Lobster tails are a delicious seafood treat that can be prepared in various ways, including grilling or barbecuing them. When cooking lobster tails on the barbecue, timing is important to ensure they turn out perfectly cooked. Here is a detailed guide on how long to BBQ lobster tails for optimal results.
Introduction to Cooking Lobster Tails on the BBQ
Lobster tails are the tender, meaty part of the lobster located in the tail section. They are considered a premium seafood delicacy and popular menu item at restaurants. Cooking lobster tails on the grill or barbecue allows you to infuse them with a lovely smoky flavor from the charcoal or gas grill. It also caramelizes the exterior while keeping the interior meat nice and juicy.
Grilling lobster tails requires carefully monitoring the cook times to prevent over or undercooking. The length of time needed will depend on a few factors:
- Size of the tails – larger tails take longer
- Thickness of the meat – thicker tails require more time
- Grilling method – direct or indirect heat
- Desired doneness – rarer cooks faster than well-done
With the right techniques, you can achieve tender, flaky, sweet, smoky grilled lobster tail perfection in your own backyard. This guide will cover everything you need to know about how long to grill lobster tails.
Thawing Lobster Tails
The first step when preparing lobster tails for grilling is ensuring they are fully thawed if using frozen. Here are safe methods for thawing lobster tails:
- Refrigerator Thawing – Place frozen tails in a bowl or on a plate and allow to thaw overnight or for 24 hours in the refrigerator. This is the preferred method as it keeps the lobster chilled.
- Cold Water Thawing – In a leak-proof plastic bag, submerge the frozen tails in cold tap water, changing the water every 30 minutes. This method takes about 2 hours for most tail sizes.
- Microwave Thawing – Microwave the tails on the defrost setting based on the wattage of your appliance. Break up the timing into intervals to avoid cooking spots. Allow to sit 5 minutes after thawing. Use immediately.
Always cook thawed lobster tails right away – do not refreeze. Pat dry with paper towels before grilling.
Picking the Right Lobster Tails
When buying lobster tails for grilling, opt for quality over quantity for the best results:
- Sizes – Larger tails 6-8 oz are easier to grill than small 4 oz tails. Medium 6 oz tails are a good choice.
- Quality – Ensure shells are intact, meat is translucent, and no discoloration. Avoid limpness.
- Frozen vs Fresh – Both work but frozen may take slightly longer. Thaw frozen properly.
- Wild Caught vs Farmed – Wild caught have more flavor but cost more. Farm-raised are still tasty.
- Maine Lobsters – Highest quality with sweeter meat and iconic flavor. Other good sources are Australia, Canada or South Africa.
Selecting premium lobster tails will maximize the delicious grilled flavor. Now let’s get into the ideal cook times.
How Long to Grill Lobster Tails Based on Size
Lobster tail sizes generally range from 4-8 ounces or more. The optimal grill time can vary quite a bit based on the exact weight. Here are guidelines for BBQing tails of different sizes:
4 Ounce Lobster Tails
- Grill for 7-9 minutes total
- Turn after 3-4 minutes
The small 4 ounce lobster tails require the least amount of BBQ time. Take care not to overcook these delicate tails. Flip halfway through and test doneness early.
6 Ounce Lobster Tails
- Grill for 10-12 minutes
- Turn after 5-6 minutes
The popular middle size, 6 ounce lobster tails only need 2-3 extra minutes total grill time versus 4 ounce tails. Time the flip well to ensure even cooking.
8 Ounce Lobster Tails
- Grill for 12-15 minutes
- Turn after 6-7 minutes
Large, 8 ounce lobster tails can handle a few more minutes of smoking hot barbecue heat. Cook to desired doneness, allowing extra time if enjoying them well-done.
Jumbo 10-12 Ounce Tails
- Grill for 15-18 minutes
- Turn after 8-9 minutes
These jumbo restaurant-sized lobster tails need ample BBQ time to cook through the thick, meaty portions. Patience is key for juicy results. Rotate carefully when flipping.
As you can see, increasing just a few ounces in size can add 5+ minutes to the grilling time needed. Always gauge each tail’s thickness and density to determine ideal doneness.
