How to Eat a Lobster Tail Like a Pro

Lobster tails are considered a delicacy by many seafood lovers. With their sweet, tender meat and rich, buttery flavor, it’s easy to see why. However, eating lobster tail can be intimidating if you’ve never done it before. There’s a bit of work involved to extract all that luscious meat from the shell, but trust me, it’s worth it.

As a seafood enthusiast who grew up in Maine, I’ve been eating lobster since I could hold a cracker Over the years, I’ve perfected my technique and can now easily enjoy every morsel With my handy guide, you’ll be eating lobster tail like a pro in no time.

Get Equipped with the Proper Tools

Before you start, make sure you have the right tools on hand This will make the process much easier. Here’s what you’ll need

• Bib or napkin – Lobster can get messy, so protect your clothes.

• Crackers or lobster picks – To break open the shell and pull out meat.

• Small fork – For removing meat and dipping in butter.

• Kitchen shears – To cut through shell if needed.

• Sharp knife – To slice tail in half lengthwise. A serrated bread knife works great.

• Seafood fork – The curved prongs help pull meat out.

• Wet napkins – For cleaning your hands.

• Small bowl – For discarding shells and debris.

Pro Tip: Chill the Tail First

I recommend sticking the lobster tails in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before prepping. This firms up the meat, making it easier to extract in one piece.

Prep Like a Pro

Now comes the fun part—cracking open the shell! Follow these steps for perfect tail prep:

1. Rinse the tail under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.

2. Bend the tail back and forth to loosen the meat inside.

3. Position the tail upside down on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife or kitchen shears, cut lengthwise through the center of the shell from top to base.

4. Pull the halves apart with your hands to crack open the shell. Watch for sharp edges.

5. Use a pick to remove the vein that runs along the top of the meat. Discard it.

6. Slide a fork or pick under the meat and gently pry it away from the shell. Try to remove it in one whole piece.

7. Give the tail a final rinse under cold water to remove any debris. Pat dry.

And that’s it! Your tail is prepped and ready for delicious dipping and dunking.

The Best Dipping Sauces

Now onto my favorite part—the dipping sauces! Lobster tail is amazing on its own, but the right sauce takes it to a whole new level. Here are my top picks:

• Melted butter – This classic pairing allows the sweet lobster flavor to shine. For next level flavor, mix in fresh lemon juice, garlic, parsley and a pinch of cayenne.

• Hollandaise – The rich, eggy flavor is a natural fit. I love this sauce’s velvety texture and tangy kick.

• Mayonnaise – Specifically, lobster salad dressing. The creamy base mixed with lobster stock is outrageous. Dunking the meat transforms it into a mini lobster roll.

• Drawn butter – Butter cooked with the lobster shells, then strained. Intensifies that sweet briny taste.

• Mustard sauce – Spicy mustard and mayo kicked up with lemon and herbs. A bright, tangy complement.

Feel free to experiment with your own signature dipping sauces as well!

Eating and Savoring Each Bite

Now for my favorite part—devouring the lobster! Here are my tips for mindful eating:

• Take small bites and savor each one. Don’t rush through it!

• Try alternating bites of plain lobster with dunks in the sauce.

• Use your hands! Picking up the meat with your fingers helps you get the full experience.

• Suck the buttery juices from the legs, knuckles and body. So much flavor!

• Go slowly and take time to enjoy. This is a meal to be savored.

If you need a drink pairing, I’d go with something crisp and acidic like Sauvignon Blanc, Chablis or Champagne. This will cut through the richness perfectly.

Getting Every Last Morsel

As you finish your tail, get in there with your pick and fork to pull out every tiny bit of meat. Here are some spots you don’t want to miss:

• The legs and knuckles. Crack them open for tasty morsels.

• Inside the shell. Run your fork around to find hidden treasures.

• Around the swimmerets. Lots of sweet meat here if you dig.

• In the channels and crevices. Your pick can reach all the nooks.

Don’t stop until you’ve picked that tail completely clean!

Leftover Tail Meats

If you have leftover lobster tail meat, you have lots of delicious options for putting it to use:

• Make lobster rolls served on grilled buns with lettuce and mayo.

• Toss with pasta, olive oil, tomatoes and Parmesan.

• Mix into risotto along with peas and lemon zest.

• Fill omelets, frittatas or scrambled eggs.

• Top salads, wedge lettuce or tomato slices.

• Stir into seafood bisques, chowders or soups.

See? No lobster ever has to go to waste! Get creative with the leftovers.

Cracking Open a Whole Lobster

While tails are the easiest route, you can also go for the full lobster experience. Here’s my method for preparing a whole steamed lobster:

1. Start by twisting off the claws. Crack them open using a lobster cracker.

2. Next, separate the tail from the body by gripping it firmly in both hands and twisting it away.

3. Flip the tail over and split it open lengthwise using kitchen shears. Remove the meat.

4. Break the body in half and crack open the legs. Extract the meat using picks.

5. Scoop out the tomalley (green stuff) in the body cavity and discard. Don’t eat this part!

6. Give all the pieces a final rinse under water before eating.

This process takes a little more work, but being able to dip the claw, tail and leg meat makes it worth it!

Leftover Shells

Don’t throw those empty shells away! Here are some great ways to use them:

• Make lobster stock by simmering shells in water with vegetables, herbs and wine. Strain and use for seafood risottos, stews and more.

• Stuff shells with breadcrumb and seafood mixtures, then bake until golden brown.

• Crush up shells and use to border your garden beds. The calcium is great fertilizer for plants!

• Sprinkle crushed shells on slippery outdoor steps and walkways for traction.

So save those shells—they still have purpose!

Eating Lobster is a Treat

Well, there you have it—everything you need to know to eat lobster tail like an expert! While it takes some work, this sweet delicacy is worth every bite. Savor the experience by going slow and dipping each morsel in decadent, flavorful sauces. Don’t forget to suck out all the juices and get each last bit of meat!