How to Cook Lobster Tails From Boiling to Broiling

Lobster tails are a beloved delicacy that have been enjoyed for centuries. Whether served as a main course or as a decadent addition to a surf-and-turf dinner, lobster tails are a versatile and impressive dish that can be prepared in many different ways.

However, despite their popularity, many home cooks struggle with preparing lobster tails to perfection. That's why mastering the art of cooking lobster tails is so important.

Today, let’s focus on 6 classic cooking methods for lobster tails: boiling,broiling, baking, steaming, pan-searing and grilling. These methods are all relatively simple and can produce delicious, succulent meat when done correctly. We will guide you through each step of the process, from choosing and prepping the lobster tails, to cooking and serving them in a way that will impress your family or guests and make you a master of lobster tail preparation. So let's get started! 

Choosing and Preparing Lobster Tails

Before cooking lobster tails, it's important to select fresh, high-quality tails for the best results. Here are some tips for choosing and preparing lobster tails:

Choose fresh lobster tails: 

Look for lobster tails that are bright in colour, with no discoloration or black spots. The shells should be hard and firm to the touch. If possible, purchase live lobsters and have them prepared for you, as this will ensure the freshest possible lobster meat.

Thaw frozen lobster tails properly: 

• Make sure you thaw your lobster tails in the refrigerator for 24 hours or more, before cooking.
• Do not use a microwave to thaw the tails, as this can result in uneven cooking and tough meat.

Can you cook lobster tails from frozen?

Wondering how to cook frozen lobster tails? Unfortunately, there's no getting around thawing if you want succulent, tender, sweet lobster meat. You get a tough lobster if you cook it straight from the freezer. But thawing is easy and doesn't take too long.

Remove the shell: 

To prepare the lobster tails for cooking, use kitchen scissors or a sharp knife to cut through the shell down the back of the tail. Be careful not to cut all the way through the meat. Gently pry the shell apart and loosen the meat from the shell, being careful not to detach it completely.

Understand the anatomy of the lobster tail: 

The lobster tail is made up of the meaty tail section and the flippers or fan-shaped part at the end of the tail. The meat in the tail is the most prized part and is often used in recipes. The flippers contain some meat, but are mostly used for presentation.

Preparing the meat: 

Once the lobster tail is opened up, use a knife or kitchen shears to remove the vein that runs through the centre of the tail. Rinse the tail with cold water to remove any remaining debris.

Understanding the anatomy of the lobster tail is important when it comes to cooking, as different parts of the tail can cook at different rates. For example, the meaty tail section will take longer to cook than the flippers. Be sure to take this into account when selecting your cooking method and adjusting cooking times.

By following these tips for selecting and preparing lobster tails, you'll be well on your way to creating a delicious and impressive dish that will impress your guests.

How each cooking technique differs

Boiling: This method quickly cooks the lobster meat in boiling water but can dilute the flavour.

Broiling: broiling lobster tails is for deeper flavour. It also lightly browns the meat and shell. 

Baking: Baking lobster tails brings a gentle steaming that occurs at a constant temperature in the oven resulting in a delicate texture.

Steaming: For those who want to customise their toppings, steaming quickly produces a flavourful result.

Grilling: The meat and shell both get a little smokiness and char from grilling, giving your tails that extra flavour.

How long does it take to cook lobster tails?

Boiling lobster tails typically takes around 5-8 minutes, depending on the size of the tails. Broiling lobster tails takes approximately 5-8 minutes as well, with the tails placed about 6 inches away from the heat source. Baking lobster tails in the oven can take around 12-15 minutes at 350°F. Steaming lobster tails usually takes 8-10 minutes, and grilling them over medium-high heat can take around 8-10 minutes as well. 

It's important to keep an eye on the lobster tails while they cook to prevent overcooking, which can result in tough, rubbery meat.

1. Boiling Lobster Tails

Boiling is one of the most popular methods for cooking lobster tails on the stove, as it is a quick and easy way to cook them to perfection. Here are some step-by-step instructions for boiling lobster tails:

(i) Fill a large pot with water: 
Use a large pot to accommodate the lobster tails and fill it with enough water to cover the tails completely.

(ii) Add seasonings and herbs: 
For added flavour, consider adding seasonings and herbs to the water. Bay leaves, thyme, and garlic are all great options for enhancing the natural sweetness of the lobster meat.

(iii) Bring the water to a boil: 
Place the pot over high heat and bring the water to a rolling boil.

(iv) Add the lobster tails: 
Gently place the prepared lobster tails into the boiling water. Be careful not to overcrowd the pot, as this can affect the cooking time.

(v) Cook the lobster tails: 
Boil the lobster tails for about 8-12 minutes, depending on their size. The meat should be opaque and firm, with an internal temperature of 140°F.

(vi) Remove the lobster tails from the water: 
Use tongs or a slotted spoon to carefully remove the lobster tails from the boiling water and place them on a plate or cutting board.

