While out to eat, you feel like Maine lobster, so you order a whole lobster and have it brought to your table. What do you do first? Some people don’t like having the lobster stare at them with its beady eyes and the whole thing taking up their plate, but they have enjoyed the benefits of having it broken up and eaten. They move their focus elsewhere, such as to the tail or claw meat, and tackle it first. Crusher Claw from a.
But what’s the best thing about lobster? The meat is mild and sweet, and it’s firm and has some fibers in it. The tail meat is firmer than the meat from the claws. Some people love the meat from the lobster tail, while others love cooking the legs and pulling the meat out of the claws. Or perhaps something else?.
Lobster is one of the most iconic and coveted seafood delicacies. With its sweet, succulent meat and elegant appearance, it’s no wonder why lobster is a luxury food item that people splurge on for special occasions. But when it comes to enjoying this crustacean, you have options – lobster tail or whole lobster. So what exactly is the difference, and is lobster tail really the same thing as lobster? Let’s find out.
Anatomy of a Lobster
To understand the differences between lobster tail and whole lobster, we first need to understand the anatomy of a lobster. A lobster has two main body parts – the cephalothorax (head section) and the abdomen (tail section).
The cephalothorax houses the lobster’s face mouth, stomach, digestive organs, legs and claws. This is the section where you’ll find the desirable claw meat.
The abdomen is the familiar tail that can flap back and forth to propel the lobster through water. The tail contains a significant portion of edible lobster meat.
- Cephalothorax = head/thorax, houses claws and organs
- Abdomen = tail, contains tail meat
What is Lobster Tail?
Lobster tail refers specifically to the abdomen or tail portion of the lobster. When you order lobster tails at a restaurant or purchase them at the grocery store, you are buying just the tail sections that have been removed from the whole lobster.
The tail is separated right where it connects to the body The shell is left intact, but the tail can be split open to access the meat inside.
Lobster tails are a popular option for a few reasons:
- Convenience – The tails come pre-cooked so they just need to be heated up.
- Portion control – One tail makes a perfect single serving.
- Easy to eat – The meat slides right out of the open shell.
- Presentation – The tails look elegant and sophisticated on the plate.
So in short, lobster tail allows you to enjoy the sweet tail meat easily without having to prep a whole lobster.
What is Whole Lobster?
Whole lobster refers to cooking and eating the entire lobster – claws, legs, tail and all. This is the classic way people enjoy lobster.
When you order a whole lobster at a restaurant, it comes to the table intact. The challenge is then digging into the shell to extract all the meat in the claws, legs and tail.
The advantages of whole lobster include:
- More meat – You gain access to the claw, leg, and body meat.
- Full experience – The fun of cracking it open yourself.
- Flavor – Fresher, more intense flavor when cooked from raw.
- Value – More lobster for your money.
Whole lobster provides the authentic, no-holds-barred lobster experience.
Key Differences Between Lobster Tail and Whole Lobster
Now that we understand what each option entails, let’s look at some key differences:
- Meat amount – A whole lobster contains around 4-6 oz of meat depending on the size. A single tail may have 2-4 oz.
- Parts – Tail meat only vs. meat from claws, legs, tail, and body.
- Preparation – Lobster tails come pre-cooked. Whole lobster needs to be cooked.
- Convenience – Tails are ready faster. Whole lobster requires work.
- Price – Lobster tails cost more per pound due to processing.
- Flavor – Some prefer the fresher flavor of cooking whole.
- Experience – Whole lobster is more interactive and hands-on.
So in essence, lobster tail trades convenience for less meat, while whole lobster provides more meat and flavor at the expense of effort. Which option you choose comes down to personal eating preferences.
Does Lobster Tail Taste Different Than Whole Lobster?
This is a key question many people have. Is the flavor different between lobster tail and the tail meat from a whole cooked lobster?
The answer is yes, there can be subtle differences in flavor based on how fresh the lobster is and how it is prepared:
- Cooking method – Lobster tails are steamed then frozen. Whole lobster is cooked fresh.
- Freezing – Frozen tails lose some freshness and tend to absorb fridge odors.
