How to Cook Lobster Tail

Learn how to cook lobster tail with these five easy methods! Your lobster will be tender, succulent, and perfect for impressing family and friends. The best part is you can make this restaurant-quality dish at home in under 20 minutes!

When you think of lobster tails, you might think of pricey restaurants and fancy dinner parties. I used to think that way until I tried making them at home and let me tell you, I was surprised by how easy it is to cook lobster tail at home! Once you get the hang of it, you can turn an easy dinner at home into a special occasion!

I’m going to show you how to butterfly, prepare, and cook them so you get tender, juicy results every time. I’ve got some great tips for broiling, boiling, steaming, baking, and grilling the lobster, so you can pick the perfect method for you.

The best-tasting lobster meat is sweet and a little bit briny. Dip the cooked meat in a garlicky butter sauce, and you have a taste sensation!

If you want to turn your dinner into a special meal of fish and seafood, you can also try your hand at learning how to cook crab legs, poached shrimp, and poached salmon. And if you’re looking for a recipe that uses lobster meat, try my creamy lobster pasta!

Why You’ll Love Cooking Lobster Tail at Home

1. Quick to make: Lobster tails can be made in under 20 minutes no matter which cooking method you choose! 
2. Very impressive: When you see a butterflied lobster tail on a plate, you can’t help but be impressed, right? Your family and friends will feel the same way!
3. Healthy meal: Steaming and boiling lobster tails are healthy ways of preparing them and lobster meat is considered a healthy protein-packed with plenty of nutrients.

How to Buy Lobster

Let’s go over some tips on how to buy and prepare them.

You want to look for either freshly caught (never frozen) tails, or frozen tails. Take a look at the color and make sure there is no discoloration. Also, give them a sniff if possible. They should smell neutral or slightly sweet. If you catch a whiff of a fishy smell, you’ll want to look elsewhere!

How to Thaw Frozen Lobster Tails

You always want to make sure when using frozen lobster tails that they are thawed completely before cooking them. There are a couple of methods you can use:

• Overnight: Place the tails in a zip-top bag and lay them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any water from the thawing process. Let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator. 
• Quick thaw: Fill a large bowl with cold water. Place them in a zip-top bag and submerge them in the water. Refresh the water every 20 minutes until the lobster has thawed completely.

How to Butterfly a Lobster Tail

A butterflied lobster tail always looks so elegant, plus it makes them easier to eat. The butterfly technique is when you cut the tail down the middle and open up the shell to reveal the meat inside. Butterflying is suitable for all cooking methods except for boiling.

Follow the steps below to easily butterfly your lobster tails.

1. Using sharp kitchen shears, cut through the upper shell lengthwise towards the center, leaving the tail fin intact (do not cut through it). It’s easiest to do this with the shell side facing up.
2. Flip the tail over. You might find a dark digestive tract running through the upper part of the meat. Remove it with a paper towel, and rinse and dry the lobster tail/exposed meat.
3. Carefully loosen the meat from the bottom by turning the lobster tail upside down, and with your thumbs push the ribs to crack them and loosen the meat.
4. Flip again, then run your fingers between the meat and the lower shell and push the meat outside of the shell so it’s beautifully displayed on top of the shell.

The Ingredients

Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

• Lobster tails
• Melted unsalted butter
• Minced garlic cloves
• Sweet paprika
• Salt and ground black pepper
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish, and lemon wedges for serving.

How To Broil Lobster

This is the way I most often prepare my lobster tails. It takes very little time and the tails are always tender.

1. Preheat the oven to 500°F/260°C, and place the lobster tails on a baking sheet/pan. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with the garlic and paprika.
2.  Brush the butter over the lobster meat and place the sheet in the oven 8–10 inches below the broiler. Cook for 6–8 minutes depending on the size of the tails.
3. Remove from the oven, season with salt and pepper, a drizzle of lemon juice, and garnish with chopped parsley.

More Ways to Cook Lobster Tail

1. Bake: This method is similar to broiling except you’ll reduce the heat and extend the cooking time. Heat the oven to 425°F/218°C and place the tails in a baking dish with a small splash of water or wine. The liquid helps to keep the lobster meat juicy. Cook the tails for 1–2 minutes per ounce.
2. Steam: Steaming lobster tails makes them very tender and plump, but they will need some help in the flavor department by seasoning them after they have cooked. Bring 1-inch water to a boil in a large pot or deep skillet with a tight-fitting lid. Place a steamer basket over water and place the tails cut side up in the basket. Cover and steam the tails for 1 minute per ounce.

1. Boil: Probably one of the simplest ways of cooking lobster. Boil water in a large pot and submerge the whole, uncut tails into the water. Cook for about 1 minute per ounce until the shells are red. The tails will be very hot when you remove them from the water, so be sure to let them cool before handling.
2. Grill: This method adds a bit of a smoky taste to the meat. Preheat the grill to medium and brush the lobster tails with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place the lobster flesh side down and grill for 4–5 minutes. Flip the tails over and continue grilling for another 2–4 minutes until cooked through.

Tips for Cooking lobster

1. Thaw ahead. If you’re using frozen lobster tails, make sure you thaw them at least 24 hours before cooking to prevent the meat from sticking to the shell.
2. Butterflying. If you happen to cut through the meat while you’re cutting through the shell, don’t panic! It will still cook up perfectly. Avoid cutting completely through the meat and the bottom shell.
3. Seasoning. Simple is best when it comes to seasoning your lobster tails. Brush on some melted butter and sprinkle over some salt and pepper for an amazing taste. You can also try a little bit of paprika. A garnish of lemon wedges and chopped parsley makes a pretty presentation.

Storing Tips

While the cooked tails are best if eaten on the same day, you can store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To reheat the tails, cover with foil and heat in the oven at 325°F/163°C for 8–10 minutes.

What To Serve With Lobster

As with any seafood, you want the meat of the lobster to be the star of the show.

You can serve it with rice or Crockpot Mashed Potatoes for a complete meal. A side Panzanella Salad or a Simple Tossed Green Salad for something a little lighter.

Or just a few lemon wedges and melted butter for dipping. Some even like to make theirs a garlic butter!

FAQs

Save this recipe for the next time you want to treat your family to an extra special seafood dinner. Choose from any of the methods for an easy and impressive meal! Pin it for more people to enjoy too!