Lobster tail is a delicious and luxurious seafood treat that is perfect for grilling. When cooked properly on the barbecue, lobster tail becomes tender and juicy on the inside with a slightly charred, smoky flavor on the outside that takes this elegant entree to new heights. However, learning how long to bbq lobster tails can be tricky, as you want to make sure they are fully cooked without becoming rubbery or overdone.
This detailed guide will provide tips, techniques, timing, and temperature guidance to help you grill lobster tail like a professional chef in your own backyard. We will cover everything you need to know about how long to bbq lobster tails based on size, preparation methods, and desired doneness levels. With these lobster grilling times and instructions, you will be able to showcase your grilling skills and serve your guests succulently cooked lobster tail off the barbecue.
How Long Does It Take to Grill Lobster Tails?
The amount of time needed to grill lobster tails to tender, juicy perfection depends on several factors:
- Size of the lobster tails
- Thickness of the lobster tails
- Whether the shells are on or off
- Desired doneness
- Type of grill
- Temperature of the grill
Taking these elements into account, here are general grilling time guidelines for how long to cook lobster tails on a hot barbecue at 400-450°F:
- Small lobster tails (3-4 oz) – 6-9 minutes
- Medium lobster tails (5-7 oz) – 10-14 minutes
- Jumbo lobster tails (8-12 oz) – 16-20+ minutes
The thicker the lobster tail and higher degree of doneness desired, the longer the cooking time. Barbecuing with the shells on will also increase the cooking time compared to grilling shelled tails.
Always use a good meat thermometer to check for doneness instead of relying solely on grilling times for perfect results every time. Read on for more specific lobster tail bbq times based on preparation method and doneness levels.
How Long to Grill Lobster Tails with Shells On
Grilling lobster tails with the shells still on helps keep the delicate meat moist and tender. It also imparts a lovely smoky, charred flavor to the shells. Here are approximate grilling times for lobster tails with shells on:
- Small lobster tails (3-4 oz) – Grill for 8-11 minutes
- Medium lobster tails (5-7 oz) – Grill for 12-15 minutes
- Large/Jumbo lobster tails (8-12 oz) – Grill for 18-22 minutes
These times are for grilling at a hot 400-450°F temperature. Make sure to turn the lobster tails halfway through cooking. Baste the shells with melted butter the last 2-3 minutes for extra flavor and color.
Check the thickest part of the lobster tail meat with an instant-read thermometer 5 minutes into grilling. You want the temperature to reach 145°F for medium-rare doneness.
How Long to Grill Lobster Tails Without Shells
Removing the lobster shells before grilling cuts down the cooking time substantially. Here are the approximate grilling times for shelled lobster tails:
- Small lobster tails (3-4 oz) – Grill for 5-7 minutes
- Medium lobster tails (5-7 oz) – Grill for 7-10 minutes
- Large/Jumbo lobster tails (8-12 oz) – Grill for 10-14 minutes
Turn the lobster tails halfway through grilling for even cooking. Brush with melted butter a minute or two before removing from the grill.
Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness starting about 5 minutes into cooking. Cook shelled tails to 145°F for medium-rare.
Always watch the tails closely near the end of grilling as the cooking time goes quickly once the shells are removed.
How Long to Grill Lobster Tails at Varying Temperatures
Grilling lobster tail over high heat helps sear the outside while keeping the inside tender and moist. But you can also barbecue lobster tails at lower temperatures:
- High Heat (400-450°F) – Follow general times listed above
- Medium-High Heat (350-400°F) – Add 2-3 minutes to times above
- Medium Heat (300-350°F) – Add 4-5 minutes to times above
- Low Heat (250-300°F) – Add 6-8 minutes to times above
If using a two-zone fire setup, you can start lobster tails over higher direct heat to sear and finish cooking over lower indirect heat.
Just be sure to watch carefully and use an instant-read thermometer for perfectly cooked lobster regardless of grill temperature.
How Long to Grill Lobster Tails Based on Size
Larger lobster tails take longer to cook through than smaller tails. Here are more specifics on bbq times based on lobster tail sizes:
Small Lobster Tails (3-4 oz)
- Shells On – Grill for 8-11 minutes
- Shells Off – Grill for 5-7 minutes
Medium Lobster Tails (5-7 oz)
- Shells On – Grill for 12-15 minutes
- Shells Off – Grill for 7-10 minutes
Large/Jumbo Lobster Tails (8-12 oz)
- Shells On – Grill for 18-22 minutes
- Shells Off – Grill for 10-14 minutes
When in doubt, always grill large lobster tails on the longer end of the time range to ensure the thickest part of the meat reaches proper doneness, especially if cooking with shells on.
