How to Cook Lobster Tails to Perfection: The Complete Guide

Lobster tails are such a delicious and decadent seafood treat When cooked properly, the tender meat paired with the sweet flavor and crunch from the shell is amazing. However, with lobster tails being on the pricier side, you don’t want to mess them up

As a seafood fanatic, I’ve learned a lot of tips and tricks for cooking lobster tails perfectly every time. In this complete guide, I’ll share everything you need to know to make tender, juicy lobster tails at home.

Picking the Best Lobster Tails

You want to start with the highest quality lobster tails possible Here’s what to look for

• Size – Get tails that are at least 5-6 ounces or larger for best value. Smaller tails are pricier per ounce

• Color – Pick tails with a bright red shell and white flesh. Avoid any discoloration.

• Firmness – Raw tails should feel solid. The meat shouldn’t move around when handled.

• Smell – Raw lobster has a mild sea breeze aroma. Avoid any ammonia odor.

• Source – Wild caught, cold water lobster from North America is best quality.

• Price – Expect to pay $8 to $15 per pound depending on size. Sales prices can be cheaper.

Thawing Frozen Lobster Tails

If using frozen tails, properly thaw them first:

• Place tails in a bowl and thaw overnight in the fridge.

• For quicker thawing, keep tails sealed and run cold water over the bag.

• Never thaw at room temperature or in hot water.

Once thawed, rinse with cold water before cooking. Blot dry completely with paper towels.

Preparing Raw Lobster Tails

Before cooking, prepare raw lobster tails:

• Using kitchen shears, cut straight down the center of the shell.

• Loosen the meat and lift up gently from the bottom shell.

• You can leave the meat attached at the base or remove completely.

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

• Brush flesh lightly with oil or melted butter to prevent sticking.

• Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, etc.

Cooking Methods

There are several ways to cook lobster tails. Here are some popular options:

Broiling

• Preheat broiler on high heat. Place tails shell-side up on a sheet pan.

• Broil 4-5 inches from heat for 5-7 minutes until opaque.

• Watch closely to avoid overcooking.

Boiling

• In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil.

• Boil tails for 5-7 minutes depending on size.

• Drain and serve with melted butter.

Grilling

• Preheat grill to medium-high heat.

• Grill tails shell-side down for 2-3 minutes per side.

• Brush with butter or oil to keep moist.

Baking

• Bake tails on a baking sheet at 425°F for 10-12 minutes.

• Tent with foil if needed to prevent over-baking.

Air Frying

• Air fry at 400°F for 6-8 minutes until meat is opaque.

• Flip tails halfway during cooking.

• Brush with oil or butter before air frying.

Sous Vide

• Seal tails in a sous vide bag with butter and seasoning.

• Cook at 115°F for 45 minutes for medium rare texture.

Checking Doneness

Lobster overcooks easily so monitor it closely. It’s done when:

• The flesh is opaque and whitish, not glassy or clear.

• A meat thermometer inserted in thickest part reads 135°F.

• The meat feels firm yet tender when pressed.

• Juices run clear when pierced with a fork.

Serving Suggestions

Jazz up your lobster tails with:

• Melted butter for dipping.

• Fresh lemon wedges.

• Chopped parsley, chives or dill.

• Garlic cloves or drawn butter.

• Special sauces like rémoulade, aioli or hollandaise.

Pair it with fresh bread, roasted potatoes or a green salad for a restaurant-worthy meal.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Cooked lobster tails keep well for 2-3 days refrigerated. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking.

• Warm up boiled tails by steaming briefly until heated through.

• Bake, broil or grill leftover broiled tails for a minute or two.

• For grilled tails, reheat quickly on the grill or in the oven.

• Add lobster meat to pasta, rice dishes, tacos, etc.

With these handy tips for selecting, preparing and cooking lobster tails, you can master cooking this luxurious seafood at home. Impress your dinner guests with tender, juicy lobster tails cooked just right.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to cook lobster tails?

Cook times range from 5 to 8 minutes depending on size. A good rule of thumb is 5-7 minutes for a 5-6 ounce tail. Larger tails over 8 ounces may need up to 10 minutes.

Can you cook frozen lobster tails?

Yes, frozen tails can be cooked directly without thawing first. Just add 2-3 extra minutes to the cook time. Thawing first is best for food safety.

What’s the best way to cook lobster tails?

Broiling, grilling and baking are easy methods that produce tender, flavorful results. Boiling and steaming work well too. Ultimately it comes down to personal preference.

Should you split lobster tails before cooking?

Splitting or butterflying tails helps heat penetrate faster for more even cooking. It also allows you to season the meat directly. Leaving tails unsplit is fine too.

How do you know when lobster tails are done?

Check for opaque, white meat, firm texture, internal temp of 135°F and clear juices running out when poked. Undercooked meat will be translucent.

Can you reheat cooked lobster tails?

Yes, leftover lobster can be gently reheated either in the shell or shelled. Steam, bake or grill for just 1-2 minutes until warmed through to avoid overcooking.

What ingredients go well with lobster tails?

Lemon, butter, garlic, parsley and chives are classic pairings. Consider flavored butters, aioli, hollandaise sauce or rémoulade to dress up lobster tails.