Grilled Rock Lobster Tails

Prep: 15 min Cook: 8 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: American

Juicy rock lobster tails grilled to perfection with a sweet and tangy pineapple glaze. The smoky flavor complements the tender seafood, making it an impressive dish for special occasions or summer barbecues. Ideal for seafood lovers seeking bold flavors and elegant presentation.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 6 frozen rock lobster tails, thawed
  • 3/4 cup pineapple juice
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup cider vinegar
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons dry mustard

Instructions

  1. Cut the underside membrane of the lobster tails and around the edges and remove.
  2. Insert skewers lengthwise through the meat to keep the tails flat during cooking.
  3. Place the lobster tails on the grill about 4 inches from the coals, flesh side down, for 3 to 5 minutes.
  4. Turn the tails over, brush the meat with a mixture of pineapple juice, brown sugar, cider vinegar, and dry mustard, and continue grilling until the meat is opaque and tender.
  5. Brush the meat several times during cooking and again just before serving.
  6. Serve with remaining sauce and lemon wedges.

Tips & Substitutions

For the best flavor, marinate the lobster tails in the pineapple juice mixture for at least 30 minutes before grilling. If you don't have cider vinegar, white wine vinegar can be a good substitute. Ensure your grill is preheated to get those nice grill marks, and keep an eye on the cooking time to avoid overcooking the delicate lobster meat.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your grilled rock lobster tails alongside a fresh salad or grilled vegetables for a complete meal. They pair beautifully with lemon wedges and a side of garlic butter for dipping. For an enticing seafood feast, consider serving them with Spicy Oyster Crackers as an appetizer or alongside Orange Roughy for a well-rounded dinner.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover grilled lobster tails in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm them in the oven at a low temperature or briefly in a microwave, being careful not to dry them out. You can also incorporate leftovers into a seafood pasta for a delicious twist.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Grilled Rock Lobster Tails contains roughly 426 calories, with 6g protein, 101g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of protein (13% of the Daily Value).

426 kcal 21% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.4g 13% DV
Total Fat 0.5g 1% DV
Carbs 101.4g 37% DV
Fiber 0g
Sugar 99.1g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 82.2mg 4% DV
Potassium 220.7mg 5% DV
Cholesterol 21mg 7% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 1.5mcg
Vitamin C 6.9mg 8% DV
Calcium 101.2mg 8% DV
Iron 1.2mg 6% DV
Diet fit Low-fat
Contains Shellfish

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh lobster tails instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh lobster tails can be used and will provide an even better flavor. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as fresh tails may require slightly less grilling time compared to frozen ones.

What can I substitute for dry mustard?

If you don’t have dry mustard, you can substitute it with prepared mustard, using about one tablespoon for every teaspoon of dry mustard. This will add a similar tangy flavor to your marinade.

How can I tell when the lobster tails are done cooking?

Lobster tails are cooked when the meat turns opaque and firm to the touch. A good indicator is when the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Avoid overcooking to prevent a rubbery texture.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

American recipes → Seafood recipes → All recipes →