When Is Lobster Tail Done? A Guide to Perfectly Cooking Lobster Tails

Lobster tails are a delicious and luxurious seafood treat When properly cooked, the sweet, tender meat paired with the briny ocean flavor is incredible However, it’s easy to over or undercook lobster tails, resulting in rubbery, chewy, or mushy meat. Knowing when your lobster tail is done is key to achieving lobster tail perfection.

In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to cook lobster tails to tender, juicy perfection every time.

How to Tell When Lobster Tails Are Done

The easiest way to test doneness for lobster tails is to use an instant-read thermometer. Insert the thermometer at the thickest part of the lobster tail avoiding the shell.

Here are the target temperatures for perfectly cooked lobster:

• Rare – 100°F (38°C)
• Medium Rare – 120°F (49°C)
• Medium – 125°F (52°C)
• Medium Well – 130°F (54°C)
• Well Done – 140°F (60°C)

For medium doneness, which is the most common way to enjoy lobster, cook until the thickest part of the tail registers 125°F.

If you don’t have a thermometer, there are a few visual cues to look for:

• The shell will turn bright red when done.
• The lobster meat will become opaque and white throughout when cooked through. No translucent flesh should remain.
• When pierced with a knife tip, the juices that leak out will be milky white, not clear.

The tail will also curl under itself when fully cooked.

Cooking Times for Different Methods

Cooking times can vary widely depending on the size of your lobster tails, preparation method, and desired doneness.

Here are some general guidelines for achieving medium doneness:

• Broiling: 4-6 minutes for a 5-7 oz tail
• Steaming: 6-8 minutes for a 5-7 oz tail
• Boiling: 5 minutes for a 5-7 oz tail
• Baking: 15 minutes at 350°F for a 5-7 oz tail
• Grilling: 6-8 minutes for a 5-7 oz tail

Smaller tails around 3-4 oz may take 2-3 minutes less, while larger 8-10 oz tails may need an extra 2-4 minutes. Adjust cooking times as needed based on thermometer readings or visual tests.

It’s always best to err on the side of slightly underdone when unsure. You can always cook a bit longer, but you can’t reverse overcooking.

Tips for Maximizing Tenderness

There are a few simple tricks you can use to help ensure tender, juicy lobster tail meat:

• Thaw frozen tails overnight in the fridge before cooking. Never cook frozen.
• Cut the shell prior to cooking for more even cooking.
• Brush with butter before and during cooking to prevent drying out.
• Don’t overcook. Carefully follow recommended cooking times.
• Allow the lobster to rest for 5 minutes before eating.

Proper thawing and resting are two especially important steps that are often overlooked.

Common Mistakes

It’s easy to commit lobster tail cooking cardinal sins if you aren’t careful. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Cooking straight from frozen – Always thaw in the fridge overnight first.
• Overcooking – Follow recommended cooking times closely.
• No resting period – Allow the lobster to rest before serving.
• No basting – Brush with butter to prevent drying out.
• Uneven cooking – Cut shells prior to cooking for more even heat exposure.
• Microwaving – This always leads to rubbery, unevenly cooked meat.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to cook a frozen lobster tail?

Never cook frozen lobster tails directly. Always thaw overnight in the refrigerator first, then cook according to the guidelines above. Cooking frozen will lead to uneven cooking.

Can you overcook lobster tails?

Yes, lobster can easily be overcooked. Once the internal temperature exceeds 140°F, the texture quickly becomes rubbery and dry. Follow recommended cooking times and use a thermometer.

Is broiling or steaming better for lobster tails?

Both broiling and steaming are excellent methods for cooking lobster tails. Broiling is faster and gives great char flavor. Steaming evenly cooks the meat while keeping it very moist and tender. It comes down to personal preference.

Should you cut lobster tails before cooking?

Yes, cutting through the shell before cooking allows for more even heat penetration into the meat, preventing over or undercooking different parts.

Can I reheat leftover lobster tails?

It’s best to avoid reheating cooked lobster tails if possible, as this dries out the meat. But you can reheat gently either in the shell or shelled in butter in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave at 50% power.

The Takeaway

Perfectly cooked lobster tail is a gourmet treat. For tender, flaky meat, cook thawed tails to an internal temperature of 125°F and allow to rest before serving. Avoid common mistakes like cooking from frozen and overcooking. With these tips, you’ll be enjoying restaurant-quality lobster tails at home.