How Big is a 4 Ounce Lobster Tail? A Detailed Look at Lobster Tail Sizes

Lobster tails are a delicacy enjoyed by seafood lovers across the world Their sweet, succulent meat is perfect for everything from surf and turf dinners to lobster rolls When shopping for lobster tails, you’ll often see them sold by weight in ounces. But what does that actually mean in terms of size? Let’s take a closer look at 4 ounce lobster tails and lobster tail sizes in general.

What is Considered a 4 Ounce Lobster Tail?

A 4 ounce lobster tail weighs exactly 4 ounces or 113 grams This is an average weight for a single lobster tail Here are the typical size ranges for different lobster tail weights

• 2-3 ounce tails: 5-6 inches long
• 4 ounce tails: 6-7 inches long
• 5-6 ounce tails: 7-8 inches long
• 8-10 ounce tails: 8-9 inches long
• 12-16 ounce tails: 9-11 inches long

So a standard 4 ounce lobster tail will be around 6 to 7 inches in length. This provides a nice amount of meat for one serving. The tail shell will be about 1 inch wide and meat will fill most of the interior cavity.

Average Amount of Meat in a 4 Ounce Lobster Tail

The edible meat inside a 4 ounce lobster tail will weigh approximately:

• 2 to 2.5 ounces for a soft shell tail
• 2.5 to 3 ounces for a hard shell tail

This is because hard shell tails generally yield a bit more meat. The meat itself is comprised of these portions:

• Tail meat fillet (largest portion)
• Tail fins (smaller pieces on the underside)
• Tail knuckle meat

You can expect the fillet or main portion of a 4 ounce tail to be about 5 to 6 inches long when removed from the shell. It will be 1 to 1.5 inches wide. The total edible meat should fill a volume of around 1/4 cup when chopped up.

How Many People Will a 4 Ounce Tail Serve?

A standard 4 ounce lobster tail provides a decent single serving for one person. Two 4 ounce tails would comfortably serve two people. Here are some general lobster tail serving guidelines:

• 2-3 ounce tail: Snack size for one
• 4 ounce tail: Single serving for one
• 8 ounce tail: Single serving for one or two people to share
• 12 ounce tail: Two people
• 16 ounce tail: Two to three people

If serving surf and turf with a steak, one 4 ounce lobster tail per person is ideal. For a lobster tail focused meal with multiple sides, you may want to serve two tails per person.

How to Cook a 4 Ounce Lobster Tail

A 4 ounce lobster tail can be prepared many ways, including steaming, boiling, baking, grilling, broiling, sautéing, or frying.

• Steaming takes 5-7 minutes
• Boiling takes 3-5 minutes
• Baking or grilling takes 10-12 minutes at 400°F

Check for doneness by ensuring the meat is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Avoid overcooking as this can make the texture rubbery. Brush with butter before and after cooking to keep the meat extra moist and flavorful. Serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.

Price of 4 Ounce Lobster Tails

As a benchmark, 4 ounce raw lobster tails cost $8 to $15 each depending on the source and quality. Here are some general price ranges:

• 2-3 ounce tails: $5 to $9 each
• 4 ounce tails: $8 to $15 each
• 8 ounce tails: $16 to $25 each
• 12 ounce tails: $25 to $35 each

Lobster tails sold in grocery stores are typically a bit cheaper than those ordered online or bought from a fresh seafood market. Prices also fluctuate depending on the lobster supply and season.

Buying Tip for 4 Ounce Lobster Tails

When shopping for any size lobster tails, choose tails labeled as “hard shell” when possible. Hard shell tails will have denser, sweeter meat with a more satisfying texture. Soft shell tails often have more water weight.

For peak flavor and freshness, buy raw lobster tails instead of pre-cooked. This allows you to cook them right before serving. Raw tails can keep for up to 2 days in the fridge or 6 months in the freezer.

Freezing 4 Ounce Lobster Tails

To freeze a raw 4 ounce lobster tail:

1. Wrap the tail tightly in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.

2. Place in a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible.

3. Freeze for up to 6 months.

To thaw:

1. Place frozen tail in fridge for 12-24 hours until completely thawed.

2. Cook as desired, allowing a few extra minutes of cooking time.

3. Do not refreeze thawed tails.

Freezing traps in moisture and slows enzyme activity, helping to optimize texture. Thaw tails slowly and cook immediately for best flavor and juiciness.

Common Questions about 4 Ounce Lobster Tails

Are smaller tails more tender?

Not necessarily. Tail tenderness depends more on the lobster’s shell hardness, freshness, and cooking method. Both large and small tails can be tender if handled properly.

Can I break a large tail in half?

Yes, you can break a larger tail in half to create two smaller portions. Cut through the middle of the meatier side, not the thin shell underside.

How long do raw tails last in the fridge?

Raw lobster tails will keep 1-2 days in the fridge. Place in a container on a bottom shelf, away from warmer air. Don’t wash before storing.

Should I eat the green tomalley inside?

The green liver-like tomalley is edible but has a strong flavor. Many people avoid it, but it’s safe to eat in small amounts.

The Bottom Line

A 4 ounce lobster tail provides a nice single serving with approximately 2.5 to 3 ounces of delicious meat. The tail will measure around 6 to 7 inches long. Adjust portion sizes depending on your menu. Savor the sweet, succulent flavor of a perfectly cooked 4 ounce lobster tail!