Imagine sinking your teeth into succulent lobster tails, kissed by smoky chipotle butter and perfectly grilled to tender, mouthwatering perfection. This isn't just another seafood recipe—it's a culinary adventure that transforms an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary dining experience. Whether you're looking to impress your dinner guests or treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home, these Grilled Lobster Tail Halves with Chipotle Butter will elevate your cooking game and leave everyone craving more.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Seafood
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lobster tails, halved
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the lobster tails. Using kitchen scissors, carefully cut down the top shell of each lobster tail, starting from the wide end and moving towards the tail fin. Take care not to cut through the meat. Gently pull apart the shell to expose the lobster meat, then use your fingers to lift the meat slightly out of the shell, resting it on top.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, minced chipotle peppers, lemon juice, and salt. Mix well to ensure the chipotle is evenly distributed throughout the butter mixture.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F (200°C). If using a charcoal grill, ensure the coals are ashed over and spread evenly. If using a gas grill, allow it to preheat with the lid closed for about 10 minutes.
- Once the grill is hot, place the lobster tail halves shell-side down on the grill. Brush the exposed lobster meat generously with the chipotle butter mixture. Reserve some of the butter for basting during grilling.
- Grill the lobster tails for about 5-7 minutes, or until the meat is opaque and firm. During the last few minutes of grilling, baste the lobster meat with the reserved chipotle butter for extra flavor.
- Remove the lobster tails from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and enhances the flavor.
- To serve, place the grilled lobster tail halves on a plate. Drizzle with any remaining chipotle butter and garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.
- Enjoy your grilled lobster tail halves with a side of your choice, such as grilled vegetables or a fresh salad, for a delicious seafood meal.
Tips
- Always use fresh, high-quality lobster tails for the best flavor and texture.
- When cutting the shell, use sharp kitchen scissors and be gentle to maintain the meat's integrity.
- Preheat your grill thoroughly to ensure even cooking and those beautiful grill marks.
- Don't overcook! Lobster meat becomes tough quickly, so watch it closely and aim for opaque, firm meat.
- The chipotle butter adds a smoky kick, but you can adjust the amount of pepper to suit your spice preference.
- Let the lobster rest after grilling to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.
- Fresh cilantro isn't just a garnish—it adds a bright, fresh contrast to the rich, smoky flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 296kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 19g
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 130mg
