Grilled Cajun Butter Lobster

Enjoy a showstopping seafood dinner with this easy grilled Cajun butter lobster tails recipe, a Southern-inspired dish packed with bold flavor, smoky char, and butter-rich spice. Perfect for summer cookouts, special occasions, or a memorable weeknight meal, these lobster tails let you serve restaurant-quality cuisine at home.

I first tried this easy Cajun lobster recipe for a family Fathers Day, and everyone raved about the bold Cajun butter flavor. Making grilled lobster at home feels fancy but is truly quick and simple with this method, making it my go-to easy seafood recipe for summer parties.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Fresh lobster tails: Offer sweet, tender meat — choose ones that are firm and bright for best flavor and texture
• Unsalted butter, melted: Adds rich flavor and helps Cajun spice stick
• Olive oil: Keeps lobster moist and browns evenly on the grill
• Cajun seasoning: Signature Creole flavor, spicy and smoky — use a quality blend for authentic taste
• Fresh garlic cloves: Adds aroma and savory depth, finely minced for even flavor
• Lemon juice: Brightens the dish with tangy citrus notes
• Paprika: Gives vibrant color and a smoky undertone
• Salt and black pepper: Season and enhance the natural sweetness of lobster tails
• Lemon wedges: For serving, adds fresh acidity
• Chopped parsley: Optional but adds herbal freshness and color

How to Make It

Prep the Lobster Tails:

Use kitchen scissors to cut down the center of each lobster shell lengthwise. Gently lift meat out, keeping it attached at the base, and set it on top of the shell for easy grilling and presentation.

Mix the Cajun Butter Sauce:

In a bowl, whisk together melted butter, olive oil, Cajun seasoning, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until fully blended and aromatic.

Brush and Marinate:

Generously brush Cajun butter mixture all over exposed lobster meat. Marinate up to 30 minutes for deeper Cajun flavor.

Preheat and Prep the Grill:

Preheat grill to medium-high (around 400 degrees Fahrenheit). Clean and oil grates lightly for the best grilling result.

Grill the Lobster Tails:

Place lobster tails meat-side down on the grill. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, then flip and grill 3 to 4 minutes until opaque and just cooked through.

Finish and Serve:

Brush with remaining Cajun butter sauce and garnish with chopped parsley and lemon wedges. Serve hot with brilliant white, slightly charred lobster meat.

Serving this Cajun lobster has become a holiday recipe tradition for my family at special occasions and summer gatherings — everyone looks forward to cracking into spicy, buttery shellfish around the grill!

Flavor Boosters

For even more Cajun flair, sprinkle extra smoked paprika or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Fresh herbs like thyme or tarragon give extra herbal punch. Try drizzling with homemade garlic butter sauce to amplify the richness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these easy grilled lobster tails with garlic bread, charred corn, or a fresh summer salad for a vacation-worthy quick dinner idea. For parties or holidays, pair with grilled steak for a surf and turf celebration.

Creative Twists

Make this a dairy free grilled lobster by swapping in plant-based butter. Try the Cajun butter on jumbo shrimp or scallops for a budget-friendly seafood dinner. For a gluten-free meal, confirm your Cajun seasoning is certified gluten free.

Try this grilled Cajun butter lobster tails recipe for a bold, flavorful seafood meal that’s surprisingly easy and sure to impress. Perfect for holidays, cookouts, or an elevated weeknight dinner at home!

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ How do you split lobster tails for grilling?

Use sharp kitchen scissors to cut down the center of the shell lengthwise, exposing the meat while keeping it attached at the base. Gently lift the meat above the shell for even grilling.

→ What makes Cajun butter flavorful?

Cajun butter combines melted butter, Cajun seasoning, garlic, paprika, and lemon juice, adding spice, zest, and richness to lobster tails.

→ How can I prevent lobster meat from sticking to the grill?

Lightly oil the grill grates before cooking and brush lobster tails with butter or oil to ensure easy release and beautiful grill marks.

→ How do I know when lobster tails are cooked?

Lobster meat turns opaque and white when fully cooked. Grill for 4–5 minutes per side until the meat is firm and slightly charred.

→ Can I marinate lobster tails before grilling?

Yes, marinating in Cajun butter for at least 30 minutes can deepen flavor and help keep the meat tender during grilling.

→ What are the best garnishes for this dish?

Fresh parsley and lemon wedges brighten the flavors and add a vibrant finishing touch to the grilled lobster tails.