How To Cook Lobster Tail

Lobster tails are a delicacy that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, such as grilled, steamed, baked or broiled. Cooking these delicious seafood treats can be intimidating for some, but with a few simple tips and tricks, anyone can learn how to cook lobster tail to perfection.

In this article, we will discuss how to select the right lobster tails, various cooking methods, and tips to ensure your lobster tails come out delicious every time.

Selecting Lobster Tails

When shopping for lobster tails, fresh is always best. Look for tails that are firm to the touch and have a shiny exterior. Avoid tails that have a dull or discolored appearance, as this can indicate that they are not fresh.

The tails of female lobsters are generally softer and contain more roe, while male lobsters have firmer meat. If you prefer more tender meat, opt for female tails. However, male tails are often preferred for grilling or broiling as they hold their shape better.

Cooking Methods

There are several ways to cook lobster tails, including grilling, broiling, steaming, and baking.

Grilling:

To grill lobster tails, first, prepare the grill by preheating to medium-high heat. Next, split the tails down the center using kitchen shears, and then brush both sides of the lobster meat with butter or olive oil.

Place the tails on the grill, flesh side down, and grill for around five to six minutes, or until the flesh has turned opaque. Flip the tails over with tongs and continue grilling until cooked through, which should take an additional two to three minutes.

Broiling:

When broiling lobster tails, start by placing them on a baking sheet, cut side up. Brush each tail with melted butter, and then place them under the broiler on high heat. Broil for approximately six to eight minutes, or until the meat is opaque.

Steaming:

Steaming is the most common method for cooking lobster tails and is an excellent option if you prefer not to grill or broil them.

To steam lobster tails, fill a large pot with 1-2 inches of water to the bottom, add some aromatic ingredients such as sliced lemon, white wine or herbs. Once the water comes to a boil, place the tails in the pot, shell side down. Cook for around 7-8 minutes, or until the meat turns opaque.

Baking:

Baking is another option for cooking lobster tails, but it requires a bit more preparation time. To bake lobster tails, first, preheat the oven to 425°F.

Use kitchen shears to cut a slit down the center of each tail. Spread the shells apart and loosen the meat from the bottom of the shell. Place the meat on top of the shell and brush butter or olive oil over the meat. Place the tails on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the meat is cooked through.

Preparing the Lobster Tail

Before cooking, it's important to prepare the lobster tails properly. First, thaw the tails by placing them in the refrigerator for around 8-10 hours. If you don't have time to thaw them overnight, place the tails in a ziplock bag and immerse them in some cold water for around 30 minutes.

Next, clean the lobster tails by removing any debris or impurities from the shell. Use kitchen shears to cut away the top part of the tail and remove the veins or intestines found inside. Brush the cleaned tails with butter or olive oil or seasoned butter, according to your taste.

Tips for Cooking Lobster Tails

Now that you know the various cooking methods let's go over some tips to ensure your lobster tails come out perfect.

First and foremost, avoid overcooking your lobster tail. Overcooking can result in tough and rubbery meat- which is not the experience you want to have. So keep track of the time and cook your tails until the meat is opaque and firm.

For added flavor, marinate your lobster tails with your favorite herbs, spices, citrus- or mustard-based sauces for at least an hour before cooking.

Keep an eye on the heat when cooking on the grill, as the high heat can cause the butter or oils to burn and result in a bitter taste.

When grilling, broiling, or baking, you can stuff the lobster tail with herbs, garlic or cheese, wrapped in bacon, or cooked with breadcrumbs and butter.

Lobster tails are a luxury seafood dish that can be enjoyed at home with minimal effort. Now that you know how to select, prepare, and cook lobster tails using various methods and tips, you can wow your guests with a perfectly cooked lobster meal.

In conclusion, cooking lobster tails requires only a few easy steps, practice, and your desired flavorings- and with all of these in mind, you can create a delicious meal that everyone can enjoy.