If you’re looking for a show-stopping yet surprisingly simple seafood dish, Grilled Lobster Skewers absolutely deserve a spot on your table. The sweet, succulent lobster is brushed with a buttery, garlicky marinade, kissed by smoky grill marks, and finished with a squeeze of fresh lemon. Whether you’re planning a backyard barbecue or an elegant dinner for friends, this recipe turns lobster into an approachable treat that’s as impressive as it is delicious. Grilled Lobster Skewers are sure to spark smiles, conversation, and maybe even a few happy dances around your grill!

Ingredients You’ll Need
For Grilled Lobster Skewers, you don’t need a long shopping list—the magic is in the quality and harmony of each component. Every ingredient here brings something special, from the rich butter to the pop of fresh parsley, making each bite memorable.
- Lobster tails (1 1/2 pounds, about 4 medium): Opt for fresh or high-quality frozen lobster tails, as they’re the star of the show and provide that iconic, sweet flavor.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds moisture and a subtle fruity note that helps caramelize the lobster while grilling.
- Melted butter (2 tablespoons): Enriches the marinade and gives the lobster its irresistible, classic taste.
- Lemon juice (2 teaspoons): Brings brightness and balances the richness of the butter and lobster.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the lobster with aromatic depth and delicious flavor.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle smokiness and beautiful color to every skewer.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors in the dish without overpowering the lobster.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Gives just a hint of heat and complexity.
- Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped): Finishes the dish with color and a fresh, herby lift.
- Lemon wedges (for serving): A squeeze over the top ties everything together and makes the flavors sing.
How to Make Grilled Lobster Skewers
Step 1: Prepare the Lobster Tails
Start by grabbing your kitchen shears and carefully cutting down the center of each lobster tail shell. Gently pull out the lobster meat, keeping it in large, beautiful chunks—this keeps the skewers juicy and succulent. Cut the meat into bite-sized pieces, perfect for threading and grilling.
Step 2: Skewer the Lobster
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill. Thread the lobster chunks onto the skewers, making sure not to pack them too tightly so the heat circulates and cooks them evenly.
Step 3: Make the Marinade
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, melted butter, lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will coat the lobster, adding richness and a flavor-packed glaze that will caramelize beautifully on the grill.
Step 4: Brush and Marinate
Generously brush the lobster pieces with the marinade, ensuring all sides are coated. This is your chance to infuse every crevice with garlicky, tangy, buttery goodness. If you have a few minutes, let them sit while the grill heats up to soak in even more flavor.
Step 5: Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Lay the lobster skewers on the hot grill and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side. You’ll know they’re done when the meat turns opaque and gets a slight char. Watch closely—lobster cooks quickly!
Step 6: The Finishing Touch
Once off the grill, sprinkle your Grilled Lobster Skewers with fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side. The fresh herbs and citrus will make each bite burst with color and flavor.
How to Serve Grilled Lobster Skewers

Garnishes
A final flourish of chopped parsley and a generous squeeze of lemon juice bring these skewers to life. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a touch of microgreens can take the presentation up a notch.
Side Dishes
Grilled Lobster Skewers pair beautifully with simple sides that let the lobster shine. Think fluffy rice, grilled seasonal vegetables, or a crisp green salad. For a heartier meal, roasted potatoes or buttery corn on the cob work wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your lobster skewers atop a rustic wooden platter with lemon wedges tucked in between for a vibrant, inviting look. For a summery twist, serve them over a bed of arugula or alongside grilled pineapple slices. Individual plates with a swirl of garlic aioli add a restaurant-worthy touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Grilled Lobster Skewers (lucky you!), let them cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to two days, perfect for a quick seafood lunch or salad topper.
Freezing
While lobster is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftover cooked lobster skewers if needed. Remove the meat from the skewers and store it in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
To reheat Grilled Lobster Skewers, gently warm the lobster in a skillet over low heat with a splash of butter or olive oil, just until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the lobster rubbery. A quick reheat on the grill is also a great option if you want to recapture that smoky flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen lobster tails for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the lobster tails completely in the refrigerator before preparing. Pat them dry to remove excess moisture so they grill up beautifully.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No worries—you can cook Grilled Lobster Skewers under the broiler in your oven. Place them on a foil-lined baking sheet and broil for a few minutes per side until the meat turns opaque and lightly browned.
How do I know when the lobster is fully cooked?
Lobster is done when the meat turns from translucent to opaque and feels slightly firm to the touch. It cooks quickly, so keep a close eye on the skewers to avoid overcooking.
Can I prep the skewers in advance?
Yes! You can assemble the lobster skewers and brush them with the marinade a few hours ahead of time. Keep them covered in the refrigerator until ready to grill for easy entertaining.
What other seasonings can I try?
Feel free to get creative! A dash of cayenne for heat, a sprinkle of Old Bay, or fresh chopped herbs like tarragon or chives can give your Grilled Lobster Skewers a personal twist.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re celebrating something special or just craving a break from the ordinary, Grilled Lobster Skewers are a guaranteed way to bring joy and elegance to your meal. Gather your favorite people, fire up the grill, and watch everyone light up with that first buttery, lemony bite—it’s a recipe worth sharing again and again!
Print
Grilled Lobster Skewers Recipe
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Experience the perfect blend of smoky, citrusy flavors with these Grilled Lobster Skewers. Tender lobster meat is marinated in a zesty garlic butter mixture and grilled to juicy perfection, making for a quick and elegant seafood dish ideal for summer barbecues or special occasions.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 1 1/2 pounds lobster tails (about 4 medium tails)
Marinade
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Finish & Serving
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Lobster: Using kitchen shears, cut the lobster tails down the middle and carefully remove the meat, keeping it in large chunks. Then cut the lobster meat into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and easy skewering.
- Skewer the Lobster: Thread the lobster pieces onto soaked wooden or metal skewers, being careful not to overcrowd to allow heat circulation for optimal grilling.
- Mix the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, melted butter, lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful basting sauce.
- Brush the Lobster: Generously coat all sides of the lobster skewers with the marinade mixture to infuse them with rich flavors.
- Preheat and Prepare the Grill: Heat the grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking, ensuring a smooth grilling process.
- Grill the Skewers: Place the lobster skewers on the grill and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side or until the lobster meat turns opaque and develops a light char, indicating they are cooked through.
- Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness, and serve immediately with lemon wedges to squeeze over just before eating.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
- You can prepare the skewers a few hours in advance and keep them chilled in the refrigerator until ready to grill.
- Serve these lobster skewers alongside rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad to complete your meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg