears or sharp scissors and a sharp knife. For seasoning, you can use a variety of ingredients, such as butter, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add Cajun seasoning, parsley, or other herbs for extra flavour.

Step 3: Preparing the Lobster for Grilling

Butterflying the Lobster Tail:

Use kitchen shears to cut through the top centre of the lobster tail, stopping before you reach the base. Gently open the shell, pull out the meat, and place it on top of the shell. Use a sharp knife to make a shallow score through the centre of the meat and gently pull it apart.

Splitting the Lobster in Half:

If you're grilling a whole lobster, use a cleaver to split the lobster in half lengthwise through its head and tail. Remove the tomalley and break off the claws.

Step 4: Seasoning and Marinating

In a small bowl, mix your chosen seasonings with melted butter. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice and some finely chopped garlic. Brush this mixture onto the lobster meat, making sure to coat it generously. You can also drizzle or brush olive oil onto the lobster before seasoning.

Step 5: Grilling Temperature and Placement

Preheat your grill to a high temperature, around 400°F to 450°F. Place the lobsters on the grill, shell-side down, over direct heat. If grilling lobster tails, place them on indirect heat.

Now that you've prepared your lobsters, they are ready to be grilled to perfection! Follow the grilling instructions specific to the type of lobster and your desired doneness, and you'll be well on your way to a delicious meal.

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How to tell when a lobster tail is done

There are several ways to tell when your lobster tail is done. Firstly, you can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the lobster. The lobster tail is done when the internal temperature reaches 140°F. Another way to check is to look at the colour and texture of the flesh. The lobster tail is ready when the flesh is opaque and firm, with no translucency. You should also see grill marks on the flesh. Depending on the weight of the lobster tail and the heat of your grill, this can take anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes.

Frequently asked questions

Lobster tails take approximately 10 to 15 minutes to grill. The internal temperature should reach 140°F without overcooking the meat.

The lobster will become opaque and firm when cooked through. You can also use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.

It is recommended to split the lobster tails before cooking, unless you are boiling the meat. This will give you the best presentation and allow the tails to cook properly.

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