Grilled Scottish Langoustines with Garlic Herb Butter

There are few seafood experiences as luxurious as biting into fresh Scottish langoustines. Often called Norway lobsters, these crustaceans are prized for their sweet, delicate meat that rivals even the finest lobster tail. While they are often boiled, grilling them on an Arteflame cooktop transforms them into a culinary masterpiece. The high, searing heat creates a beautiful caramelization on the shell while keeping the meat tender and juicy inside. Whether you are hosting an elegant outdoor dinner party or simply treating yourself to the best the ocean has to offer, this recipe captures the essence of coastal dining. The combination of the smoky char from the grill and a rich, homemade garlic herb butter elevates the natural sweetness of the langoustines, resulting in a dish that feels sophisticated yet is incredibly simple to execute.

Ingredients

For the Langoustines

• 8-12 fresh Scottish Langoustines (whole)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing)
• Sea salt to taste
• Freshly cracked black pepper

For the Garlic Herb Butter

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Herb Butter

1. In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chives, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt.
2. Mash the ingredients together with a fork until the herbs and garlic are evenly distributed throughout the butter.
3. Set the butter aside at room temperature so it is ready to melt over the hot seafood. Alternatively, you can roll it into a log in parchment paper and chill it, then slice rounds off later.

Step 2: Prep the Langoustines

1. If your langoustines are frozen, ensure they are fully thawed in the refrigerator overnight.
2. Rinse the langoustines under cold water and pat them completely dry with paper towels.
3. Place the langoustine on a cutting board, back side up. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice lengthwise down the center of the back from the head to the tail. Do not cut all the way through; you want to butterfly them so they lay flat on the grill.
4. Remove the dark vein running down the tail.
5. Brush the exposed meat lightly with olive oil and season generously with sea salt and black pepper.

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill

1. Preheat your Arteflame grill. Aim for a medium-high heat zone on the flat cooktop griddle.
2. Add a light coating of vegetable oil or butter to the grill surface to prevent sticking.
3. Ensure the fire is burning steadily to provide consistent heat across the plancha surface.

Step 4: Grill the Langoustines

1. Place the langoustines flesh-side down on the hot grill surface.
2. Sear for about 2 to 3 minutes until the meat turns opaque and develops a nice golden-brown crust.
3. Flip the langoustines over onto their shells.
4. While they cook on the shell side (another 2 minutes), place a generous dollop of the garlic herb butter onto the hot meat.
5. Allow the butter to melt and baste the meat as the residual heat finishes cooking the langoustine.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

1. Once the butter is bubbly and the meat is firm and opaque white, remove them from the grill.
2. Arrange on a platter and garnish with extra fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
3. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Tips

Cooking langoustines requires a watchful eye because their meat is delicate and can turn rubbery if overcooked. The most critical tip is to trust the visual cues; once the translucent flesh turns white and opaque, they are done. Unlike larger lobsters, these cook in a matter of minutes. If you are using frozen langoustines, never thaw them in the microwave or hot water, as this destroys the texture. Instead, let them thaw slowly in the fridge. When using the Arteflame, utilize the different heat zones; start the sear closer to the center where the heat is highest to get that crust, then move them to the outer edge to let the butter melt gently without burning the garlic. Always serve with a finger bowl or plenty of napkins, as this is a hands-on, delightful mess to eat.

Variations

While the classic garlic herb butter is a crowd-pleaser, langoustines are a versatile canvas for various flavor profiles. You can easily adapt this recipe to suit different palates or seasonal ingredients. Here are a few creative ways to switch up the flavors while keeping the grilling method the same:

• Spicy Chili Lime: Add chopped red chili flakes and swap the lemon for lime juice in your butter mixture for a kick of heat.
• Asian Fusion: Mix soy sauce, grated ginger, sesame oil, and cilantro into the butter instead of the traditional herbs.
• Tarragon & Shallot: Replace the parsley and chives with fresh tarragon and finely minced shallots for a French-inspired twist.
• Smoky Paprika: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the butter to accentuate the smoky flavor from the grill.
• Simple Citrus: Skip the butter and baste with high-quality olive oil and a mix of orange, lemon, and lime zest.

Best pairings

To create a balanced meal that highlights the sweetness of the langoustines without overpowering them, choose sides and drinks that offer acidity and crunch. A crisp, white wine is almost mandatory; a chilled Sancerre, a mineral-forward Chablis, or a dry Riesling cuts through the richness of the butter perfectly. For side dishes, think fresh and green. Grilled asparagus cooked right alongside the seafood on the Arteflame is an excellent choice, as is a light arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette. You also cannot go wrong with crusty sourdough bread or a baguette to mop up the delicious melted garlic butter left on the plate. If you want a starch, roasted baby potatoes with rosemary are a hearty addition that complements the meal well.

Conclusion

Grilled Scottish langoustines are more than just a meal; they are an experience that brings the coast to your backyard. Using the Arteflame grill allows you to achieve that professional-grade sear that elevates the natural flavors of the sea, making the meat sweeter and more succulent. This recipe proves that you don't need a complicated list of ingredients to create a gourmet dish—just high-quality seafood and fresh herbs. Whether you stick to the classic garlic butter or experiment with spicy variations, this dish is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your seafood cravings. So, fire up the grill, pour a glass of white wine, and enjoy the simple pleasure of fresh shellfish cooked to perfection.