Grilled Lobster Garlic Butter

Featured in Hearty Main Courses.

Enjoy tender, smoky lobster, grilled until charred and succulent, then finished with generous garlic butter. The melted butter, fresh parsley, and bright lemon juice enhance the naturally sweet lobster meat. This dish is simple to prepare yet truly impressive, perfect for festive gatherings or intimate meals. Pair with grilled vegetables, potatoes or rustic bread to savor every drop of garlic butter, and serve with lemon wedges for a zesty finish. It's a delicious showcase of classic summer flavors, elevated with minimal effort.

Casey
Updated on Sun, 06 Jul 2025 00:38:54 GMT
A plate of cooked lobster with herbs. Pin it
A plate of cooked lobster with herbs. | cookingwithcasey.com

This Grilled Lobster with Garlic and Butter makes any meal feel special. Tender smoky lobster meat grilled to perfection and finished with a generous drizzle of rich garlic butter is always a showstopper at summer cookouts or for candlelit dinners at home

The first time I made this was for an anniversary dinner on our tiny patio and the memory of the citrusy aroma still makes me smile

Ingredients

  • Whole lobster: brings freshness and impressive presentation at the table Choose active lobsters with lively movement and a heavy feel for their size
  • Unsalted butter: gives you full control over the seasoning Look for pale sweet butter with a creamy smell
  • Fresh garlic: punches up flavor and aroma Use plump firm cloves for best results
  • Fresh parsley: adds brightness Pick bunches that are a vibrant green with crisp leaves
  • Lemon juice: delivers acidity and balances richness of the butter Choose lemons that feel heavy and have smooth thin skin
  • Salt and pepper: sharpen and lift all the other flavors
  • Lemon wedges: are for that burst of zesty finish and a pretty garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Garlic Butter:
In a small bowl stir together melted butter minced garlic chopped parsley lemon juice a little salt and black pepper until the parsley turns glossy and fragrant The mixture should smell bright and garlicky
Heat the Grill:
Light your grill and bring it up to medium high Brush the grates with oil so the lobster will not stick later
Prep the Lobster:
Using a sharp sturdy knife carefully split the lobster lengthwise right from head to tail Brush away any grit and pull out the tomalley from the cavity if you prefer your lobster clean and mild tasting
Grill Flesh Side Down:
Place each lobster half meat side down directly over the flame Close the grill lid if you have one Cook for about four minutes until the surface gets deep grill marks and the edges start to curl
Flip Add Butter Grill More:
Turn the lobster halves over so they are shell side down Spoon or brush the garlic butter mixture all over the exposed meat Close the lid and cook for another five minutes letting the butter drip and sizzle The lobster flesh should look opaque and juicy
Finish and Serve:
Transfer lobster to a platter Drizzle on any extra garlic butter from the bowl and scatter more parsley and a few lemon wedges over top for squeezing
A plate of cooked lobster with herbs and lime. Pin it
A plate of cooked lobster with herbs and lime. | cookingwithcasey.com

Lobster night became a tradition in my household after my son begged for it every birthday We add a little extra garlic each time because he just loves the aroma as it hits the hot grill

Storage Tips

Leftover grilled lobster should be wrapped tightly and stored in the fridge where it keeps tender for up to one day To reheat slip the lobster back on a hot grill for barely a minute or two with extra butter poured over so it stays moist Avoid microwaving which can toughen the meat

Ingredient Substitutions

No fresh parsley Try fresh tarragon or even a few chopped chives out of the garden If you need a dairy free option vegan butter melts well with garlic for a similar rich finish Frozen lobster tails also work in a pinch but try to choose wild caught always for better texture

Serving Suggestions

Serve your grilled lobster alongside simple roasted potatoes grilled asparagus or a crunchy green salad That buttery sauce begs for slices of crusty bread or a tender dinner roll for sopping up every last drop For a full celebration meal pair with chilled white wine such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc

History of Grilled Lobster

Grilling lobster over open fire has roots reaching back through maritime communities in New England and the South The tradition highlights both the freshness of the catch and the communal joy of sharing shellfish straight from the grill Classic garlic butter is the modern twist that makes this dish a timeless favorite

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I split live lobster for grilling?

Place the lobster on a cutting board, hold firmly, and use a sharp knife to split it lengthwise through the head and tail. Remove the tomalley if desired.

→ What is the key to juicy grilled lobster?

Grill lobsters flesh-side down first to sear, then shell-side down while basting with garlic butter to keep the meat moist and flavorful.

→ Can I use frozen lobster?

Yes, thaw frozen lobster completely before preparing. Pat dry to remove excess moisture before grilling for best results.

→ What sides complement grilled lobster?

Try grilled vegetables, baked or roasted potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the rich garlic butter. A green salad also pairs well.

→ What type of wine pairs best?

Chilled white wines such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc are excellent with grilled lobster and garlic butter flavors.

Grilled Lobster Garlic Butter

Smoky lobster finished with rich garlic butter, fresh herbs, and a hint of lemon for effortless elegance.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
12 Minutes
Total Time
27 Minutes
By: Casey

Category: Hearty Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Seafood

Yield: 2 Servings

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Lobster

01 2 whole lobsters (approximately 680 g each), split lengthwise

→ Garlic Butter

02 120 ml unsalted butter, melted
03 4 garlic cloves, minced
04 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
05 1 tablespoon lemon juice
06 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ To Serve

07 Lemon wedges

Instructions

Step 01

In a small bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly and set aside.

Step 02

Heat the grill to medium-high. Lightly oil the grates to prevent lobster from sticking.

Step 03

Using a sharp knife, split the lobsters in half lengthwise to expose the meat. Remove and discard the tomalley if preferred.

Step 04

Place lobsters flesh-side down on the hot grill. Cook for 4–5 minutes to achieve light grill marks.

Step 05

Flip lobsters shell-side down. Brush generously with the garlic butter. Grill for another 4–6 minutes, or until the meat is opaque and cooked through.

Step 06

Remove lobsters from the grill. Drizzle with additional garlic butter and garnish with extra parsley and lemon wedges before serving.

Notes

  1. For a spicier flavor, stir a pinch of chili flakes into the garlic butter.
  2. Pairs beautifully with chilled Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
  3. Accompany with grilled vegetables, baked potatoes, or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Tools You'll Need

  • Grill
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Basting brush
  • Chef’s knife
  • Tongs

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains shellfish (lobster)
  • Contains dairy (butter)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 520
  • Total Fat: 32 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 3 g
  • Protein: 51 g