Few dishes feel as luxurious—and surprisingly easy to prepare—as Grilled Lobster Tail with Honey Cajun Butter. This recipe marries the natural sweetness of lobster meat with smoky grill marks and a bold, buttery glaze infused with honey and Cajun spices. The result? A show-stopping seafood entrée that’s equal parts elegant and exciting.
Perfect for summer cookouts, romantic dinners, or special celebrations, grilled lobster tail doesn’t require a fancy kitchen or professional tools—just a hot grill, fresh lobster tails, and a rich, flavor-packed butter sauce that elevates everything it touches.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to master this indulgent recipe, offer tips on presentation and serving, and provide nutritional information and variations to suit your taste.
Why Grilled Lobster Tail?
Lobster tail is a prized part of the crustacean, known for its tender, succulent meat. Grilling it brings a smoky depth of flavor that’s hard to beat, especially when paired with a sweet and spicy compound butter.
Why you’ll love this recipe:
- Quick and Impressive: Cooks in under 10 minutes, but looks like a restaurant-worthy main course.
- Bold Flavor: The Cajun seasoning and honey create a sweet-heat glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
- Versatile: Works just as well on an outdoor grill or an indoor grill pan.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the lobster tails:
- 4 lobster tails (5–6 ounces each), thawed if frozen
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving
For the honey Cajun butter:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra depth)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Chopped parsley or chives, for garnish
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4 lobster tails (serves 2–4, depending on portion size)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the lobster tails
Using kitchen shears, carefully cut down the center of the top shell of each lobster tail, stopping just before the tail fin. Gently pull the shell apart and lift the meat out, resting it on top of the shell for a butterfly presentation. This ensures even cooking and a beautiful look.
2. Season and preheat
Brush the lobster meat with olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 200°C).
3. Mix the honey Cajun butter
In a small bowl, combine melted butter, honey, Cajun seasoning, garlic, paprika, and lemon juice. Set aside half for brushing during grilling, and reserve the rest for drizzling before serving.
4. Grill the lobster tails
Place the lobster tails meat-side down on the grill. Grill for 3–4 minutes, then flip and brush generously with the Cajun honey butter. Continue cooking for another 4–5 minutes, or until the meat is opaque and lightly charred.
5. Serve and garnish
Remove from the grill and brush with more of the reserved butter. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or chives and serve with lemon wedges.
Nutritional Information (Per Tail)
Approximate values based on a 6 oz lobster tail with butter:
- Calories: 310
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Protein: 24g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Sugar: 3g
Lobster is naturally low in fat and carbs, and this recipe adds richness through the butter—perfect for keto-friendly or high-protein diets.
Presentation Tips
- Elevate the Plate: Serve lobster tails over a bed of grilled vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
- Add Color: A sprinkle of paprika, chopped herbs, and lemon zest can brighten the plate and impress guests.
- Seafood Platter: Include grilled shrimp, corn on the cob, and a chilled seafood salad for an elegant surf-focused spread.
Flavor Variations
- Spicy Lovers: Add a dash of cayenne or hot sauce to the Cajun butter for more heat.
- Garlic-Lemon Butter: Swap honey and Cajun spice for extra garlic and lemon zest for a more traditional profile.
- Herbaceous Touch: Mix in fresh basil, thyme, or tarragon for a different aromatic experience.
Tips for Grilling Success
- Don’t Overcook: Lobster turns rubbery when overcooked. Aim for an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C).
- Baste Frequently: Basting with butter while grilling helps lock in moisture and enhances flavor.
- Use Indirect Heat: If you’re grilling larger tails, consider using indirect heat for the second half of cooking to prevent burning.