How to Cook Lobster Tails

Lobster tails are considered to be the cost-effective, meatier alternative to whole lobsters. They are a great option for anyone looking to whip up a quick, gourmet meal for friends and family. Loaded with vitamins and minerals and low in fat, lobster tails are healthy and help manage your weight. Learn how to cook lobster tails for a delicious, satisfying meal.

Nutrients in Lobster Tails

Lobsters have plenty of meat in their tails, and this meat is rich in protein. Experts have also found high amounts of vitamins A and B in lobster tails. The meat of these crustaceans contains essential minerals such as zinc, iron, potassium and magnesium. It is low in fat and calories with 100 grams yielding only 90 calories.

Effect of Lobster Tails on Your Health

If you’ve been looking for a filling meal with fewer calories, lobster tails are one of the best options. The protein in the meat is quite filling and can benefit your muscle and bone. Eating foods rich in vitamin A and B can also support your immune system and allow your body to metabolize foods easily. Potassium and magnesium are important for muscle growth and bone strength, while iron and zinc help to oxygenate blood and create new cells.

How to Cook Lobster Tails the Right Way

There are many lobster recipes that you can use. The most important aspects about learning how to cook lobster tails is the prepping, cooking time and knowing when the meat is cooked. There are certain ways to cut lobster to prepare it for cooking. When in doubt, follow these guidelines.

Prepping Tips and Guidelines

• Before cooking lobster tails, make sure you thaw them in cold water for 30 minutes or more. Allow them to sit in the water and change it every 15 minutes.
• Baking/Broiling: Before baking or broiling lobster tails, use a sharp knife to cut open the top part of the shell lengthwise. Meat should be exposed and left to rest on the shell.
• Boiling: Cooking lobster tails whole is highly recommended when boiling. However, you can cut open the top of the shell as you would with baking/broiling.
• Sautéing/Searing: the best way to sauté or sear lobster tail meat is to take it out of its shell completely.
• Cooking time: Add 1 minute to every 1 pound the tail weighs. Example: 8-ounce tail= 8 minutes cooking time.
• Olive oil, garlic butter, salt, pepper, lemon juice and paprika are best seasoning options.
• Lobster tail meat is cooked when it is opaque.

How to Cook Lobster Tails in Oven/Broiler

Step 1:

Preheat oven to 190 C or 375 F. Prep tails as instructed above. Season as desired.

Step 2:

Bake for the recommended cooking time until meat becomes opaque. Serve with vegetables or alone.

How to Cook Lobster Tails on Stove top

Step 1:

To boil lobster tails, add 6-8 cups of water into a pot and bring to the boil. Add a teaspoon of salt.

Step 2:

Drop whole tails into boiling water and cook for recommended time.

Step 3:

Let lobster tails cool before cracking open the shell. Season meat and serve.

How to Cook Lobster Tails in a Pan

Step 1:

Heat 1-2 tablespoons of butter or olive oil in a large pan.

Step 2:

Cook lobster meat for 3-4 minutes on each side or until meat is opaque.

Step 3:

Remove from heat. Season and enjoy.