Lobster tails are a magnificent alternative to buying lobsters whole (see tips in buying lobster tails). In fact, they often have more meat than any other part of the body. You can prepare them in a variety of ways. The meat is soft and delicate, and can be ready in as little as 5 minutes. What is the best way to cook lobster tails? It all depends on the type of tails you have and the method of cooking you prefer.
Types of Lobster Tails
To know the best way to cook lobster tails, you first need to learn from which waters they come. Lobster tails can either be from warm or cold waters. Cold waters are those in the Americas, while warm waters refer to those in countries like Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Lobster tails from colder waters are usually more costly than those from cold waters. When purchasing, make sure you ask your vendor where the tails originate.
What are the Best Ways to Cook Lobster Tails?
The best way to cook lobster tails can be baking, grilling or steaming them. Cooking time depends on the size of your lobster, which can be between 3 to 24 ounces. Lobster tails from warm and cold water can be prepared the same way. However, cold-water tails tend to provide better quality meat than warm-water ones.
Baking Lobster Tails
Lobster tails have a hard shell and soft shell. Before baking, take a knife and cut through the soft shell lengthwise to get to the meat. Brush butter gently onto the meat and place in your baking dish or on a tray shell-side down. Bake inside a preheated oven at 200 degrees or 400 F for 8 to 10 minutes. When it’s ready, the meat should have an opaque color.
Cook the Lobster Tails on the Grill
One of the best ways to cook lobster tails is to grill them. You can either insert a skewer into the tails or split the soft shell lengthwise with a knife and pull the meat out a little bit. Season the meat as desired (as simple as salt and pepper will do). Preheat the grill and slip them in to grill for 7 to 8 minutes in medium heat. Meat should turn opaque and lose its transparency. You can turn the lobster meat side down, but make sure to spray your grill with a cooking spray to prevent the meat from sticking. I use a grill spray that can withstand high heat.
Steaming Lobster Tails
For steaming, pour one cup of water into a pan and a pinch of salt. Insert a skewer through the length of the tail and place it on a steaming rack inside the pan. Steam covered for 7 to 8 minutes and drain.
Tips for Cooking Lobster Tails
Seasoning meat is important to enhance the flavor. The best way to cook lobster tails is to season lightly with butter, garlic powder, lemon juice, olive oil, salt and any other type of seasoning you prefer. Make sure you don’t season it so much that you lose the taste of the meat. When steaming, you have the option to also use a skewer or cocktail stick, but placing the lobster directly on the steamer is all right.
Lobster tails are delicacies you can enjoy at home. Tasty and tender, they hold plenty of meat that cooks within minutes. The best way to cook lobster tails is through steaming, grilling and baking. Choose seasonings that best complements meat to impress guests at your next dinner party.
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