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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 tails are a delicious and luxurious seafood treat. However, cooking them can seem intimidating for home cooks. Lobster tails are expensive come in a tough shell, and can easily be overcooked. So how long should you boil lobster tails to achieve tender, juicy meat?
Theexact boiling time depends on the size of the tails. The general rule is to boil lobster tails for 5-8 minutes per 1 ounce of meat. So for a typical 4-5 ounce tail, you’ll want to boil for 20-25 minutes.
Keep reading for a detailed guide to perfectly cooked lobster tails every time!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Boiling Lobster Tails
Follow these simple steps for foolproof boiled lobster tails
1. Prepare a Large Pot with Salted Water
Fill a large stock pot about 2/3 full with water. Add 2-3 tablespoons of salt, which helps season the lobster and raises the boiling temperature so the water boils evenly. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
2. Prepare the Lobster Tails
Rinse the lobster tails under cool running water. Using kitchen shears, cut lengthwise along the top center of the shell from the base to the fin tip. This allows the lobster to cook evenly.
3. Boil the Tails
Once the water is rapidly boiling, use tongs to gently lower the lobster tails into the pot. Maintain a gentle boil and boil according to the time chart below based on the weight of the tails.
4. Check for Doneness
After the minimum cooking time, start checking for doneness. Carefully remove one tail and peek inside the shell. The lobster should be opaque and white, while the shell will turn bright red when cooked. Use a fork to test the texture – it should feel firm yet still tender.
If needed, place back in the water for 1-2 more minutes until cooked to your liking. Err on the side of slightly underdone.
5. Remove and Drain
When cooked through, use tongs to transfer the lobster tails to a colander to drain briefly.
6. Serve Immediately
Serve the lobster tails immediately for the best taste and texture. Enjoy with melted butter, fresh lemon, and fresh herbs.
Lobster Tail Boiling Time Chart
To perfectly boil lobster tails, you need to know exactly how long to boil them based on the size of the tails. Here are the recommended boiling times:
- 3 ounce tail: Boil for 5 minutes
- 4 ounce tail: Boil for 6-7 minutes
- 5 ounce tail: Boil for 7-8 minutes
- 6 ounce tail: Boil for 9-10 minutes
- 7 ounce tail: Boil for 10-11 minutes
- 8 ounce tail: Boil for 12 minutes
- 10 ounce tail: Boil for 13-15 minutes
- 12 ounce tail: Boil for 15-17 minutes
As you can see, the boiling time can vary quite a bit. To be exact, boil lobster tails for roughly 5-8 minutes per ounce. Track the weight of the tails and set your timer accordingly.
It’s also a good idea to begin checking 1-2 minutes before the minimum time, and then boil a minute or two longer if needed. Every stove and altitude cooks a bit differently. Checking for visual and textural doneness cues will guarantee perfect results.
Tips for the Best Boiled Lobster Tails
Keep these tips in mind for foolproof, flavorful boiled lobster tails:
- Only use live lobster tails, never frozen. Frozen tails will turn out rubbery.
- Prepare and cook the tails right before serving for optimal freshness.
- Cut the shell prior to boiling so the lobster cooks evenly.
- Use a large pot with plenty of water so the temperature recovers quickly after adding the tails.
- Add salt to the water as this seasons the lobster meat.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot. Cook tails in batches if needed.
- Maintain a gentle but steady boil as vigorous boiling can cause the meat to detach.
- Test for doneness early and boil a minute or two longer if needed for your desired consistency.
- Drain immediately after boiling since the lobster will continue to cook.
- Serve the lobster tails with melted butter, lemon wedges, and fresh parsley or dill.
Serving Suggestions
Beyond traditional herb-buttered lobster tails, here are some delicious ways to serve boiled lobster:
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Lobster rolls – Mix lobster meat with a touch of mayonnaise and celery, and serve on a toasted hot dog bun.
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Lobster salad – Chop lobster meat and toss with lettuce, tomato, avocado, and citrus vinaigrette.
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Lobster tacos – Warm tortillas, lobster meat, diced mango, shredded cabbage, cilantro, and chipotle crema.
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Lobster pasta – Toss cooked pasta with chunks of lobster meat, tomato, garlic, white wine, and Parmesan.
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Lobster thermidor – Make a creamy Parmesan and mustard sauce and bake atop lobster meat in the shells.
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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 to boil lobster tails?
The answer to the question “How long to cook lobster tails boil?” is: When boiling lobster tails, the general rule of thumb is to cook them for around 1 minute per ounce. So, for instance, if you have a 4-ounce lobster tail, it should be boiled for approximately 4 minutes.
How do you cook lobster tails in a steamer?
Place a steamer basket in a large pot and add about 2 inches of water. Cover pot and bring water to a boil. Once boiling, add lobster tails and cover again. Cook until tails are bright red and meat is opaque and tender. About 1 minute per ounce of lobster. Before you get started, you’ll need: Bring a large stockpot of salted water to a boil.
How do you cook frozen lobster tails?
Make sure frozen lobster tails are completely thawed before cooking. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Place tails in the boiling water and simmer, uncovered, until the shells turn red and the meat turns opaque and tender. The rule of thumb is to boil them for about 45 seconds per ounce.
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.