Grilled Lobster Tails with Drawn Butter

1. Soak 8 (8-inch) wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, using kitchen shears, cut lengthwise down the centers of each lobster-tail shell top, stopping about 1 inch above the center tail fin. Use a spoon or knife to gently release the meat from the shell. Using your hands, gently open each lobster tail like a book and thread a skewer lengthwise through each tail. Transfer the tails to a rimmed baking sheet or a plate and brush evenly with oil.

3. Open bottom vent of a charcoal grill completely. Light a briquette-filled chimney starter. When the briquettes are covered with gray ash, pour them onto the bottom grate of the grill. Adjust the vents as needed to maintain an internal temperature of 350 to 400°F (medium heat). (If using a gas grill, preheat to medium (350 to 400°F).)

4. Whisk butter, garlic, parsley, tarragon, crushed red pepper, salt, lemon zest and lemon juice together in a small heatproof bowl or small saucepan until combined. Oil the grill rack and place the lobster tails cut-side down on the oiled grates. Grill, uncovered, until the meat is lightly caramelized, 3 to 5 minutes. Turn the tails cut-side up, brush evenly with half of the melted butter mixture (about 1 teaspoon per tail), and continue grilling, covered, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest portion registers 135°F, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer the grilled lobster tails to a platter, brush evenly with remaining butter mixture and sprinkle with chives. Remove and discard the skewers. Serve with Drawn Butter for dipping.

Associated Recipe

Drawn Butter

Equipment

8 (8-inch) wooden skewers