To cook lobster tails perfectly, follow these steps:
Preparation (Butterflying Lobster Tails)
- Use kitchen shears to cut down the center of the top shell lengthwise, stopping before the tail fin. Be careful to cut only the shell, not the meat.
- Crack the shell open and gently lift the lobster meat out, keeping it attached at the base of the tail.
- Place the meat on top of the shell, exposing it for even cooking
Seasoning and Sauce
- Prepare a garlic lemon butter sauce by mixing melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and optional seasonings like parsley, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- Brush or drizzle this sauce generously over the lobster meat to keep it juicy and flavorful during cooking
Cooking Methods
Broiling (Most Popular)
- Preheat the oven to broil on high (around 500°F or 260°C).
- Place the lobster tails on a baking sheet about 4-6 inches from the broiler.
- Broil for about 1 minute per ounce of lobster tail (e.g., 10 minutes for a 10-ounce tail) until the meat is opaque and lightly browned.
- Internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C)
Baking
- Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).
- Place lobster tails on a rimmed baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the meat is firm, opaque, and shells are bright red
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
Air Fryer
- Cook lobster tails at 350°F for about 7 minutes until opaque and firm
Instant Pot (Pressure Cooking)
- Add ½ cup water and place lobster tails on a trivet inside the Instant Pot.
- Pressure cook on manual for 2 minutes, then manually release pressure.
- If not done, keep warm for 5 more minutes
Serving
- Serve immediately with melted garlic lemon butter sauce and lemon wedges.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired
This method ensures tender, juicy lobster tails with a flavorful buttery finish.
