How to Cook Lobster Tail (4 Ways)
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
20 mins
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Servings
2 servings
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Calories
162 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
How to Cook Lobster Tail (4 Ways)
Description
Start by slicing down the lobster tail shell without cutting the meat, then lifting the meat out to rest atop the shell for even cooking. The meat is brushed with a simple garlic butter mixture that includes olive oil, melted salted butter, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and minced garlic, and seasoned with kosher salt and black pepper.
Oven cooking involves baking at 400°F for 10-12 minutes until the meat is firm and opaque and shells turn bright red. Air frying cooks the tails at 350°F for about 7 minutes, providing a quick, convenient alternative. Instant Pot steaming uses a trivet and water base to gently heat the lobster tails in a pressure cooker.
The combination of fats and lemon juice adds flavor and slight browning, while the preparation keeps the meat moist and tender. Garnishing with fresh parsley or thyme complements the lobster's flavor.
Lobster tails of approximately 3 to 4 ounces are recommended; adjust cooking times if tails are larger or smaller.Olive oil and butter together add richness and assist in browning, but either alone can be used if not both available.Freshly squeezed lemon juice enhances flavor noticeably compared to bottled.Raw lobster tails can be stored on ice in airtight containers for up to 2 days; cooked lobster tails keep refrigerated for up to 4 days.
Ingredients
- 2 lobster tails about 3- to 4-ounces each
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter melted, salted
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
- ½ teaspoon garlic minced
- Pinch kosher salt
- black pepper freshly ground
- parsley for garnish, fresh or thyme
Instructions
- Use sharp kitchen shears to cut down the middle of the lobster shell. Make sure to only cut the shell, not the meat! Carefully crack the shell open, lift out the meat, and place it on top of the shell. The meat should lift easily from out of the shell but will still be connected at the end so it doesn’t fall off!
- In a small bowl, stir together the olive oil, butter, lemon juice, and garlic. Brush lobster meat with garlic butter. Season each lobster tail with a pinch of kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
- Oven: Place the lobster tails on a rimmed baking sheet and bake them at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, or until the lobster meat is firm and opaque (and the shells are bright red).
- Air Fryer: Place the lobster tails in your air fryer basket and cook at 350°F for 7 minutes, or until the lobster meat is opaque and firm.
- Instant Pot: Place the trivet insert in the bottom of your Instant Pot and pour in ½ cup of water. Place the lobster tails on the trivet and attach the lid. Set the Instant Pot to 'Pressure Cook Manual' for 2 minutes (it will take about 10 minutes for the Instant Pot to pressurize). Then release the pressure manually by switching the valve to the “venting” position. The lobster meat should be opaque and firm– if it is not, attach the lid and allow the lobster tails to sit in the Instant Pot for an additional 5 minutes on the “Keep Warm” setting.
- Grill: Preheat a gas, charcoal, or pellet grill to high heat (around 400°F). Place the lobster tails on the grill with the meat side down for 5-6 minutes until you have nice grill marks. Turn the tails over with tongs and grill another 2-4 minutes, or until the lobster meat turns opaque and firm.
- Serve the lobster tails immediately topped with chopped parsley and with melted butter for dipping.
Notes
- Lobster tails of approximately 3 to 4 ounces are recommended; adjust cooking times if tails are larger or smaller.
- Olive oil and butter together add richness and assist in browning, but either alone can be used if not both available.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice enhances flavor noticeably compared to bottled.
- Raw lobster tails can be stored on ice in airtight containers for up to 2 days; cooked lobster tails keep refrigerated for up to 4 days.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 2servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 162 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 162kcal | 8% |
| Carbohydrates | 0.4g | 0% |
| Protein | 11g | 22% |
| Fat | 13g | 20% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Trans Fat | 0.2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 95mg | 32% |
| Sodium | 313mg | 13% |
| Potassium | 134mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 0.02g | 0% |
| Sugar | 0.1g | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 178IU | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 56mg | 6% |
| Iron | 0.2mg | 1% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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