When you think of lobster tails, you might think of pricey restaurants and fancy dinner parties. I used to think that way until I tried making them at home and let me tell you, I was surprised by how easy it is to cook lobster tail at home! Once you get the hang of it, you can turn an easy dinner at home into a special occasion! I’m going to show you how to butterfly, prepare, and cook them so you get tender, juicy results every time. I’ve got some great tips for broiling, boiling, steaming, baking, and grilling the lobster, so you can pick the perfect method for you. The best-tasting lobster meat is sweet and a little bit briny. Dip the cooked meat in a garlicky butter sauce, and you have a taste sensation! If you want to turn your dinner into a special meal of fish and seafood, you can also try your hand at learning how to cook crab legs, poached shrimp, and poached salmon. And if you’re looking for a recipe that uses lobster meat, try my creamy lobster pasta!
Why You’ll Love Cooking Lobster Tail at Home
How to Buy Lobster
Let’s go over some tips on how to buy and prepare them. You want to look for either freshly caught (never frozen) tails, or frozen tails. Take a look at the color and make sure there is no discoloration. Also, give them a sniff if possible. They should smell neutral or slightly sweet. If you catch a whiff of a fishy smell, you’ll want to look elsewhere!
How to Thaw Frozen Lobster Tails
You always want to make sure when using frozen lobster tails that they are thawed completely before cooking them. There are a couple of methods you can use:
Overnight: Place the tails in a zip-top bag and lay them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any water from the thawing process. Let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Quick thaw: Fill a large bowl with cold water. Place them in a zip-top bag and submerge them in the water. Refresh the water every 20 minutes until the lobster has thawed completely.
How to Butterfly a Lobster Tail
A butterflied lobster tail always looks so elegant, plus it makes them easier to eat. The butterfly technique is when you cut the tail down the middle and open up the shell to reveal the meat inside. Butterflying is suitable for all cooking methods except for boiling. Follow the steps below to easily butterfly your lobster tails.
The Ingredients
Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Lobster tailsMelted unsalted butterMinced garlic clovesSweet paprikaSalt and ground black pepperChopped fresh parsley for garnish, and lemon wedges for serving.
How To Broil Lobster
This is the way I most often prepare my lobster tails. It takes very little time and the tails are always tender.
More Ways to Cook Lobster Tail
Tips for Cooking lobster
Storing Tips
While the cooked tails are best if eaten on the same day, you can store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To reheat the tails, cover with foil and heat in the oven at 325°F/163°C for 8–10 minutes.
What To Serve With Lobster
As with any seafood, you want the meat of the lobster to be the star of the show. You can serve it with rice or Crockpot Mashed Potatoes for a complete meal. A side Panzanella Salad or a Simple Tossed Green Salad for something a little lighter. Or just a few lemon wedges and melted butter for dipping. Some even like to make theirs a garlic butter! Save this recipe for the next time you want to treat your family to an extra special seafood dinner. Choose from any of the methods for an easy and impressive meal! Pin it for more people to enjoy too! © Little Sunny Kitchen
