Description

Grilling lobster and shrimp is a culinary experience that transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious feast. Perfect for special occasions or whenever you feel like indulging in a lavish meal, this Grilled Lobster and Shrimp recipe combines fresh seafood with a rich, garlicky butter marinade. With the smoky flavors from the grill and the zesty freshness of lemon, this dish offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

Scale

2 lobster tails
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Lobster Tails and Shrimp

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures that the lobster tails and shrimp cook evenly and achieve that perfect smoky flavor.
For the lobster tails, use kitchen shears to carefully cut through the top shell, stopping just before the tail’s base. Be cautious not to cut through the meat. Gently pull the shell apart with your fingers and lift the lobster meat out, placing it on top of the shell. This helps the lobster cook evenly while providing a beautiful presentation.
Pat the shrimp dry using paper towels and set them aside. Dry shrimp will ensure they get a nice sear and prevent them from becoming watery when grilled.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Marinade

In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, chopped parsley, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This garlic butter marinade is key to infusing the seafood with a burst of flavor while keeping it moist and tender.
Once the marinade is ready, set aside a small portion of it for basting while grilling.

Step 3: Marinate and Grill

Generously brush the lobster tails and shrimp with the garlic butter marinade, ensuring every nook and cranny is coated. This helps the seafood stay moist and absorb the delicious flavors.
Place the lobster tails on the grill, meat side up. Grill them for about 10-12 minutes, basting occasionally with the garlic butter marinade. The lobster is ready when the meat is opaque and firm to the touch.
During the last 5 minutes of grilling the lobster, add the shrimp to the grill. Grill the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side, turning once. The shrimp should turn a vibrant pink color and become opaque when fully cooked.

Step 4: Serve

Remove the lobster tails and shrimp from the grill and arrange them on a serving platter. The grilled lobster shells should have a beautiful golden hue, and the shrimp should be perfectly charred on the edges.
Drizzle any remaining garlic butter marinade over the seafood for added richness and flavor.
Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color.
Serve with lemon wedges on the side, allowing your guests to squeeze fresh lemon juice over the lobster and shrimp, adding a zesty brightness that complements the smoky grilled flavors.

Notes

Cooking Notes:

The key to this dish is not to overcook the lobster or shrimp. Lobster tails can become tough if grilled for too long, and shrimp can dry out quickly. Keep an eye on the cooking time and check for doneness by cutting into the thickest part of the meat to ensure it’s opaque.
If you prefer spicier flavors, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the garlic butter marinade for a kick.

Serving Suggestions:

This Grilled Lobster and Shrimp dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are a few serving ideas:

Grilled Vegetables: Zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus grilled alongside the seafood offer a light, healthy contrast to the richness of the lobster and shrimp.
Garlic Butter Rice: A bed of fluffy rice cooked in garlic and butter will soak up the extra marinade and add substance to the meal.
Crispy Potatoes: Roast or grill some baby potatoes with herbs and olive oil for a crispy, flavorful side.
Crusty Bread: Freshly baked bread is perfect for dipping into the leftover garlic butter sauce.
Salad: A light and refreshing green salad with a lemon vinaigrette will balance out the richness of the seafood.

Tips:

Freshness is Key: Use fresh lobster tails and shrimp for the best results. If you’re using frozen seafood, ensure it’s fully thawed and pat it dry before marinating.
Garlic Butter Storage: The garlic butter marinade can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just reheat slightly before using to make it easier to brush onto the seafood.
Grill Temperature: Keeping the grill at medium-high heat ensures the seafood cooks quickly without drying out. Too high of a temperature can cause the butter to burn, so monitor the grill carefully.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes

Nutrition

Calories: 450
Sodium: 950mg
Protein: 32g