- Preparation – You control seasonings and cooking for whole lobster.
- Sweetness – Some feel tail meat is sweeter when cooked fresh from a whole lobster.
However, a properly thawed and heated lobster tail can still provide that delicious, sweet lobster flavor. It comes down to your palate and cooking skills.
Lobster Tail Buying Tips
If you opt for lobster tails, keep these buying tips in mind:
- Check the source – Look for wild-caught vs farmed to ensure quality. Maine and Canada have the best reputation.
- Species matters – American lobster (Homarus americanus) is considered superior. Avoid spiny lobster tails.
- Color is key – Opt for tails with a reddish-brown or blackish-green shell, not pale or spotty. This indicates higher quality.
- Go raw – Raw, uncooked tails will taste fresher when you cook them yourself.
- Check for damage – Make sure the shell isn’t cracked or leaking.
- Consider sustainability – Ask how the lobster was caught to make the eco-friendly choice.
Following these tips will help ensure your lobster tail provides the best texture and flavor.
How to Cook Lobster Tails vs. Whole Lobster
Preparing each type of lobster requires different techniques:
Lobster Tails
- Thaw frozen tails overnight in the fridge.
- Use kitchen shears to cut through the top of the shell.
- Brush with melted butter and season.
- Grill, broil or bake 7-9 minutes until opaque.
Whole Lobster
- Plunge live lobster headfirst into rapidly boiling water.
- Cook for 7-10 minutes per pound.
- Cool slightly then twist off claws and tail.
- Use lobster crackers to extract the meat.
The hands-on effort is much higher for whole lobsters, but some enjoy the process. Lobster tails are a convenient shortcut.
Nutrition Comparison
Both lobster tails and whole lobster are low in calories and fat, but high in protein:
- 3 oz lobster tail: 90 calories, 18g protein, 1.5g fat
- 3 oz lobster meat from whole: 89 calories, 19g protein, 1g fat
The nutrition stats are nearly identical. The main advantage of whole lobster is you gain more meat and therefore more protein per lobster.
The Verdict: Not Quite the Same, But Still Delicious
When you dig into the details, it’s clear that lobster tails and whole lobster are not exactly the same. Key differences include:
- The amount and variety of meat
- Convenience versus authentic experience
- Preparation required
- Subtle differences in texture and flavor
However, lobster tail still provides that sweet coveted lobster flavor. Many people actually prefer the tender texture of the tail.
So while not a perfect substitute, lobster tails can satisfy your craving for lobster in a more accessible way. The choice ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and priorities. Both options are delicious – just in slightly different ways.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use lobster tail meat in recipes calling for lobster meat?
Yes, lobster tail meat can be substituted in any recipe calling for lobster meat, like lobster rolls, pasta, or seafood salad. The flavor is a little milder but still works great.
Are lobster tails cost effective?
Pound for pound, lobster tails are typically more expensive than purchasing a whole live or cooked lobster. You pay a premium for the convenience. However, a single tail may be a more budget-friendly option if cooking a whole lobster is too pricey.
Why are some lobster tails more expensive?
Lobster tails from cold water regions like Maine and Canada command a higher price. Tails from warm water locales like the Caribbean are cheaper but not as highly regarded. Larger, heavier tails also cost more per pound than smaller tails.
Can I freeze cooked lobster tail?
Yes, you can freeze cooked lobster tail in an airtight container or bag for 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating gently. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
What are easy ways to cook lobster tail at home?
Some easy cooking methods for lobster tails include steaming
Lobsters can Be Left or Right Handed!
On most lobsters, these specialized hands tend to be on the same side. However, some lobsters are “left handed” and the crushing and cutting claws are switched. Some are even ambidextrous! Whichever claw is larger tends to be the claw of favor.
Why We Love the Tail the Best
If you’re hungry and don’t want to wait, a lobster tail has a lot more meat and is easier to pull out with a fork. Learn how to crack open and deconstruct a whole cooked lobster.
It is more common for the tail meat to be tougher than the claw meat when lobsters flap their tails and move around in the water.