A Complete Guide to Boiling Lobster Tails Perfectly Every Time

Lobster tails make for an indulgent, elegant meal that feels fit for a fancy restaurant But learning how to properly boil lobster tails at home is much easier than you might think With a few simple tips on prep, cook times, and seasoning, you can master cooking tender, delicious lobster tails through boiling.

Why Boil Lobster Tails?

While grilling, broiling, and baking are all options for cooking lobster tails, boiling is a foolproof method that delivers perfect results every time. The moist heat of boiling evenly cooks the lobster meat to tender perfection. It also infuses the lobster with flavor from the seasoned boiling liquid.

Compared to grilling or broiling boiling requires less focus on monitoring doneness. And it avoids potential drying or charring of the meat. Boiling also cooks the lobster safely and humanely by quickly plunging it into heated water.

Step 1: Prep the Lobster Tails

Before boiling, you’ll need to prep the lobster tails

• If frozen, thaw lobster tails overnight in the fridge. This takes 8-10 hours for a 1 pound package.

• Rinse the tails under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.

• Using kitchen shears or sharp knife, cut lengthwise down the center of the hard top shell and meat. Stop before cutting through the bottom shell.

• Spread the shell apart to expose the meat. The lobster meat may still be attached at the base.

• For seasoned flavor, you can brush the meat with melted butter or olive oil before boiling.

Step 2: Boil the Lobster Tails

To boil lobster tails:

• Fill a large pot with enough water to fully submerge the tails. Bring to a rolling boil.

• Add 2 tablespoons salt to the boiling water to season.

• Gently lower each lobster tail into the pot. Crowding will lower the temp.

• Cover and adjust heat to maintain a steady boil.

• Start checking doneness at 6 minutes. Ideal boil times are:

  • 3 oz tail: 3 minutes

  • 4 oz tail: 4 minutes

  • 5 oz tail: 5 minutes

  • 6 oz tail: 6 minutes

• Cook until the shell is bright red and the meat is opaque.

Step 3: Finish with Flavor

Once boiled to perfection, here are tasty ways to finish and serve your lobster tails:

• Serve with melted butter, clarified butter, or olive oil for dipping.

• Squeeze fresh lemon over the lobster meat.

• Sprinkle with fresh parsley, chives, garlic, or black pepper.

• Make a quick lemon garlic butter sauce for dipping.

• Drizzle with Hollandaise sauce for added richness.

Other Useful Tips for Boiling Lobster Tails

Follow these additional pointers to ensure perfect results when boiling lobster tails:

• For food safety, cook lobster tails within 2 days of purchase if fresh or thawed.

• Overcooking makes lobster rubbery, so stick to minimum cook times.

• Use whole un-cracked claws for fuller lobster flavor in the boiling water.

• For ease of eating, you can split lobster tails in half before or after boiling.

• Store leftover boiled lobster in the fridge up to 3 days in an airtight container.

• Boiled and shelled lobster meat works great in salads, pastas, tacos, and more!

Common Questions About Boiling Lobster Tails

Should you add anything to the boiling water?

Adding salt is recommended to infuse flavor. You can also add lemon, garlic, herbs, or spices to the water. Some recipes call for adding vinegar or wine to the boiling liquid.

Is it necessary to split lobster tails before boiling?

Splitting or cutting the shells before boiling is optional but recommended. It allows heat to penetrate faster and more evenly. And it makes removing the meat easier after cooking.

Can you boil frozen lobster tails?

Only boil thawed lobster tails. Frozen tails can be boiled once fully thawed in the refrigerator overnight. Boiling straight from frozen will result in uneven cooking.

How can you tell when lobster tails are done boiling?

Check for bright red shells and opaque, white meat. The meat should be firm but tender when poked with a fork or knife tip. Boil times vary based on size, so start checking early.

Should you boil lobster alive or dead?

To ensure humane preparation, only boil lobster tails, not whole live lobsters. Severing the body quickly is key to minimizing suffering.

Enjoy Lobster Any Night of the Week

While lobster may seem too indulgent for everyday eating, boiling pre-shelled tails makes preparing this delicious seafood suprisingly easy and accessible. Keep tails on hand in your freezer, then thaw and boil them whenever a special meal is in order.

Following the simple tips above will help you nail perfectly tender lobster tails through quick, foolproof boiling. Soon you’ll be enjoying restaurant-quality lobster in the comfort of your own home. Feel free to get creative with dressings and seasonings too.

So don’t reserve lobster just for birthdays and anniversaries. Treat yourself to these succulent seafood delights as a weeknight reward or impromptu celebration. With the convenient boiling method, a fancy lobster feast can be on your table in under 15 minutes flat!