Introduction
Lobster is a delicious crustacean that can be prepared in many ways, including grilling or barbecuing. Grilled lobster has an amazing smoky flavor and makes for an impressive meal. While grilling lobster may seem intimidating, it’s actually quite easy with some preparation and tips. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know to make perfect barbecue lobster at home.
Necessary Equipment for Grilling Lobster
Before you begin grilling lobster, make sure you have the necessary equipment:
- Grill: You can use either a charcoal or gas grill, as long as it can be heated to at least 350-400°F. The grates should be cleaned and oiled to prevent sticking.
- Grilling tongs: Use long, sturdy tongs for safely maneuvering the lobster on the grill. Avoid puncturing the shell with sharp tongs.
- Basting brush: Have a brush on hand for basting the lobster with butter while cooking. A silicone brush works well.
- Cooler: Have a cooler ready with ice for storing the cooked lobster.
- Protective gloves: Wear insulated gloves when handling the hot lobster off the grill.
- Cutting board and mallet: You’ll need these for splitting the lobster before grilling.
- Lobster crackers: Provide small lobster crackers for easy shell cracking while eating.
Preparing the Lobster for Grilling
Proper preparation is key to grilling tender, juicy lobster:
Choosing the Lobster
- Select live lobsters that are lively and energetic. Avoid lethargic lobsters.
- Choose lobsters that are about 1-1.5 pounds for even grilling.
- Make sure the lobster shells are hard, not soft or cracked.
Humanely Killing the Lobster
- Place the live lobster in the freezer for 30-60 minutes before cooking to put it into a hypothermic state. This is the most humane method.
- Once sedated, plunge a sharp knife into the body, right behind the eyes to kill it instantly.
Splitting the Lobster
- Place the lobster belly-up on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, split the lobster in half lengthwise, from head to tail.
- Use a mallet to crack the claws, separating them at each joint. Crack the legs as well. This allows heat to penetrate inside while grilling.
- Rinse out the gut cavity and pat the lobster dry before grilling. The drier the surface, the better it will brown.
How to Grill Lobster Perfectly
Grilling the lobster takes only 10-15 minutes. Follow these simple steps for tender, juicy, smoky lobster off the barbecue:
- Heat your grill to high heat, around 400°F. Oil the grates well.
- Place the split lobster cut-side down on the hot grill. Grill for 5-6 minutes.
- Use tongs to flip the lobster over. Baste the meat with melted butter.
- Grill for another 5 minutes until the shell is bright red and the meat is opaque.
- Baste again with butter right before removing from the grill.
- Check for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the tail. It should reach 145°F internally.
- Transfer the grilled lobster to a cooler and allow it to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Basting Tips
- Use unsalted butter for basting, blended with herbs, garlic, or lemon for flavor.
- Baste the lobster meat every time you flip it to keep it moist and tender.
- Avoid basting too early or the butter will drip into the fire and cause flare-ups.
Serving and Eating Grilled Lobster
Lobster straight off the barbecue is hot and messy to eat. Follow these tips for the optimal dining experience:
- Set out lobster crackers, picks, and bibs for your guests. Provide moist towelettes for cleaning hands.
- Offer melted butter for dipping the meat as you extract it from the shell.
- Use a lobster cracker to break the shells and remove meat from tails, claws, and legs.
- Don’t forget the lobster tomalley (liver)! It’s full of rich flavor.
- Provide a nutcracker for breaking open the sharp claw tips to access the sweet meat inside.
- Serve with corn on the cob and roasted potatoes for the perfect backyard seafood barbecue.
- Chilled white wine or rosé pair nicely with lobster.
With the proper techniques, equipment, and preparation, you can master how to barbecue lobster at home. The smoky aroma and succulent meat straight off the grill make for an unforgettable summer meal. Invite family and friends over and enjoy this impressive (and delicious) barbecue together!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grill a lobster?
It takes 10-15 minutes to grill a 1-1.5 pound lobster, around 5-6 minutes per side. Check for doneness with a meat thermometer, which should reach 145°F.
What is the best fuel for grilling lobster?
Lobster can be grilled over charcoal or gas. Charcoal provides an authentic smoky flavor. High heat around 400°F is ideal, so the lobster cooks quickly without overcooking.
How do you keep lobster moist on the grill?
Basting the lobster meat frequently with melted herbed butter keeps it nice and moist while grilling. Avoid overcooking past 6 minutes per side.
Should you split lobster before grilling?
Yes, splitting helps the lobster cook more evenly. It also allows you to spread the meat flat on the grill to get nice char. Cracking the claws and legs lets heat penetrate inside.
Can you grill lobster with the shell on?
You can grill lobster without splitting, but it won’t absorb as much smoky flavor. The shell also shields the meat from getting nicely seared. Splitting and grilling meat-side down is best.
What is the best way to kill a lobster humanely?
The most humane method is placing the live lobster in the freezer for 30-60 minutes until anesthetized before cooking. Then plunge a knife into the body behind the eyes for an instant kill.
Conclusion
With some preparation and technique, grilling tender and juicy lobster at home is totally achievable. Follow the tips in this guide for selecting, preparing, and barbecuing the lobster properly. Basting the meat while grilling and serving the hot lobster with drawn butter and crackers will lead to amazing results. Grilled lobster is impressive yet easy to make for your next warm weather gathering. Wow your guests with your barbecue skills by cooking up the quintessential summer meal of smoky grilled lobster.