Lobster Tail BBQ Cook Time
200°C (400°F) Medium-High Heat
5–8 min per side • Internal: 63°C (145°F)
Doneness Guide
| Level | Internal Temp | Cook Time | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Just done (recommended) | 63°C (145°F) | 5–8 min shell-side | Opaque, tender, slightly firm. Perfect for lobster. |
| Overdone | 70°C+ (158°F+) | 10+ min | Rubbery and tough. Avoid overcooking at all costs. |
How to BBQ Lobster Tail
1
Thaw lobster tails if frozen. Use kitchen shears to cut through the top shell lengthwise, pulling the meat up and resting it on top.
2
Brush the exposed meat with melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, salt and pepper.
3
Preheat BBQ to medium-high — 200°C (400°F).
4
Place shell-side down on the grill. Cook for 5–8 minutes until the meat is opaque and firm.
5
Flip flesh-side down for just 1–2 minutes for char marks.
6
Remove when internal temperature reaches 63°C (145°F). Serve with melted butter and lemon wedges.
Pro Tips
- Butterfly the tail for even cooking and impressive presentation.
- Baste with garlic butter during cooking for extra flavour.
- Don’t overcook — lobster goes from perfect to rubbery quickly.
- The shell protects the meat, so start shell-side down and do most cooking that way.
- For special occasions, a herb compound butter elevates the dish beautifully.
Resting Time
Rest for 3–5 minutes after removing from the BBQ. This allows juices to redistribute for a juicier result.
External Resources
- Kidspot — Family-friendly BBQ recipes and food safety tips
- NSW Health — Food Safety — NSW Government safe cooking guidelines
- VIC Health — Food Safety — Victoria Government food safety information
- Meat & Livestock Australia — Australian meat cooking guides and cut information
Frequently Asked Questions
How long to BBQ lobster tails?
5–8 minutes shell-side down, then 1–2 minutes flesh-side down over medium-high heat (200°C/400°F).
What temperature should lobster be cooked to?
63°C (145°F) internal temperature. The meat should be opaque white, not translucent.
Do you BBQ lobster tail in the shell?
Yes. The shell protects the delicate meat from direct heat and adds flavour. Butterfly the top for even cooking.
How do you know when lobster is done on the BBQ?
The meat turns opaque white and feels firm to the touch. Use a thermometer — 63°C (145°F) is your target.