Indulging in seafood dishes is always a delight, and this Grilled Lobster and Shrimp recipe offers the perfect combination of tender lobster tails and juicy shrimp. Ideal for special occasions or a luxurious dinner, this dish is both flavorful and simple to prepare. The marriage of garlic butter with the freshness of lemon and herbs elevates the natural sweetness of the seafood, while grilling imparts a delicious smokiness. Whether you’re hosting guests or enjoying a romantic meal, this dish is sure to impress. Let’s dive into the process of creating this decadent grilled lobster and shrimp meal!
Ingredients:
- 4 lobster tails
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Lobster Tails
Start by using kitchen shears to carefully cut the top shell of the lobster tails down the center. Make sure to leave the tail fin intact for presentation. Gently pull the lobster meat through the slit you created, and rest the meat on top of the shell. This method allows for even grilling and a beautiful presentation.
Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp
In a medium-sized bowl, add the peeled and deveined shrimp. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the shrimp, then season them with salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper if you desire a spicy kick. Toss the shrimp to coat them evenly with the seasoning and oil. Let the shrimp marinate while you prepare the other components.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture until everything is well combined. This garlic butter will add a rich, aromatic flavor to both the lobster and shrimp while they grill.
Step 4: Grill the Lobster
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the lobster meat generously with half of the garlic butter mixture, making sure to get the butter into all the crevices. Place the lobster tails on the grill, shell side down. Grill the lobster for 8 to 10 minutes, basting occasionally with the garlic butter, until the meat is opaque, slightly charred, and fully cooked. The shell will turn a bright red, signaling that the lobster is ready.
Step 5: Grill the Shrimp
After the lobster has been grilling for about 5 minutes, place the shrimp on the grill. Cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, turning once. You’ll know the shrimp are done when they turn pink and firm to the touch.
Step 6: Serve
Once the lobster and shrimp are fully cooked, transfer them to a serving platter. Drizzle the remaining garlic butter over the top to enhance the flavor. Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and added freshness. Serve the lobster and shrimp with lemon wedges on the side for an extra tangy finish. You can also pair the seafood with a variety of side dishes like grilled vegetables or a fresh green salad.
Cooking Notes:
- Make sure to monitor the lobster and shrimp closely while grilling. Overcooking can make the meat tough.
- Feel free to adjust the garlic butter mixture according to your taste preferences. Adding more lemon juice will give the dish a brighter, tangier flavor, while increasing the paprika will give the butter a deeper, smokier taste.
- Cayenne pepper is optional, but it adds a nice hint of spice to the shrimp. You can substitute it with chili flakes or leave it out entirely for a milder flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
This Grilled Lobster and Shrimp dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas:
- Grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus, make a light and healthy accompaniment.
- A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the seafood.
- For a heartier meal, serve with garlic butter pasta or a creamy risotto.
- Add a side of toasted garlic bread for a satisfying crunch and to mop up any leftover garlic butter sauce.
Tips:
- If you’re grilling on an outdoor barbecue, ensure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent the seafood from sticking.
- For an extra flavor boost, you can marinate the lobster tails in the garlic butter mixture for 15 to 20 minutes before grilling.
- Using skewers for the shrimp can make grilling and flipping them easier, especially if you’re grilling on smaller surfaces.
- Always use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled for a fresher, more vibrant flavor.
- If you don’t have access to a grill, you can broil the lobster and shrimp in the oven for similar results. Set the broiler to high and cook the seafood on a foil-lined baking sheet for the same cooking times as grilling.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Sodium: 870mg
FAQs:
Q: Can I use frozen lobster tails and shrimp for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen lobster tails and shrimp, but make sure to fully thaw them before grilling. Thawing ensures even cooking and better flavor absorption from the garlic butter.
Q: How do I know when the lobster is cooked?
A: Lobster is cooked when the meat turns opaque and white, and the shell becomes bright red. The internal temperature of lobster should reach 140°F to 145°F.
Q: Can I substitute butter with a dairy-free alternative?
A: Absolutely! If you are avoiding dairy, you can replace the butter with a plant-based alternative like vegan butter or even extra olive oil for basting.
Q: What can I serve with grilled lobster and shrimp?
A: This dish pairs well with a range of sides such as grilled vegetables, salads, garlic bread, or even a light pasta dish. You can also serve it with rice or couscous for a more filling meal.
Q: Can I make this dish spicy?
A: Yes, if you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter mixture.
Conclusion:
Grilled Lobster and Shrimp is a crowd-pleaser that balances the luxurious taste of seafood with the bold flavors of garlic butter and lemon. Whether you’re hosting a special dinner or just craving a delightful seafood feast, this recipe is both simple and delicious. With easy preparation and quick cooking times, it’s perfect for a hassle-free yet gourmet meal. Remember to savor each bite with the added freshness of parsley and the tanginess of lemon wedges, and enjoy this delightful combination of flavors!
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Grilled Lobster and Shrimp
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 4 lobster tails
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Lobster Tails
Start by using kitchen shears to carefully cut the top shell of the lobster tails down the center. Make sure to leave the tail fin intact for presentation. Gently pull the lobster meat through the slit you created, and rest the meat on top of the shell. This method allows for even grilling and a beautiful presentation.
Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp
In a medium-sized bowl, add the peeled and deveined shrimp. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the shrimp, then season them with salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper if you desire a spicy kick. Toss the shrimp to coat them evenly with the seasoning and oil. Let the shrimp marinate while you prepare the other components.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture until everything is well combined. This garlic butter will add a rich, aromatic flavor to both the lobster and shrimp while they grill.
Step 4: Grill the Lobster
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the lobster meat generously with half of the garlic butter mixture, making sure to get the butter into all the crevices. Place the lobster tails on the grill, shell side down. Grill the lobster for 8 to 10 minutes, basting occasionally with the garlic butter, until the meat is opaque, slightly charred, and fully cooked. The shell will turn a bright red, signaling that the lobster is ready.
Step 5: Grill the Shrimp
After the lobster has been grilling for about 5 minutes, place the shrimp on the grill. Cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, turning once. You’ll know the shrimp are done when they turn pink and firm to the touch.
Step 6: Serve
Once the lobster and shrimp are fully cooked, transfer them to a serving platter. Drizzle the remaining garlic butter over the top to enhance the flavor. Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and added freshness. Serve the lobster and shrimp with lemon wedges on the side for an extra tangy finish. You can also pair the seafood with a variety of side dishes like grilled vegetables or a fresh green salad.
Notes
Cooking Notes:
- Make sure to monitor the lobster and shrimp closely while grilling. Overcooking can make the meat tough.
- Feel free to adjust the garlic butter mixture according to your taste preferences. Adding more lemon juice will give the dish a brighter, tangier flavor, while increasing the paprika will give the butter a deeper, smokier taste.
- Cayenne pepper is optional, but it adds a nice hint of spice to the shrimp. You can substitute it with chili flakes or leave it out entirely for a milder flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sodium: 870mg
- Protein: 35g