Grilled Lobster with Garlic-Parsley Butter

By winefoot

Grilling lobster is a simple and rustic way to prepare a delicacy. Garlic-parsley butter applied while on the grill will "poach" the lobster meat in its own shell.

Ingredients

• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped
• 1 1/2 teaspoons crushed red chile flakes
• 4 cloves garlic, minced fine
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 live lobster, about 1 to 1 1/2 pounds
• 1/4 olive oil

Preparation

Step 1

Combine butter, parsley, chile flakes, garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper in a bowl; set aside.

Using a cleaver or large chef's knife, split lobster in half lengthwise through its head and tail. Scoop out and discard the yellow-green tomalley and break off claws. Transfer lobster halves, shell side down, to a baking sheet; crack claws and place them on the baking sheet. Drizzle halves and claws with oil, and season with salt and pepper.

Heat a charcoal grill or set a gas grill to high; bank coals or turn off burner on one side.

Place lobster halves, flesh side down, and claws on hottest part of grill; cook until slightly charred, 2 to 3 minutes. Flip lobster over and using a spoon, spread lobster with the garlic-parsley butter; continue grilling until lobster meat is tender, 3 to 5 minutes more.