1-Gather your ingredients and get the grill ready: Start by thawing your lobster tails if they are frozen. The easiest method is to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, but if you are short on time, place them in cool water for 25 to 30 minutes. Next, preheat your grill for medium-high direct heat, around 450 to 500 degrees F. Clean the cooking grates well so the lobster does not stick. A clean, hot grill helps give Grilled Lobster Tails that gorgeous char while keeping the meat tender.

2-Prep the lobster tails carefully: Use kitchen shears to snip the top of each shell down the center. Stop at the tail fin, then gently crack the shell open like a book. Loosen the meat from the shell without removing it completely, and rest it on top of the shell. This keeps the meat protected while it cooks and makes the finished dish look beautiful too. Season the exposed lobster meat with kosher salt and a little ground black pepper. Keeping the shell intact helps shield the delicate meat from direct heat, which is especially helpful if you are new to grilling seafood. For busy cooks, this step can be done ahead of time so dinner moves fast once the grill is hot.

3-Make the lemon garlic butter: Place the butter in a small saucepan or grill-safe pan and melt it gently. Add the finely chopped or grated garlic and the lemon zest. Season with a little salt and black pepper, then cook briefly until fragrant. You want the garlic soft and aromatic, not browned.

4-Grill, baste, and finish: Place the lobster tails on the grill cut side up. Cook for 4 to 6 minutes, depending on size. After the first few minutes, baste the meat generously with the lemon garlic butter. Then flip the tails and grill for another 4 to 6 minutes, basting again as they cook. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature. You are looking for 135 to 140 degrees F. A good rule of thumb is to grill lobster for about 1 minute per side per ounce, though thicker tails may need a little more time. Do not walk away for too long, since lobster cooks quickly and can get tough if overdone. When the lobster is done, remove it from the grill and baste once more with the warm butter. Top with finely chopped fresh chives and serve with grilled lemon wedges. That final squeeze of lemon brightens everything up and makes the buttery sauce taste even fresher.

5-Serve it with easy sides: Grilled Lobster Tails With Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce pairs well with a simple salad, roasted vegetables, corn on the cob, or crusty bread. If you want to make it heartier, turn it into surf and turf by serving steak alongside the lobster. It is also a lovely option for date nights, special birthdays, or holiday meals at home.