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Lobster was a seafood I definitely avoided cooking until I got to culinary school. Its expensive (like $20 bucks a pound expensive), so I was always intimidated that Id mess it up. But the most surprising thing about lobster tails is that they’re not harder to cook even though they cost a lot.
Unless you bought fresh lobster, make sure your lobster tail is thawed completely. This will help it cook evenly and keep the meat from sticking to its shell. Putting your lobster tails in cold water for 30 minutes is the fastest and safest way to thaw them.
Kitchen shears should be very sharp. Cut the shell down the middle all the way to the fin. Using your thumbs, pry open the shell to reveal the meat.
Now that the lobster tails are ready to be cooked, do any of the steps below. They are all quick and easy, so you can’t go wrong.
Lobster is a delicious and luxurious seafood ingredient that can seem intimidating for home cooks. The high price tag and perceptions of complexity lead many people to only order lobster at restaurants. However, boiling lobster tails at home is easier than you may think! With a few simple preparation steps and the right cooking technique, you can enjoy restaurant-quality lobster in the comfort of your own kitchen.
In this comprehensive guide we will walk through everything you need to know to boil lobster tails successfully. We’ll cover
- Ingredients and equipment needed
- Thawing and prepping raw tails
- Step-by-step boiling instructions
- Tips for perfection and avoiding common mistakes
- Serving ideas and recipe pairings
By the end of this article, you’ll feel confident that the answer to “Can you boil lobster tails?” is a resounding yes. Let’s get started demystifying lobster prep and cooking!
Step 1: Gather Ingredients and Equipment
Before boiling your lobster tails, you’ll need to gather a few key ingredients and pieces of equipment:
Ingredients
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Raw lobster tails – Purchase fresh or previously frozen. Allow frozen tails to thaw completely before cooking.
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Water – Use enough to submerge the tails, around 15 cups per tail Can flavor with salt, lemon, herbs, etc.
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Butter – For basting and serving the cooked tails. Clarified butter is a popular choice.
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Lemon – Fresh squeezes add brightness. Slice for serving.
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Fresh herbs like parsley, basil, tarragon – For garnish and flavor.
Equipment:
- Large pot with lid
- Slotted spoon or tongs
- Sharp kitchen shears or knife
- Colander or strainer
- Basting brush
- Kitchen timer
With these simple items on hand, you’re ready to move on to prepping the raw tails for boiling.
Step 2: Prep Raw Lobster Tails
Proper prep is key to ensuring your lobster tails cook evenly. Follow these steps:
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Rinse the raw tails under cool water, cleaning all surfaces. Pat dry.
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Use shears or a knife to cut lengthwise through the top shell. Cut along the length of the tail.
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Open the shell further by cracking it apart at the incision. The meat should still be attached.
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Remove the small piece of intestinal vein running along the meat.
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Optional: Cut the lobster meat lengthwise for easier access while eating.
That’s all the prep work needed! The tails are now ready to hit the boiling pot.
Step 3: Boil the Lobster Tails
With the tails prepped, it’s time to cook them. Follow these steps for perfect boiled lobster every time:
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Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Use around 1.5 cups water per tail. Seasoning the water is optional.
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Gently lower the lobster tails into the water. Be careful of splashing. Use tongs or a slotted spoon.
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Cover and return to a gentle boil. Maintain a temperature just above a simmer.
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Boil for 5-8 minutes per 2 oz. of tail. Timing varies based on size. Check for doneness early.
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Check for doneness. Look for an opaque white color and the shell separating slightly from the meat.
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Remove promptly when done to avoid overcooking. Drain tails.
It’s that simple! Perfectly cooked lobster awaits.
Step 4: Finish and Serve the Lobster Tails
Your tender, succulent lobster tails are ready to dress up and serve. Consider these finishing touches:
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Brush the tails with melted butter or clarified butter and sprinkle with fresh chopped herbs.
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Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the tails before serving for brightness.
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Garnish the tails and plate with fresh herbs like parsley, tarragon, or chives.
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Serve with lemon wedges, butter, and plenty of napkins!
Your boiled lobster tails make the perfect centerpiece to a romantic dinner for two or an elegant dinner party spread. Now let’s talk about maximizing enjoyment of your homemade lobster…
Serving Suggestions and Recipe Pairings
Beyond dressing tails with butter, lemon, and herbs, consider these tasty ways to serve up your boiled lobster meat:
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Split the tail shells and serve lobster meat over fresh salads or pasta dishes.
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Make lobster rolls with mayo, celery, and chives on buttery toasted buns.
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Mix chunks of lobster meat into creamy risottos or seafood stews and chowders.
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Fill tacos with lobster meat, avocado, cotija cheese, and cabbage.
