To cook lobster tails, you have several effective methods including broiling, baking, steaming, grilling, air frying, and using an Instant Pot. Here's a detailed overview:
Preparation (Butterflying Lobster Tails)
- Use kitchen scissors to cut down the center of the lobster shell on the top, being careful not to cut the meat.
- Crack the shell open and gently lift the meat out, keeping it attached at the base.
- Place the meat on top of the shell for even cooking and presentation
Cooking Methods
1. Broiling
- Preheat the oven broiler and place lobster tails on a baking dish with the meat side up.
- Brush with a marinade or garlic lemon butter (olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, butter, parsley).
- Broil for 6-11 minutes depending on size (small tails 6-8 min, medium 10-11 min).
- Lobster meat should be opaque and reach an internal temperature of 145°F
2. Baking
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Place lobster tails on a baking sheet, brush with garlic butter or olive oil mixture.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until meat is firm and opaque
3. Steaming
- Bring about 1 inch of water to boil in a large pot.
- Steam lobster tails for about 8 minutes until cooked through
4. Grilling
- Preheat grill to high heat (~400°F).
- Place lobster tails meat side down for 5-6 minutes to get grill marks.
- Flip and grill for another 2-4 minutes until opaque and firm.
- Serve with melted lemon herb butter
5. Air Fryer
- Cook lobster tails at 350°F for about 7 minutes until opaque and firm
6. Instant Pot
- Add ½ cup water and place lobster tails on the trivet.
- Pressure cook on manual for 2 minutes; natural release or quick release.
- If needed, keep warm for 5 more minutes until fully cooked
Serving Suggestions
- Serve lobster tails with melted garlic lemon butter for dipping.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges
This approach ensures tender, flavorful lobster tails with a slight garlic and lemon accent, cooked perfectly by your preferred method.
