Grilled Lobster with Garlic-Parsley Butter

Skip the stockpot and cook your crustaceans on an open fire instead.

Serves
1–2
Time
20 minutes

MARK ROPER

Updated on September 9, 2024

While steaming and boiling may be the most common methods, grilling lobster is a surprisingly easy way to cook the popular crustacean. A quick cleaver through the body kills the lobster instantly and painlessly. (To preserve its freshness, this step should be done immediately before cooking.)

If serving grilled lobster as a main course, count on at least one 1-pound lobster per person (though you can get away with less if you’re also grilling an assortment of other seafood). And don’t ditch the precious shells when you’re finished! Instead, freeze and then use them to make a rich lobster stock, which is the perfect base for bisque and other seafood soups and sauces.

Featured in “The Heat Down Under.”

Ingredients

8 Tbsp. unsalted butter, softened
2 Tbsp. finely chopped parsley
1½ tsp. crushed red chile flakes
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
Finely grated zest of 1 lemon
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 live lobster (about 1 to 1½ lb.)
¼ cup olive oil

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Instructions

Step 1

In a small bowl, stir together the butter, parsley, chile flakes, garlic, and lemon zest. Season to taste with salt and black pepper, then set aside.

Step 2

Using a cleaver, split the lobster in half lengthwise through its head and tail. Scoop out and discard the yellow-green tomalley and break off the claws. Transfer the lobster halves, shell side down, to a large baking sheet. Crack the claws and transfer them to the baking sheet. Drizzle the halves and claws with oil, then season to taste with salt and black pepper.

Step 3

Heat a charcoal or gas grill to high, then bank the coals or turn off the burner on one side. Place the lobster halves, flesh side down, and claws on the hottest part of grill and cook until slightly charred, 2–3 minutes. Flip the lobster halves and claws over and use a spoon to spread them with the garlic-parsley butter. Continue grilling until the lobster meat is tender, 3–5 minutes more.