BBQ Lobster Tails with Butter and Sauce Combo are grilled to tender perfection and finished with rich garlic butter and a smoky-sweet barbecue glaze. This easy grilled lobster tail recipe delivers steakhouse-quality results at home—perfect for special occasions, summer cookouts, and impressive backyard BBQ dinners.
Using kitchen shears, cut shell lengthwise down the center.
Gently pull meat up and rest it on top of the shell (butterfly style).
Brush meat lightly with olive oil.
Season with salt and pepper.
Garlic butter: Mix melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, and parsley.
BBQ glaze: Whisk BBQ sauce, melted butter, lemon juice, Worcestershire, and smoked paprika.
Reserve some of each for finishing.
Heat grill to medium-high (400–425°F / 205–220°C).
Clean and oil grates well.
Place lobster tails shell-side down over indirect heat.
Close lid and grill 5–6 minutes until meat begins to turn opaque.
Brush lobster generously with garlic butter.
Grill 2–3 minutes more.
Finish by brushing lightly with BBQ glaze during the final minute only.
Remove from grill when internal temp reaches 135–140°F.
Rest 2 minutes.
Serve with extra garlic butter and lemon wedges.
Grilled asparagus or broccolini
Garlic mashed potatoes or rice pilaf
Grilled corn with BBQ butter
Simple green or citrus salad
Crusty bread for dipping
Wine: Chardonnay, Champagne, Sauvignon Blanc
Beer: Pilsner, wheat beer, or light lager
Non-alcoholic: Sparkling water with lemon, iced green tea, or lemonade
Shell-side down protects the meat from overcooking.
Sauce late—BBQ sugars burn quickly.
Don’t overcook: lobster turns rubbery fast.
If tails curl, skewer lengthwise to keep them flat.
Surf & turf friendly—pair with steak or grilled vegetables.
4 servings