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Top artisan flatbread pizzas with lobster meat, tomatoes, arugula, and Parmesan.
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Craft an upscale seafood boil with boiled lobster tails, mussels, clams, corn, and potatoes.
As you can see, boiled lobster tails are endlessly versatile! They pair beautifully with fresh vegetables, cheeses, herbs, citrus, crusty breads, and white wines. Let your imagination run wild with recipes after mastering the easy boiling method.
Troubleshooting Boiled Lobster Tails
Of course, there are a few potential pitfalls when boiling lobster at home. Follow these tips to sidestep any issues:
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Prevent overcooking by setting a timer and checking doneness early. Overcooked lobster can be rubbery.
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Watch out for boiling over if cooking multiple tails. Use a larger pot and lower heat as needed.
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Ensure even cooking by bringing the water back to a boil before adding tails.
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Avoid tough, chewy meat by fully thawing frozen tails first and avoiding boiling directly from frozen.
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Prevent bland flavor by limiting time between cooking and eating. The fresher, the better!
With proper thawing, preparation, cooking timing, and prompt service, your boiled lobster is sure to impress.
The Takeaway: Boiling Lobster Tails Unlocks Easy, Impressive Meals
Hopefully this guide has shown that perfectly cooked lobster tails are achievable for even novice home cooks with a few easy techniques. Never again wonder, “Can you boil lobster tails?” when a craving strikes. Keep the ingredients on hand for impressive last-minute meals.
The hands-on boiling time is quite fast. With minimal active preparation, you can deliver deliciously tender, briny tails ready for dipping in melted butter. Serving up homemade boiled lobster is sure to feel like a restaurant-worthy treat!
So grab some lobster tails at the market, get your pot of water boiling, and treat yourself to this luxurious seafood delight. Just follow the simple steps we outlined for lobster boils worthy of the steep price tag. Most importantly, have fun with it! The aroma of lobster filling your kitchen is half the fun.
What are you waiting for? Join me in demystifying fancy seafood prep. I can’t wait to hear how perfectly your lobster tails turn out using this easy at-home boiling guide. From thawing and prepping to cooking, saucing, and serving inspiration, you’ve got this! Happy lobster boiling.
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Before you get started, youll need:
- a steamer basket
- a large pot with a lid
- Put a steamer basket in a big pot and add water up to two inches deep. Cover pot and bring water to a boil.
- Once boiling, add lobster tails and cover again. It’s done when the tails are bright red and the meat is soft and opaque. About 1 minute per ounce of lobster.
Before you get started, youll need:
- a large stockpot
- a slotted spoon, tongs, or a strainer
- Bring a large stockpot of salted water to a boil. Turn down the heat a bit and keep the water at a gentle boil. This is stronger than a simmer but not as strong as a rolling boil.
- Put in the lobster tails and boil them until they turn bright red and the meat inside turns white and soft. It should take about one minute per ounce to cook each tail.
- You can strain or use metal tongs to remove the tails.
Before you get started, youll need:
- Preheat grill or grill pan over medium heat. Put a skewer through the lobster lengthwise to keep it from curling up while it’s cooking.
- Rub olive oil all over the lobster and season with salt and pepper. Put the lobster tail on the grill with the fresh side down. Cook for about 6 minutes, or until it has a light char. Spread butter on top and flip the lobster over. Grill for another 5 minutes or until it’s just barely done.
How To Boil Lobster Tails | Maine Lobster Now
How long should you boil lobster tails?
Lobster tails should be boiled for about 1 minute per ounce. Before you get started, bring a large stockpot of salted water to a boil, then reduce heat slightly and keep water at a gentle boil. Add lobster tails and boil until they turn bright red and the meat turns white and tender.
How do you cook lobster tails in a steamer?
To cook lobster tails in a steamer, place a steamer basket in a large pot and add about 2 inches of water. Bring the water to a boil, then add the lobster tails and cover the pot again. Cook until the tails turn bright red and the meat is opaque and tender, which usually takes about 1 minute per ounce of lobster. Before you begin, remember to bring a large stockpot of salted water to a boil.
Can you eat boiled lobster tails?
Yes, you can eat boiled lobster tails. Bring heavily salted water to a boil in a large pot on high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Place lobster tails in the water (up to 6 at a time) so as not to overcrowd the pot. Gently boil the lobster tails for the length of time in the chart below.
How do you boil lobster tails in a crock pot?
You can also boil lobster tails in batches, instead of all at once. You may salt the water with 1 tablespoon (15 mL) to 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of salt to raise the boiling point of the water and help it reach a gentler boil. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Set the heat to high in order to reach a fast-paced boil.