Grilled Maine Lobster Tail: The Complete Guide
Grilled Maine Lobster Tail at Red Lobster costs $21.99 and has 420 calories. It is a butterflied lobster tail cooked over direct medium high heat, roughly 400°F to 450°F, for 8 to 12 minutes until the meat turns opaque and reaches 140°F to 145°F internally. Red Lobster serves it wood-grilled over an open flame, paired with sides like wild rice pilaf.
Grilled Maine lobster tail is one of the most requested seafood dishes on any summer menu. The sweet, firm meat takes on a light smoky char that pairs perfectly with garlic butter. Whether you want to recreate Red Lobster’s Wood-Grilled Lobster Tail at home or you are planning your next visit, this guide walks through both paths step by step.
Red Lobster Wood-Grilled Maine Lobster Tail All Items With Pictures
| Item | Price | Calories |
| Grilled Maine Lobster Tail | $21.99 | 420 |
Red Lobster serves the Grilled Maine Lobster Tail wood-grilled over an open flame for extra smoky flavor. It also shows up as part of a few combo entrees on the menu.
- Wood-Grilled Lobster, Shrimp and Salmon – a Maine lobster tail, a jumbo shrimp skewer, and fresh Atlantic salmon, all wood grilled and finished with brown butter
- Surf and Turf Lobster Tail combos – a wood grilled lobster tail paired with your choice of sirloin, filet mignon, or NY strip
- Ultimate Feast – includes a tender Maine lobster tail alongside snow crab legs and shrimp
How to Grill Maine Lobster Tail at Home
Grilling lobster tail at home is easier than most people expect. The key steps are butterflying the tail, using consistent medium high heat, and watching the internal temperature closely so the meat stays tender instead of turning rubbery.
On a Gas Grill
Preheat your gas grill to medium high, targeting 400°F to 450°F. Clean and lightly oil the grates first. Place the tails meat side down for a quick 2 to 3 minute sear, then flip shell side down for the rest of the cook. Close the lid and grill for 8 to 12 minutes total, basting with garlic butter along the way.
On an Electric Grill
Electric grills hold heat differently than gas, so preheat for a few extra minutes before adding the tails. Keep the same target range of 400°F to 450°F. Because electric grills often run slightly cooler at the grates, check the meat a minute or two early to avoid overcooking.
Grilling in Foil
If you prefer a gentler cook or want to avoid flare ups, wrap the butterflied tail loosely in foil with a pat of butter inside. Place it shell side down on the grill for 10 to 12 minutes. Open the foil for the last 2 minutes to let the top brown slightly.
Grilled Maine Lobster Tail Marinade
A simple garlic butter marinade brings out the natural sweetness of the meat without overpowering it. Melt unsalted butter in a small saucepan and stir in minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and fresh lemon juice. Reserve half the butter for basting during grilling and save the rest for serving on the side. Some home cooks add fresh parsley or a splash of lime juice for brightness, both of which work well with the char from the grill.
Classic vs Wood-Grilled Maine Lobster Tail
| Feature | Classic Grilled | Wood-Grilled (Red Lobster) |
| Heat source | Gas or charcoal grill | Open wood fire |
| Flavor profile | Buttery, mild char | Deeper smoky flavor |
| Typical prep | Butterflied, basted with garlic butter | Butterflied, brushed with brown butter |
| Where to get it | Home kitchen | Red Lobster combo entrees |
| Common pairing | Lemon, garlic butter dip | Wild rice pilaf, green beans |
Grilled Maine Lobster Tail Recipe
Servings: 2 tails, 1 per person
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 8 to 12 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 Maine lobster tails, thawed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Directions
- Use kitchen shears to cut down the center of the back shell, then pull the meat up to rest on top of the shell. Insert a metal skewer lengthwise through the meat to keep the tail flat.
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan. Stir in the garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Set half aside for serving.
- Preheat the grill to 400°F to 450°F over direct heat. Clean and oil the grates.
- Brush the exposed meat with garlic butter. Grill meat side down for 2 to 3 minutes, then flip shell side down.
- Close the lid and continue grilling for 8 to 12 minutes total, basting occasionally, until the meat turns opaque and reaches 140°F to 145°F internally.
- Remove from the grill, sprinkle with parsley, and serve with the reserved butter on the side.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you grill lobster tails on a gas grill?
Most tails take 8 to 12 minutes total over medium high heat, depending on size. Always confirm doneness with an instant read thermometer rather than relying on time alone.
Can you grill lobster tails on an electric grill?
Yes. Preheat a little longer than you would for gas and check the meat a minute or two early, since electric grates can run cooler.
Should I grill lobster tail meat side down or shell side down?
Many cooks sear meat side down for 2 to 3 minutes first, then finish shell side down. This locks in juices while still building light char on the meat.
What is the difference between grilled and wood-grilled lobster tail?
Wood grilling uses an open wood fire instead of gas or charcoal, which adds a deeper smoky flavor. Red Lobster uses this method for its lobster tail entrees.
How do you grill Maine lobster tails?
Butterfly the tail by cutting the shell lengthwise and resting the meat on top. Brush with garlic butter, then grill over direct medium high heat for 8 to 12 minutes total.
How do you cook Maine lobster tails on the grill?
Cook butterflied tails shell side down over 400°F to 450°F heat. Baste with butter every few minutes and pull them once the meat turns opaque and firm.
How do you grill a Maine lobster tail without overcooking it?
Watch the internal temperature closely and remove the tail once it hits 140°F to 145°F. Lobster meat turns tough fast, so a thermometer works better than guessing by time alone.
How do you grill large Maine lobster tails on a gas grill?
Larger tails, 8 ounces or more, need a few extra minutes per side. Keep the grill at 400°F to 450°F and check the internal temperature starting around the 10 minute mark.
For sides that pair naturally with grilled seafood, check out our guide to Red Lobster’s pasta and bowls menu, which includes several options that go well with lobster tail.
Final Thoughts on Grilled Maine Lobster Tail
Grilled Maine lobster tail delivers sweet, tender meat with just enough smoky char to make it feel special. Whether you butterfly and grill your own tails at home or order Red Lobster’s Wood-Grilled version, the technique comes down to consistent medium high heat and careful timing. If you are cooking at home, start with the garlic butter marinade and keep a thermometer nearby to avoid overcooking. For the restaurant experience, check current combo options and pricing on the official Red Lobster site before you go order.
Price disclaimer: Prices and calories can vary by location and change over time. Confirm current pricing and nutrition on the official Red Lobster ordering page before your visit.
