How to Cook Lobster Tail
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
158 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Others
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Cuisine
American
How to Cook Lobster Tail
Description
This recipe explains how to prepare lobster tails by mixing softened unsalted butter with chopped parsley, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. The lobster tails are butterfly-cut to expose the meat, which is then loosened and propped atop the shell. The butter mixture is generously applied over each tail.
For oven cooking, tails are baked at 425°F until the meat turns firm and white, around 15 minutes, reaching an internal temperature of 140°F. Grilling involves wrapping tails in foil packets and cooking on a preheated grill at about 450°F for the same duration and temperature target. Both methods produce juicy, tender lobster with a buttery herb flavor and a slight citrus brightness from lemon zest.
The recipe yields four 4-ounce lobster tails served as an elegant entrée. Adjusting cooking time based on the method ensures proper doneness without drying the meat or undercooking.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter softened, unsalted
- 1 tablespoon parsley chopped
- 1 lemon zested
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 (4-ounce) lobster tails
Instructions
- Add the butter, parsley, lemon zest, salt and pepper to a small bowl and mix until well-combined.
- Butterfly the lobster tails by placing them hard shell side up on a cutting board. Using kitchen shears, cut lengthwise down the center of the tail, stopping once you reach the tail fins. Use your fingers to gently loosen the meat from the tail, then gently prop it on top of the shell.
- Add about 1 heaping tablespoon of the butter mixture on top of each prepared lobster tail.
To Cook in the Oven:
- Place prepared lobster tails on a rimmed sheet pan and bake in a 425˚F oven for about 15 minutes, or until the meat is firm and white. If you have an instant read thermometer the temperature should be 140˚F.
To Cook on the Grill:
- Wrap each tail tightly in a foil packet, then place on a grill that has been preheated to about 450˚F. Grill for about 15 minutes,or until the meat is firm and white. If you have an instant read thermometer the temperature should be 140˚F. You may have to open and close the grill as the lobster cooks to maintain a constant temperature of around 450˚F.
To Cook in the Air Fryer:
- Add prepared lobster tails to an air fryer in a single layer, working in batches if needed. Cook at 400˚F for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the meat is firm and white. If you have an instant read thermometer the temperature should be 140˚F.
To Steam on the Stovetop:
- Fill a steaming pot with 1 to 2 inches of water, then set the steaming basket inside, making sure the water does not come up into the bottom of the basket. Bring water to a boil, then add lobster tails into the steaming basket. Reduce heat to a simmer, and cover the pot. Simmer for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the meat is firm and white. If you have an instant read thermometer the temperature should be 140˚F.
Notes
- Check cooking times carefully as baking and grilling methods require slightly different durations.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure lobster reaches 140°F for safe and tender results.
- Butterfly the lobster tails carefully to avoid breaking the shell while loosening the meat.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 158 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1tail | |
| Calories | 158kcal | 8% |
| Carbohydrates | 3g | 1% |
| Protein | 11g | 22% |
| Fat | 12g | 18% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Trans Fat | 0.5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 110mg | 37% |
| Sodium | 561mg | 23% |
| Potassium | 176mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 444IU | 9% |
| Vitamin C | 16mg | 18% |
| Calcium | 66mg | 7% |
| Iron | 0.4mg | 2% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.