Grilling Methods for Lobster Tails – Direct vs Indirect Heat
One of the keys to grilling lobster tails perfectly is choosing between direct or indirect heat on your barbecue:
Direct Heat involves placing the tails directly over the hot grill surface, flames, or charcoal. The high heat sears the exterior while cooking the interior. Direct heat works best for quicker cooking of thinner tails.
Indirect Heat means placing the tails to the side of the direct heat source, or utilizing a 2-zone fire setup. This gentler, ambient heat tenderizes the meat without burning the shell. Indirect heat is ideal for larger, thicker lobster tails.
Tips for Direct Heat Grilling:
- Use for quick cooking of small or thin tails
- Prevents overcooking and dries out meat
- Creates nice sear while meat cooks fast
- Rotate tails while grilling to prevent burning
- Typically best for 4-6 oz tails
Tips for Indirect Heat Grilling:
- Allows thorough cooking without burning
- Great for larger, thicker 8+ oz tails
- Ambient heat tenderizes meat over time
- Can finish off direct heat grilled tails
- Provides more flexibility for done-ness
You can start larger tails over direct heat to create char, then move to indirect heat on a 2-zone barbecue to finish cooking. This gives you the best of both worlds!
Grilling Lobster Tails Based on Desired Doneness
The recommended grill times for lobster tails will also vary based on the desired done-ness and texture you prefer. Here are guidelines for cooking times per doneness level:
Rare Lobster Tail
- Grill for 2-3 minutes less than the recommended time for size
- Meat is translucent and cool red center
Rare lobster tail has a soft, jelly-like texture in the center with a warm, red interior. The meat is still translucent. Quick grilling preserves the tender texture.
Medium Rare Lobster Tail
- Grill for the recommended time based on size
- Meat is mostly opaque, slightly pink center
Medium rare lobster tail has firmer, opaque meat while still retaining moisture and flakiness. The center will be slightly pinkish. This is a classic preparation.
Medium Lobster Tail
- Grill for 1-2 minutes more than recommended time
- Meat is fully opaque, warm center
Medium lobster tail has just a hint of pinkness or is fully opaque in the center with firmer, drier texture. Juices should still run clear.
Well Done Lobster Tail
- Grill for 3+ minutes more than recommended
- Meat is fully opaque and firm throughout
Well done lobster tail meat is opaque through the center with a firmer, drier texture. The juices will appear milky white rather than clear.
Determine if you prefer rarer, medium, or well done texture, and adjust BBQ times up or down. Check often to prevent overcooking.
Grilling Lobster Tail FAQs
Grilling lobster tails has a few nuances compared to other meats. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Should Lobster Tails Be Split Before Grilling?
- Yes, splitting helps them cook evenly. Use kitchen shears or knife.
Meat or Shell Side Down First?
- Start meat side down to sear, then flip shell down to finish cooking.
Baste or Brush With Flavorings?
- Yes, you can brush with melted butter, olive oil, or other glazes near the end.
When Are Lobster Tails Done Grilling?
- Meat should be opaque and firm but still moist. Juices run clear. Shells turn bright red.
Can You Grill Frozen Lobster Tails?
- No, always thaw frozen tails first in the refrigerator before grilling.
What is The Best Way to Serve Grilled Lobster Tails?
- Enjoy grilled lobster hot off the BBQ with drawn lemon butter for dipping!
With the proper techniques, you can master cooking tender, juicy grilled lobster tails for any occasion.
Conclusion
Grilling lobster tails allows you to infuse sweet, tender lobster meat with mouthwatering barbecue flavor. By monitoring the size, thickness, grilling method, and desired doneness level, you can determine the ideal time needed for grilling lobster tails to juicy perfection. Smaller 4-6 ounce tails may take only 7-12 minutes, while jumbo 10+ ounce tails can grill for 15-18 minutes. Prefer rarer texture? Shave 2-3 minutes off the time. Well done? Add 3+ minutes for firmer meat. Master these simple guidelines, and you will be serving up succulent barbecue lobster all summer long.