Dinner

Lemon Pepper Grilled Lobster Tails with Garlic Herb Butter Recipe

Byrami Hayes March 16, 2026March 16, 2026

Introduction

Lemon Pepper Grilled Lobster Tails with Garlic Herb Butter is a simple yet elegant seafood dish perfect for any special occasion or a summer barbecue. The bright lemon pepper seasoning pairs beautifully with rich, buttery garlic herb sauce, creating a fresh and flavorful experience.

A close-up photo shows a large piece of grilled fish being lifted from a black cast iron pan by a hand in a black glove. The fish has multiple layers with a golden crust mixed with green herbs and black pepper, and some orange salmon skin is visible on top. The fish looks juicy, with golden-yellow oil dripping down. Inside the pan, there is a pool of herb-infused oil with green bits, and a grilled round piece of fish rests near a half lemon wedge. The background features a blurred outdoor setting and a person in a black shirt. The surface under the pan is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 lobster tails (6-8 ounces each)
2 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
8 oz unsalted butter, softened
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
2 teaspoons garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
½ teaspoon kosher salt (for butter)
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon lemon zest
Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Butterfly the lobster tails by cutting through the top shell lengthwise and carefully lifting the meat onto the surface of the shell, keeping it attached at the base.
Step 2: Brush the lobster tails with olive oil and evenly season them with lemon pepper seasoning, kosher salt, and garlic powder.
Step 3: Prepare the garlic herb butter by mixing softened butter with chopped parsley, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, kosher salt, black pepper, and lemon zest until well combined.
Step 4: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F, and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Place the lobster tails meat-side down on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes. Then flip them over and cook for an additional 4-6 minutes, basting frequently with the prepared garlic herb butter.
Step 6: Remove the lobster tails from the grill once the internal temperature reaches 140°F. Let them rest for 2-3 minutes before serving with lemon wedges and extra garlic herb butter on the side.

Tips & Variations

For added flavor, marinate the lobster tails in lemon juice and herbs for 15 minutes before grilling.
Use clarified butter instead of regular butter to avoid flare-ups on the grill.
Try substituting fresh thyme or tarragon for parsley in the garlic herb butter for a different herb profile.
If you don’t have a grill, lobster tails can also be broiled in the oven using the same method.

Storage

Store any leftover lobster tails in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or steamed to avoid drying out the meat. Garlic herb butter can be kept refrigerated and used within a week.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a large piece of cooked lobster tail held by a black-gloved hand above a black pan filled with melted butter mixed with green herbs. The lobster has a textured surface with bright orange shell edges and creamy white meat that is seasoned with small green herbs and black pepper. The butter below glistens with herbs floating in it, and a quarter of a lemon sits at the edge of the pan. The setting is outdoors with a blurred background, and the scene is set on a wooden table with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen lobster tails for this recipe?

Yes, frozen lobster tails work well. Thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight before preparing and grilling.

How can I tell when the lobster tails are cooked properly?

The lobster meat should be opaque and firm to the touch. For best accuracy, use a meat thermometer and cook until the internal temperature reaches 140°F.