How to Cook Lobster Tails

There are numerous methods you can use to prepare lobster tails, depending on your kitchen tools and available time.

How to Cook Lobster Tails

You can choose your own cooking journey by using this guide to some of the most common ways to prepare lobster tails.

How to Cook Lobster Tails

Tails can come in all different sizes, but if you’re planning on serving one per person as a main course, go for six to eight ounces each. There are two types of lobster tails you’ll find.

Shopping for Lobster Tails

Maine lobsters are what you likely think of first (and they look like the ones you’ll find in seafood boils). – Spiny or rock lobsters have no claws and are easier to find.

Shopping for Lobster Tails

Here are the four most common ways to cook lobster tail, along with the pros and cons about each method.

What Are the Best Methods for Cooking Lobster Tails?

– Pros: Steaming uses less water than boiling and happens fairly quickly. You can also steam whole or butterflied lobster tails. – Cons: You may need to work in a few batches.

1. Steaming

– Pros: It’s the quickest cooking method (although you need time to bring the water up to a boil) and requires no prep. – Cons: Boiling uses a lot of water and meat can cook unevenly.

2. Boiling

– Pros: No water is needed, and you can baste the lobster tails with butter or sauce while they’re grilling. – Cons: You’ll need to butterfly the lobster tails first. Grilling takes longer than boiling or steaming.

2. Grilling

– Pros: Baking is a hands-off cooking method that yields evenly cooked and flavorful meat. Plus, it requires very little water. – Cons: You’ll need to butterfly the lobster tails first, and cook time is the longest.

4. Baking

Lobster is done when it is no longer opaque or an instant-read thermometer registers 135°F to 140°F in the thickest part.

How Do You Know When Lobster Is Done?

When boiling lobster tails, season the water with salt so that the meat becomes salted during cooking.

Do You Season Lobster Water?

There is no need to salt the water when steaming or baking lobster tails because the meat is not in direct contact with the liquid.

Do You Season Lobster Water?

Buy tails that are the same size. Try to get tails that are about the same size so the cooking time is consistent.

Tips for Cooking Lobster Tails at Home

Butterfly them if you can. I like to butterfly the lobster tails first so that they cook evenly and are much easier to eat.

Tips for Cooking Lobster Tails at Home

Pick the right cooking method. Before you do anything, figure out which method you want to use and make sure you have the right equipment for it.

Tips for Cooking Lobster Tails at Home

Thaw the lobster tails. Most lobster tails come frozen, so make sure you safely thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.

Tips for Cooking Lobster Tails at Home

Use an ice bath if not eating immediately. If you’re not eating the tails immediately or plan to use them cold, plunge them into an ice water bath for a few minutes right after cooking to stop any carryover cooking.

Tips for Cooking Lobster Tails at Home

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