How to Grill a Whole Lobster on the BBQ
Par-boiling live lobster before grilling makes it easier to split in half and gives it a creamier texture when cooked.
Step 1:
Cook lobster in a generous amount of salted, boiling water 2 minutes. Remove from the pot and set in a dish filled with water and ice. Chill until cold.
Step 2:
Set lobster on a cutting board and remove claw bands. Cut in half lengthwise and remove the innards. Lobster can prepared to this point a few hours in advance. Refrigerate until needed.
Step 3:
To grill, preheat barbecue to medium high (about 400˚F in the chamber). Lightly brush lobster with olive oil. Cook lobster, flesh side down, with claws above the hottest part of grill, and the tail portion near the cooler side, for 3 minutes. Turn lobsters shell side down and cook 5 minutes more, until just cooked through. Set lobster on plates and serve.
Note: If desired, during cooking, once lobster is turned shell side down, you could baste the lobster meat with a flavoured butter. If you don’t do that, serve the lobster with a bowl of melted butter for dipping.