New Jersey Grilled Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter

Introduction

This Jersey Shore-style grilled lobster tail recipe brings the fresh flavors of New Jersey to your backyard with butterflied lobster tails kissed by the flames of the Arteflame grill. Thanks to its unique central grill grate that reaches up to 1,000°F, and the flat steel cooktop that sears without burning, every bite of this seafood classic bursts with juicy tenderness and savory spice. No need for pots, pans, or ovens—this entire dish cooks to perfection on your Arteflame grill.

Ingredients

• 4 fresh lobster tails (6–8 oz each), butterflied
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame Grill

1. Prepare the Arteflame grill by placing 3 napkins soaked in vegetable oil in the center of the grill base.
2. Stack dry firewood neatly over the napkins and light them.
3. Allow the grill to preheat for about 20 minutes until the center grill grate reaches a blazing 1,000°F and the surrounding flat cooktop is ready to sizzle.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture

1. In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, chives, lemon zest, lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Set aside a little garlic butter in a separate bowl for basting on the grill.

Step 3: Butterfly the Lobster Tails

1. Using kitchen shears, carefully cut down the middle of the top shell of each lobster tail, stopping at the tail fin.
2. Gently pull the meat out through the slit to rest it on top of the shell without detaching from the base.
3. Brush the meat generously with the prepared garlic butter.

Step 4: Sear the Lobster Tails

1. Place the butterflied lobster tails meat-side down on the center grill grate of the Arteflame to sear for 1–2 minutes and lock in the juices.

Step 5: Finish Cooking on the Flat Griddle

1. Move the seared lobster tails meat-side up onto the Arteflame flat top cooktop, settling them closer to the center for higher heat or further for gentler cooking.
2. Baste occasionally with reserved garlic butter.
3. Grill until the internal temperature reaches 135°F (remove at 125°F to allow carry-over cooking), about 5–7 minutes.

Step 6: Serve

1. Serve with additional melted garlic butter and fresh lemon wedges.

Tips

• Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure perfect doneness; lobster overcooks quickly.
• Keep the shell intact for presentation—it adds visual appeal and keeps the meat moist during grilling.
• Adjust the position of the tails across the flat top to find the ideal heat zone.
• Butter adds flavor and enhances caramelization better than olive oil.
• Always let the grilled tails rest briefly before serving for best texture.

Variations

1. Spicy Cajun Lobster Tails: Add 1 tsp Cajun seasoning and a pinch of cayenne pepper to the garlic butter.
2. Asian Fusion Lobster Tails: Mix garlic butter with a splash of soy sauce, grated ginger, and sesame oil.
3. Lemon Herb Mediterranean Tails: Replace parsley and chives with oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Serve with tzatziki.
4. Parmesan Crusted Lobster Tails: After basting, top the meat with grated Parmesan and grill until lightly crisped.
5. Honey Garlic Lobster Tails: Add 1 tbsp honey to the garlic butter for a sweet and savory glaze.

Best pairings

• Grilled corn on the cob with herb butter (cook directly on the Arteflame flat top)
• Garlic grilled asparagus spears
• Chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a crisp Rosé
• Roasted new potatoes seasoned with rosemary and sea salt
• Fresh mixed greens with lemon vinaigrette

Conclusion

With the Arteflame Grill, Jersey Shore-style grilled lobster tails have never been easier or more flavorful. The powerful central flame sears perfectly while the flat cooktop brings the meat to buttery, juicy tenderness. Whether you're impressing dinner guests or treating yourself, this recipe delivers big on flavor and wow-factor—all without pots or pans.