How to Cook Lobster for Labor Day

Labor Day grilling doesn't have to be only about hamburgers and hot dogs. There are many foods that are considered classic Labor Day fare, and lobster is quickly becoming one of them. Instead of cooking lobster the old traditional way, take a chance to enjoy the last summer weekend by turning on the grill and giving your guests a Labor Day meal to remember.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
• Diced celery
• Seafood seasoning or salt and pepper to taste
• Marinara sauce (optional)
• Medium-sized bowl
• Lobster tails
• Mayonnaise or butter
• 1/2 cup olive oil

Grill a Perfect Labor Day Lobster

1. Buy enough lobster tails to feed all of your guests. A good rule of thumb to follow is to have one to two lobster tails per person.

2. Cut your lobster tails in half lengthwise, without completely separating the two halves.

3. Prepare a rub in a medium-sized bowl by mixing 1/2 cup of olive oil, 1/2 cup of fresh lemon juice and seafood seasoning. Alternatively, you can also use a store-bought marinara sauce for even quicker results.

4. Brush the rub on the inside of the tails and then close them again. For small tails, you can rub the mixture on the outside, rather than cutting them in half.

5. Grill the tails over indirect heat for 6 minutes, or until you see them turn a golden-brown.

6. Try lobster rolls if you're not ready to deal with grilling, or don't want to be the cook for the day. You can buy lobster meat frozen at your local supermarket and cut it in small chunks right at home. The meat can then be mixed with mayonnaise and diced celery, and spread on hot dog or hamburger rolls.

Tips & Warnings

• Opt for lobster tails rather than whole lobsters. Not only is the meat better, but the cooking process is easier and less messy. You can buy lobster tails at seafood markets. Many come pre-seasoned and ready to cook.
• Look for rock lobster tails rather than the Maine variety. Rock lobsters, also known as Florida lobsters, have most of the meat on the tail, which makes them perfect for grilling and easier to cook.
• Buy frozen lobster tails in advance, so you don't have to resort to last-minute shopping.
• Grill your lobster the day before and then use a food processor to mush the meat. Add minced herbs such as parsley, basil and dill, and then add enough mayonnaise or butter to make the whole mix sticky. Roll into balls and serve with avocado slices, potato chips or crackers.