How Long to Grill Lobster Tails Based on Temperature
You can cook lobster tails on the grill to varying levels of doneness. Use an instant-read digital meat thermometer to test doneness instead of relying on grilling times alone for perfect results.
Here are the target internal temperatures and approximate grilling times for different doneness levels:
- Rare – Cook to 120-125°F internally (shorten standard grill times by 2-3 minutes)
- Medium Rare – Cook to 140-145°F internally (follow general times in guide)
- Medium – Cook to 150-155°F internally (add 1-2 minutes to standard times)
- Well Done – Cook to 155-160°F internally (add 3-4 minutes to standard times)
The juiciest, most tender results come from grilling lobster tails to medium rare doneness. Let the tails rest for 5 minutes after grilling before serving. The temperature will rise another 5°F-10°F during the rest time.
Tips for Grilling Lobster Tails Perfectly
Follow these top tips for grilling succulent, tender lobster tail every time:
- Choose tails of similar size so they cook evenly.
- Use a sharp knife or kitchen shears to cut through shell lengthwise.
- Loosen meat from bottom side of shell without detaching fully.
- Brush with oil or melted butter before grilling.
- Grill meat-side down first, then flip shells down.
- Turn tails halfway through cooking for even results.
- Test temperature at thickest part of meat 5 minutes into grilling.
- Baste with butter the final 2 minutes for extra flavor.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Now that you know exactly how long to bbq lobster tails for your preferred preparations and doneness levels, you can grill this impressive seafood to perfection. Enjoy showcasing your lobster grilling skills the next time you barbecue for family or guests.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grilling Lobster Tails
How do you keep lobster tails from curling on the grill?
To keep lobster tails flat, use kitchen shears to carefully cut through the top of the shell lengthwise without cutting all the way through the meat. Loosen the meat with your fingers but leave connected at the base. You can also insert wooden skewers along the length of the shell to help keep the tails straight.
Can you grill frozen lobster tails?
Yes, you can grill frozen lobster tails without thawing first. Keep the shells on and add 5-8 minutes to the standard grilling time to account for the frozen state. Use a thermometer to check for 145°F for medium-rare doneness.
Should you grill lobster tails meat-side up or down first?
Start by grilling the lobster tail meat-side down directly over the heat to help sear and color the outside. After flipping over, grill shells-side down to finish cooking through the meat fully.
What is the best way to serve grilled lobster tails?
Grilled lobster tails are delicious on their own with drawn butter for dipping, or served over salad greens. Pairing with grilled vegetables like corn on the cob, asparagus or zucchini also makes a tasty summertime meal.
Can you grill lobster tails on a gas grill?
Yes, you can grill lobster just as effectively on a gas grill as charcoal. Use high heat between 400-450°F. Place the tails over direct heat to start and finish over indirect heat. Baste with butter at the end for extra flavor.
How do you grill lobster tails in the oven?
To cook lobster tails in the oven, place them meat-side up on a baking sheet. Cook at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F for medium-rare doneness. Broil the final 2-3 minutes to lightly brown the tops if desired.
Grilled Lobster Tail Recipes to Try
- Lobster Tails with Garlic Herb Butter – Butter infused with garlic, parsley and lemon to baste grilled lobster tails.
- Surf and Turf Skewers – Alternate grilled lobster chunks and steak pieces on skewers for an easy crowd-pleaser.
- Grilled Lobster Tails with Mango Salsa – Sweet, tropical mango salsa perfectly complements the grilled lobster.
- Lobster Rolls – Pile grilled lobster meat into split-top hot dog buns with a drizzle of butter.
- Grilled Lobster with Asparagus – Elegant and delicious side-by-side plating.
- Lobster Tacos – Crispy grilled lobster served in warm corn tortillas with all the fixings.
So for your next backyard barbecue or summer dinner party, impress your guests with perfectly cooked lobster tails hot off the grill. Use this guide to determine exactly how long to bbq lobster tails based on size, preparation and your desired doneness. In less than 20 minutes, you can be indulging in the ultimate grilled seafood.