Grilled Lobster Tails with Cajun Butter is an elegant yet approachable dish that celebrates bold flavor, luxurious texture, and outdoor cooking at its finest. The smoky char from the grill paired with the sweet, tender lobster meat creates an unforgettable culinary experience. The star element—melting Cajun butter—adds a spicy, garlicky, buttery richness that elevates every bite.
This dish is perfect for celebrations, summer cookouts, special dinners, or anytime you want restaurant-quality flavor at home. Whether you’re hosting guests or treating yourself, grilled lobster tails always feel like a celebration.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because:
- The Cajun butter adds a bold kick that perfectly complements lobster’s natural sweetness.
- It feels luxurious and restaurant-worthy but is surprisingly easy to make.
- Grilling gives the lobster a flavor you can’t replicate by boiling or steaming.
- It’s a showstopper dish that requires minimal ingredients but delivers maximum impact.
Why It’s a Must-Try
This is a must-try dish because:
- It’s a perfect balance of smoky, buttery, spicy, and sweet flavors.
- It cooks in just a few minutes—yet tastes like a gourmet masterpiece.
- It’s ideal for date nights, holidays, and seafood lovers.
- It’s versatile: serve as a main course, appetizer, or surf-and-turf option.
Prep Time, Cook Time & Servings
| Category | Time |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 8–10 minutes |
| Total Time | 25 minutes |
- Servings: 2–4 (depending on portion size)
- Calories: Approximately 360 calories per lobster tail
- Course: Main Course / Grilled Entrée
- Cuisine: American / Cajun / Seafood
Ingredients
For the Lobster
- 4 lobster tails (5–6 oz each), thawed if frozen
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
For the Cajun Butter
- 6 tbsp melted butter
- 1–2 tsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp chopped parsley (optional garnish)
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Step 1: Prepare the Lobster Tails
- Using kitchen shears, cut the top of the lobster shell lengthwise down to the tail.
- Gently loosen meat from the shell and lift upward to rest on top (but still attached).
- Pat dry with paper towels.
Step 2: Season
- Brush lobster meat with olive oil.
- Season lightly with salt, pepper, and a small pinch of Cajun seasoning.
Step 3: Prepare Cajun Butter
- In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, Cajun seasoning, garlic, smoked paprika, and lemon juice.
Step 4: Grill
- Preheat grill to medium-high (400–450°F / 204–232°C).
- Place lobster tails meat-side down for 3–4 minutes to get grill marks.
- Flip tails and brush generously with Cajun butter.
- Cook another 4–5 minutes until internal temperature reaches 140–145°F (60–63°C).
Step 5: Serve
- Brush again with fresh Cajun butter and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
How to Serve
Serve immediately with:
- Corn on the cob
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Grilled asparagus or vegetables
- Fresh salad or coleslaw
- Steak (for a surf & turf feast)
Optional finishing touch? A drizzle of extra lemon juice.
Recipe Tips
✔ Make sure lobster tails are fully thawed before grilling—frozen meat cooks unevenly.
✔ Don’t overcook: lobster becomes rubbery quickly.
✔ Baste with butter multiple times while grilling for maximum flavor.
✔ Use a meat thermometer for perfect results.
Variations
| Version | Change |
|---|---|
| Extra Spicy | Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to butter. |
| Garlic Herb Butter | Replace Cajun seasoning with parsley, thyme, and extra garlic. |
| Honey Cajun Glaze | Add 1–2 tsp honey to butter for sweet-heat flavor. |
| Oven Broiled Version | Broil lobster 6–8 minutes, basting halfway. |
Freezing & Storage
- Refrigerator (cooked lobster): Up to 2 days
- Freezer (uncooked lobster tails): Up to 6 months
- Freezer (cooked leftovers): Not recommended—texture degrades
- Reheat: Gently steam or warm in butter to avoid dryness
Special Equipment Needed
- Sharp kitchen shears
- Grill (gas or charcoal)
- Silicone basting brush
- Instant-read thermometer (recommended)
FAQ
Q: Can I grill frozen lobster tails?
No—always thaw first for even cooking.
Q: How do I know when lobster is done?
The meat turns opaque white and reaches 140–145°F internally.
Q: Can I use shrimp or crab instead?
Yes—Cajun butter tastes amazing on most seafood.
Conclusion
Grilled Lobster Tails with Cajun Butter brings together smoky char-grilled flavor, tenderness, and bold Cajun spices in a meal that feels both special and effortless. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or elevating a weekend meal, this dish guarantees a memorable dining experience—and once you make it, it may become your signature recipe.
Grilled Lobster Tails with Cajun Butter
Description
Grilled Lobster Tails with Cajun Butter is an elegant yet approachable dish that celebrates bold flavor, luxurious texture, and outdoor cooking at its finest.
Ingredients
For the Lobster
For the Cajun Butter
Instructions
-
Step 1: Prepare the Lobster Tails : Using kitchen shears, cut the top of the lobster shell lengthwise down to the tail. Gently loosen meat from the shell and lift upward to rest on top (but still attached). Pat dry with paper towels.
-
Step 2: Season : Brush lobster meat with olive oil. Season lightly with salt, pepper, and a small pinch of Cajun seasoning.
-
Step 3: Prepare Cajun Butter : In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, Cajun seasoning, garlic, smoked paprika, and lemon juice.
-
Step 4: Grill : Preheat grill to medium-high (400–450°F / 204–232°C). Place lobster tails meat-side down for 3–4 minutes to get grill marks. Flip tails and brush generously with Cajun butter. Cook another 4–5 minutes until internal temperature reaches 140–145°F (60–63°C).
-
Step 5: Serve : Brush again with fresh Cajun butter and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
