This post has a recipe for steamed lobster tails that my family loves. I butterfly the tails and then steam them with fresh lemon. For an extra citrus kick, I serve them with melted butter and a wedge of lemon. Cooked this simply, this is a dish you will return to again and again.
Full Recipe Ingredients/Instructions are available in the recipe card at the bottom of the post. You can find important tips/tricks in theblog post.
Lobster can be a tricky shellfish to cook, particularly if you cook it whole. Which is why I like to cook lobster tails. I always start by butterflying the tail, so that the whole tail cooks evenly. It’s also helpful to steam the lobster tails, which is a gentler way to cook them that keeps the meat soft and sweet.
Not only does lobster tail taste delicious, it is good for you too. Lobster tail is a lean protein, contains vitamins and minerals and is rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Lobster is a delicious, luxurious shellfish that can seem intimidating to cook at home. Steaming lobster tails is one of the easiest, most foolproof ways to prepare fresh lobster. But before you start, it’s important to understand the ins and outs of the steaming process. Here’s a complete guide to steaming lobster tails successfully.
What You Need to Know Before Steaming Lobster Tails
Steaming allows you to cook lobster gradually and gently, resulting in tender, moist, sweet meat When done right, it locks in flavor and texture perfectly Here are some key tips
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Whole lobster tails should be steamed, not lobster tails that have been cut or cracked. Leaving the shell intact protects the delicate meat
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Use raw, fresh or thoroughly thawed lobster tails. Frozen tails need time to defrost in the fridge.
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Larger lobster tails take longer to steam than smaller tails. Factor tail size into cook times.
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Do not crowd the steamer. Overcrowding leads to uneven cooking.
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Use a thermometer to test doneness. Temperature is a better indicator than time.
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Chilling lobster tails immediately after steaming stops the cooking process.
Step-By-Step Guide to Steaming Lobster Tails
Follow these simple steps for foolproof steamed lobster tails every time:
1. Prep the Tails
Rinse fresh or thawed lobster tails under cold water. Pat dry completely. If using frozen tails, defrost according to package directions before prepping.
2. Ready the Steamer
Fill a large pot with 1-2 inches of water. Insert steamer basket and bring water to a boil over high heat. The water shouldn’t touch the basket.
3. Steam the Tails
Carefully place tails meat-side up in a single layer in the steamer basket. Cover and steam for 5-8 minutes for 4-6 oz tails, 8-10 minutes for 8-12 oz tails.
4. Check Doneness
Use an instant-read thermometer to check temperature in thickest part. 140°F is perfect. Visually, the shell should turn bright red.
5. Shock and Serve
Plunge tails into an ice bath to stop cooking. Serve warm with melted butter, enjoying the tender, juicy meat!
Frequently Asked Questions About Steaming Lobster Tails
Here are answers to some common questions about steaming lobster at home:
Should you cut lobster tails before steaming?
No, steam tails whole and uncut. Cutting exposes the delicate meat to steam heat. Leaving shells intact locks in flavor and moisture.
What size pot do you need to steam lobster tails?
Use a large 6-8 quart stock pot so tails can lay flat in a single layer. The pot should be big enough to accommodate a steamer basket with at least 1-2 inches clearance on all sides.
How long does it take to steam an 8 oz lobster tail?
An 8-12 oz tail takes 8-10 minutes to steam. Smaller tails take less time, larger tails need a bit longer. Use a thermometer for perfectly cooked lobster every time.
How do you know when they’re done steaming?
Check for a bright red shell and opaque white meat throughout the tail. Use a thermometer to check for an internal temp of 140°F. This ensures ideal doneness without overcooking.
Can you steam frozen lobster tails?
Yes, as long as frozen tails are completely thawed first. Defrost frozen tails overnight in the fridge before steaming. Add 1-2 extra minutes to the steaming time.
What else can you steam with lobster tails?
Try adding chunks of corn on the cob, small new potatoes or seafood like mussels or clams. Layer them under the tails to steam everything at once.
Serving Your Steamed Lobster Tails
Once your lobster tails are cooked to tender perfection, here are some tasty ways to serve them:
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Serve warm with melted butter and lemon wedges for squeezing over top.
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Chill steamed tails and use the meat in lobster rolls, salads or pasta dishes.
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Pair with fresh corn on the cob and boiled small potatoes for a seafood feast.
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Top with garlic herb butter or creamy lobster sauce for extra richness.
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Stuff into hollowed out French bread with mayo and lettuce for lobster poor boys.
So can you steam lobster tails? Absolutely! When properly steamed using the right techniques, you can enjoy restaurant-quality lobster in your own kitchen. Steaming locks in sweetness and makes lobster meat exceptionally tender. Follow this foolproof guide for succulent steamed lobster tails any seafood lover will devour.
How to steam lobster tails
Fill a pot with 1 inch of water so that it is below the steamer basket. Bring the water to a boil.
Fill the steamer basket with lemon slices once the water is boiling. Then, put the butterflied lobster tails on top of the lemon slices, making sure they don’t fit too tightly.
Cover the pot with boiling water and put the steamer basket on top of it. Steam the lobster tails for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the meat turns opaque and the shells turn bright red.
Remove the lobster tails from the steamer using tongs. Be careful as they will be hot. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serve the lobster tails as they are or with some melted butter and a slice of lemon.
How to butterfly a lobster tail
The butterflying of lobsters is very easy and it makes the lobster meat easier to eat. It also looks pretty on a plate. The only tools you need are sharp kitchen shears and your hands.
Take kitchen shears and cut the top shell down the middle, all the way to the tail’s fins. Be careful not to cut the tail itself. Gently pull the shell apart. Carefully pull the meat out of the shell with your fingers, then lift it through the slit and place it on top. Try to keep the end of the tail attached to the shell.
If your lobster tail needs to be deveined, devein it at this time.
These tips will help you make the best steamed lobster tails you’ve ever tried.
- There’s no need for a steamer pot if you have a steamer basket. It will work just fine.
- Before you put the lobster tails in the steamer basket, bring the water to a boil. This will stop them from overcooking.
- A probe thermometer is the best way to check the lobster’s internal temperature after it’s cooked.
- But you can use frozen lobster tails too. Fresh lobster tails will taste better. If you use frozen tails, let them thaw in the fridge before cutting them into butterfly shapes and cooking them.
- Serve the lobster with my Garlic Herb Butter to make it taste even better.
- If you don’t want to use butter, you can use warm olive oil with lemon zest and minced garlic instead.
- Have a seafood feast. You could add fresh shrimp, scallops, and clams as long as you don’t fill the steamer pan too much. Just make sure you change the cooking times for seafood that is smaller.