How To Cook Lobster Tail Perfectly, 4 Ways

Lobster tail can be a delicious part of your next family gathering or even as simple as a delicious weekday meal. If you’ve never cooked lobster tail before, you might be intimidated by the process. However, there are several ways to cook lobster tail that are simple enough for beginners.

If you enjoy eating lobster tail, you don’t have to save it for a special occasion. With any of these cooking methods, you can make lobster tail at home with some basic kitchen equipment. Keep reading to find out how to cook lobster tail perfectly in four different ways.

Preparing Your Lobster Tail

Once you get the hang of it, cooking lobster tail is relatively simple. What kind of lobster tail you purchase will depend on your location and what’s available near you. There are numerous varieties of lobster tails, but the one you’ll most likely see for sale is Maine lobster tails. You can purchase lobster tails fresh or frozen. 

If you’re using frozen lobster tails, you can either thaw them in the fridge overnight or place them in a bowl of cold water 30 minutes before you begin cooking. If you have larger lobster tails, you may need to repeat this process a second time before they’re completely defrosted.

As far as preparing fresh lobster tails, be sure to rinse them and dry them before cooking. If you’re cooking for a special occasion, try making butterflied lobster tails! To prepare these, use a serrated knife or kitchen scissors to cut down the middle of the tail and pull the meat out. Be sure to cut only the shell, not the meat. You can leave a small part of the meat attached to the shell and place the meat on top of the shell for an elegant display.

Are Lobster Tails Good for You?

You know lobster tails are delicious–but did you know there are also many benefits to eating lobster? Lobster is a great source of copper, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids. It’s also considered a lean protein source since it’s high in protein but relatively low in fat.

Of course, if you smother your lobster tail in butter, it’s going to change the nutritional value. However, even if you add some extra fat to your lobster tail, you’re still getting a lot of the benefits such as vitamin B12 and zinc. 

Let’s dive into the four different ways to cook lobster tails at home.

How to Boil Lobster Tail

Boiling lobster tail is one way to cook them without adding any unnecessary ingredients. It’s also a simple and tasty way to enjoy lobster tail. Here are the steps to boiling lobster tail:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt to taste
• Add whole lobster tails to the boiling water
• Cook until the shells are red and the meat is translucent (cooking times will vary, but it will generally take about 1 minute per ounce)
• Once cooked, drain the water and allow the tails to cool

If you’re looking for a way to add more flavor to your lobster tail, you can broil them afterward or throw them on the grill after boiling them. The boiling process makes them tender so you don’t have to roast or grill them as long, but throwing them on the grill will add some extra flavor.

How to Cook Lobster Tail in the Instant Pot

The Instant Pot has become an irreplaceable appliance in many kitchens and it’s one of the quickest ways to cook a delicious meal. There are several varieties of the Instant Pot, but most include a pressure cooker, slow cooker, and saute function. The latest version also includes an air fryer. If you’re looking for a simple way to pressure cook your lobster tails, here are the steps:

• Place the Instant Pot trivet in the bottom of the pot and add ½ cup of water
• Place your lobster tails on the trivet and close the lid
• Make sure your vent is closed and set the Instant Pot to pressure cook for 2 minutes
• Once the timer goes off, do a quick release and manually open the vent
• Check if the meat of the lobster tails is firm
• If they need to cook for longer, place the lid back on and set the Instant Pot to the warming setting
• Let the lobster tails sit in the pot for another 5 minutes

Pressure cooking is a straightforward and efficient way to cook your lobster tails without any unnecessary hassle or cleanup. You can also choose to broil the lobster tails or throw them on the grill after pressure cooking the meat.

How to Roast Lobster Tail

Roasting lobster tail in the oven is one of the easiest ways to cook it and it can work with a variety of recipes. This recipe doesn’t require any special appliances and it requires the least amount of cookware as well. Here’s the best way to roast lobster tail in the oven:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F
• Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil
• Place the lobster tails on the baking sheet
• Cook them in the oven for 10-12 minutes
• When the lobster is firm and the shells are bright red, remove them from the oven
• Season your lobster tail and add butter if desired

Roasting lobster tail in the oven is an easy way to enjoy it at home and you can add different ingredients or seasonings to the recipe to make it your own.

How to Grill Lobster Tail 

There’s no denying that grilling food like lobster tails is going to be a delicious way to eat it. While it may not be practical for your typical weekday meal, if you have a grill on hand or are looking for the best way to prepare lobster at your next cookout, here are the steps for grilling lobster tail:

• Preheat your grill to high heat 
• Place the lobster tails on the grill with the meat facing down
• Cook the tails for about 5-6 minutes
• Flip the lobster tails over and grill for another 2-4 minutes
• Once the meat of the lobster tails is firm, remove them from the grill

Grilling your lobster tail is another delicious way to enjoy them. You can grill lobster tails on a gas, charcoal, or pellet grill. No matter what type of grill you use, your grilled lobster tails will be a hit at any picnic, cookout, or barbecue.

Cooking Lobster Tail Perfectly

Even though many people associate lobster tail with a fancy meal, it’s actually simple enough to cook that you can enjoy it any night of the week. However, it can also be a special dish for your next family gathering or potluck. There are so many recipes to choose from and it goes well with a myriad of side dishes.

While there are numerous ways to cook lobster tail at home, how you decide to cook it is up to you. Whether you prefer a simple boiled lobster tail or you want to throw it on the grill, any of these methods will lead to a tasty meal for your friends and family.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©CTHB/Shutterstock.com.