How to Cook Lobster Tail

Step 1

Defrost tails in the refrigerator overnight, then rinse with cool water and dry with paper towels.

Step 2

For a quick thaw method, submerge lobster tails in a bowl of cool water for 30 minutes. For large tails discard the water and refill the bowl another 30 minutes, or until flesh is flexible and no longer icy.

Step 3

For a beautiful presentation with the meat on top of the shell. Works for all cooking methods except boiling.

Step 4

Using sharp kitchen shears cut the top part of the shell lengthwise. Start from the exposed meat side down to just before the tail fin.

Step 5

Remove any dark-lined digestive tract that runs down the middle of the tail if present and discard. Wash the tail with cool water and dry thoroughly.

Step 6

Flip the lobster tail over with the abdomen facing up. Use your thumbs to gently press the ribs to crack them. This will make it easier to open the top part of the shell and remove the meat.

Step 7

Open the shell starting at the wide base of the tail, run your fingers between the meat and shell to release. Carefully lift the meat out, but keep it attached to the tail end. Lay the lobster meat on top of the shell.

Step 8

Add water and salt to a large pot making sure its enough to cover the lobster tails.

Step 9

Bring the water to a boil, then carefully add the tails to the pot.

Step 10

Cook until the meat is translucent, pinkish-white, and shells are red, about 1 minute per ounce.

Step 11

Drain and allow to slightly cool before opening the shell to remove the meat. Add desired seasonings.

Step 12

Add 2 inches of water to a large pot, then place the steamer basket on top.

Step 13

Bring water to a boil, once the steam has formed add the lobster tails and cover. Do not overcrowd the pot, work in batches if needed.

Step 14

Cook until the meat is firm, pinkish-white in color, and the shell is red, about 45 to 60 seconds per ounce. Keep a close eye on appearance change as it can overcook quickly. Add desired seasonings.

Step 15

Set the oven rack to the middle position and preheat to 425ºF (218ºC).

Step 16

Brush the lobster with melted butter, and season with salt, pepper, and paprika if desired.

Step 17

Place lobster tails in a baking dish, then add just enough water or wine to cover the bottom of the pan, about ½ cup.

Step 18

Bake until the flesh is firm and pinkish-white, about 1 to 2 minutes per ounce.

Step 19

Brush the flesh with melted butter and season with salt, pepper and paprika if desired.

Step 20

Place tails, flesh-side up on a foil-lined baking sheet.

Step 21

Set the oven rack to the upper position, about 10-inches from the broiler.

Step 22

Broil until the shell is red in color and meat is firm, pinkish-white and cooked through, about 5 to 8 minutes depending on the size.

Step 23

After 4 minutes of cooking time, check every minute after to prevent over-cooking.

Step 24

Preheat the grill over medium heat for 15 minutes, between 350 to 400ºF (177 to 204ºC).

Step 25

Clean the grill and then grease with oil.

Step 26

Brush the lobster with melted butter, season with salt, pepper and paprika if using.

Step 27

If cooking lobster in the shell, grill flesh-side down if cut in half, cook until lightly browned, 4 to 5 minutes. Flip and cook until the flesh is pinkish-white in color.

Step 28

If cooking butterflied lobster tail, place on the grill flesh-side up. Cook until the flesh is pinkish-white, at least 10 minutes. More time will be needed for larger tails.

Step 29

In a small bowl melt butter in the microwave in 30-second intervals, or melt over medium-low heat in a small pot on the stovetop.

Step 30

Once melted, whisk in garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and lemon juice.

Step 31

Serve on the side with cooked lobster tails.