(vii) Let the lobster tails cool: 
Allow the lobster tails to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for ensuring that the lobster meat stays tender and juicy:

• Do not overcook the lobster tails, as this can cause the meat to become tough and rubbery. 
  
• Use a timer to ensure that you cook the lobster tails for the correct amount of time.
  
• Do not boil the lobster tails for too long, as this can cause the meat to shrink and become dry.
• Consider adding a little butter or olive oil to the water to help keep the lobster meat moist during cooking.

By following these tips and step-by-step instructions, you can easily boil lobster tails to perfection and ensure that the meat stays tender and juicy. 

If you're planning on entertaining family or friends then consider using this seafood boil recipe. Everyone's taste buds will be impressed by this seafood boil. There are plenty of vegetables, tender lobster, prawn, and crab, as well as a mouthwatering creole garlic flavour.

2. Broiling Lobster Tails

Broiling lobster tails is a great way to enjoy this delicacy, and probably the best way to cook lobster tails. To prepare the lobster tails for broiling, start by thawing them completely if they are frozen. Thereafter, follow the given instructions on preparing the lobster tails.

Next, season the lobster tails with butter, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Then, preheat the broiler to high and place the tails on a baking sheet, shell side down. Broil the lobster tails for about 5-8 minutes, depending on their size, until the meat is cooked through.

To prevent overcooking, be sure to keep an eye on the lobster tails while they are under the broiler. You can also use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat, which should reach 140°F.

As for toppings and sauces, there are many options to choose from. You can serve the broiled lobster tails with melted butter, garlic butter, or a creamy hollandaise sauce. For a more adventurous flavour, you can try topping the lobster tails with bacon bits, diced tomatoes, or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. 

3. Baking Lobster Tails

Baking lobster tails is a simple and delicious way to enjoy this luxurious seafood delicacy. 

Here’s how to cook lobster tails in the oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and prepare the lobster tails by cutting the top shell lengthwise, being careful not to cut through the bottom shell. Brush the meat with melted butter and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Place the lobster tails on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the meat is opaque and cooked through. Serve with additional melted butter and lemon wedges for a classic and indulgent meal. Add twice baked potatoes with green chiles and cheese to make a more balanced meal. 

4. Steaming Lobster Tails

Steaming lobster tails is a popular cooking method that preserves the delicate flavour and texture of the meat. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and placing a steamer basket inside. Place the lobster tails on top of the steamer basket and cover with a lid. Steam for 8-10 minutes, or until the meat is opaque and cooked through.

Once cooked, remove the lobster tails from the steamer basket and serve with melted butter or a light dipping sauce. Steaming is a quick and easy way to prepare lobster tails and is a perfect option for a healthy and flavorful meal, especially when you then add some mac and cheese to the mix. If you want the meal lighter, and perhaps more high-end, add a farro and broccoli salad to your lobster tails instead. 

5. Lobster tails on BBQ

This is how to cook lobster tails on your bbq. 

• Start by preheating your BBQ to high heat.
• Prepare the lobster tails as instructed above.
• Brush the lobster tails with melted butter or oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
• Place the lobster tails on the bbq grill, flesh-side down, and cook for 4-5 minutes until lightly charred.
• Flip the lobster tails over and continue to grill for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until the meat is opaque and cooked through.
• Remove the lobster tails from the bbq and serve immediately with some veggie rice or sauteed broccolini. You could also just grill some corn on the same bbq and enjoy the two together. 

6. Cooking lobster tails in a pan

Pan seared lobsters are yummy. Follow these instructions on how to cook lobster tails in a pan:
Prepare your lobster tails as usual and season them with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and some butter in a pan and then add the tails flesh side down. Fry until the edges are brown then flip them.

Cover the pan and cook for an additional 2 mins. If the shells are not fully cooked with a nice orange colour, use tongs to turn the tails and keep the shells in the juices until they are fully cooked. Remove your cooked lobster tails from the heat and garnish them with parsley to serve with some smashed potatoes. 

Serving and Enjoying Lobster Tails

Once the lobster tails are cooked, they can be served in a variety of ways. One popular option is to serve them on a bed of risotto or pasta, topped with a drizzle of garlic butter or lemon herb sauce. Another option is to serve them with a side of grilled vegetables and a simple green salad.

For a more formal presentation, try plating the lobster tails on a large white serving dish, garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges. Alternatively, you can serve them individually on a small plate, with a side of dipping sauce and a sprig of parsley for garnish.

Tips for enjoying the lobster meat and getting the most out of the dish

First and foremost, it's important to savour the taste of the meat itself, which is sweet and delicate. Avoid drowning the lobster in heavy sauces or overpowering spices, which can mask its natural flavour.

When eating the lobster meat, use a fork and knife to carefully remove it from the shell, taking care not to break the delicate meat. Consider pairing the lobster with a light white wine or champagne, which can help to enhance the flavour of the meat.

Additional ways to serve lobster tails

• Lobster bisque
• Clam choiwder
• Lobster roll