Table for two, please—at home. Treat yourself to a special-date-night meal with Cedar Plank Lobster and Shrimp served with a warm garlic-herb butter. This grilled seafood dinner looks elegant, smells incredible, and comes together with very little fuss. The cedar plank technique steams and infuses the shellfish with wood-smoky flavor while keeping the meat tender and juicy, making this an ideal centerpiece for summer grilling or any time you want an impressive, simple seafood feast.
This version was inspired by a restaurant classic and adapted for easy home grilling. The secret is the cedar plank: soak it beforehand to prevent burning, place it on a hot grill so it begins to steam, then add split lobster tails and seasoned jumbo shrimp. I like to serve everything with a simple homemade garlic-herb butter for dipping, plus crusty bread or a light green salad to round out the meal.
Ingredients
- For the Garlic-Herb Butter:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh tarragon
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- For the Lobster and Shrimp:
- 2 lobster tails
- 1 pound jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- 2 cedar planks (soaked in water for at least 1–2 hours)
Step-by-step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Garlic-Herb Butter
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook the garlic until it becomes very fragrant, about 4–5 minutes—avoid browning. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the chopped tarragon, parsley, and kosher salt. Cover and set the garlic-herb butter aside; warm it again briefly before serving if needed.
Step 2: Preheat the Grill
Preheat the grill to medium heat, aiming for approximately 400°F to 450°F. If you’re using a gas grill, light all burners and close the lid while it heats. If using charcoal, let the coals burn until they reach an even medium heat.
Step 3: Prepare the Lobster
Using sharp kitchen shears, cut down the center of each lobster tail shell lengthwise (along the top). Gently lift the meat and rest it on top of the shell to expose more surface for seasoning and easier eating. Keep the tails intact in the shell for stability while grilling.
Step 4: Season Lobster and Shrimp
Place the lobster tails and shrimp in a large bowl. Drizzle with the avocado oil and season evenly with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and Old Bay seasoning. Gently toss so each piece is coated without bruising the seafood.
Step 5: Grill on Cedar Planks
Place the soaked cedar planks directly on the preheated grill and heat them for about 3 minutes until they start to smolder and release smoky aroma. Put one lobster tail on each plank, shell-side down, and close the grill lid. Cook the lobster for about 5 minutes, covered, allowing the plank’s steam and smoke to gently cook the tails.
Step 6: Add Shrimp and Finish Cooking
After the initial lobster cook time, slide the tails to the edge of each plank to make room and arrange the shrimp evenly on the planks. Cover and cook for another 5–7 minutes, flipping the shrimp halfway through. Shrimp are done when they turn opaque and firm to the touch—avoid overcooking to keep them tender.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Carefully remove the cedar planks from the grill using heat-safe gloves or tongs. Plate the lobster and shrimp and spoon the warm garlic-herb butter into a small dipping bowl. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately with your chosen sides.
Recipe FAQs
How do I prep the cedar planks? Soak cedar planks in water for 1–2 hours before grilling. This prevents them from catching fire and helps them steam, imparting a delicate smoky flavor to the seafood. You can weigh them down with a bowl to keep them submerged while soaking.
This cedar plank lobster and shrimp recipe is perfect for an intimate dinner or a summer cookout when you want an easy yet showstopping seafood option. Serve with crusty bread to soak up the garlic butter, a simple green salad, or steamed rice. Tag your finished dish with your social handle or share a photo—it makes for a beautiful, delicious meal that’s simple to prepare at home.
Nutrition (per recipe)
Calories: 825 kcal; Carbohydrates: 7 g; Protein: 43 g; Fat: 70 g; Saturated Fat: 32 g; Cholesterol: 488 mg; Sodium: 3016 mg. Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Servings: 2. Prep time: 5 minutes. Cook time: 20 minutes. Total time: 25 minutes. Author: Alex Snodgrass. For a balanced plate, pair the seafood with a bright salad or grilled vegetables to complement the rich garlic-herb butter and smoky cedar flavor.