How To Cook Lobster Tails

Choose Your Method For Cooking

You'll find various methods for cooking your dish, each with different instructions. Every method has its own pros and cons and determines how you will prepare your lobster tail:

• Boiling: If you're unsure which cooking method to choose, you might boil your lobster tail to prevent the tails from sticking to the shell. Boiling is great for first-timers and old-timers, offering a reliable technique you can count on. Just keep in mind that boiling larger tails will take a little longer to cook compared to other methods. 
• Baking: Baking your lobster tails offers a succulent meal and a gorgeous presentation for guests. You just have to be careful not to overcook your tails, as the meat can dry very quickly. Try putting them on the middle rack of your oven when baking. You can also brush butter on the meat and add spices to prepare the lobster tail for cooking and enhance the dish.
• Steaming: This method of cooking lobster tails is generally faster and arguably the most traditional. Just keep in mind that you'll be cooking at a higher temperature, making it even more important not to overcook the tails. 
• Grilling: Grilling is one of the best ways to cook lobster tails because it offers that unique char flavor and grilled-line effect to impress guests. You can also add your preferred spices for added flavor. Keep your grilling tools handy to avoid overcooking. 

Before cooking, you'll need the right size lobster tail. Our best sellers range from 8 ounces to 10 ounces, but we ship lobster tails ranging from 5 ounces to 36 ounces. You'll also find various side dish options and supplies as well, and everything can be shipped overnight so you can enjoy your lobster tails by dinner time tomorrow! 

When your lobster tails arrive, follow these steps to properly store and thaw them: 

Ensure Proper Storage 

Before using frozen lobster tails, you'll want to store them in your freezer until you are ready to thaw and cook them. Once cooked, keep your lobster tails in the coldest part of your fridge in a sealed container. You can also tightly wrap them in plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out. Cooked lobster tails can be stored in the fridge for up to four days in an airtight container. Avoid re-freezing them, which can affect the meat's quality and texture.

Thoroughly Thaw Your Lobster Tails

The ideal way to thaw lobster tails is to leave them in the fridge overnight, which allows a slow and safe thawing process. Avoid thawing lobster tails at room temperature, as it can increase the risk of bacterial growth and spoilage. If you need to thaw your lobster tails faster, use the cold water method:

1. Place the lobster tails in a sealed, watertight plastic bag.
2. Submerge the tails in cold water.
3. Change the water every 30 minutes until fully thawed.

The cold water method will usually take 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of the tails. 

Your lobster tails are shipped frozen in dry ice unless they are ordered with a fresh or live product. If you order was shipped with dry ice, don't worry, the gas in dry ice is as harmless as the carbon dioxide you exhale(but please don't breath it in). We would never ship your product with dangerous material, however, we do not recommend handling the dry ice without gloves. If you order was shipped with gel packs, your tails may begin to "sweat" or have water beads on the outside of the tail. Although the outer rim of the shell may be beginning to defrost, your tail meat is totally safe and can be stored properly. Once your tails are thawed, do not refreeze your lobster tails at home, the slow freezing process in a conventional freezer will actually break down the cell wall of the raw lobster meat and ruin the texture of your cooked lobster tails. Place your lobster tails in the freezer right away until 24 hours prior to use. Do not store for more than 3 months or your tails may begin to dry out.

If you want to avoid your tails sticking to the shell, thaw your tails 24 hours prior to cooking in a refrigerator inside a leak-proof container. Your tails are defrosting so they will leak fluid. If your tails are frozen and you are planning on cooking them today, that is not a problem. Put your lobster tails in a sealed bag and soak them in cold water for at least 30-60 minutes. Larger lobster tails will take longer to thaw. If you want to butterfly a lobster tail, thawing your tails will be critical because you will have to cut the meat, and you won't be able to do so if the tails are not thawed all the way.

It is common to have tomalley in the center of the tail. It appears black and sometimes green and sometimes will startle customers. Do not worry. This is a natural part of the lobster tail. It is actually the liver and is totally edible and is considered a delicacy. If you do not desire to eat this it can be rinsed off with water once the lobster is fully cooked.

The most lobster tail meat is white but it is also common to have a slight pink tint to the meat for lobsters that are preparing to shed. Once again, this is a totally natural process and is totally edible. If you want to remove the pink tint, you can rinse most of it off with warm water after you have cooked your tail.

With our easy-to-use lobster tail boiling, grilling and broiling guides below, you’ll find that cooking lobster tails is a rewarding experience the whole family will want to experience again and again. Check out our lobster tail recipes section to find out better techniques on how to butterfly a lobster tail! We intentionally only stock cold-water lobster tails, if you are interested in learning the difference between cold-water and warm-water lobster tails check out our blog for more information.

If you aren't sure which method to use, we strongly recommend boiling frozen lobster tails after they are completely thawed because this is your best bet to avoid your tails sticking to the shell. Please read our following section to make sure your lobster tails are stored and thawed properly to ensure the best results.

To boil your lobster tails, fill a large pot with enough water to fully submerge them. Add salt and bring the water to a rolling boil. Carefully place your lobster tails in the boiling pot and cook for the appropriate time based on the size of your lobster tail or until the meat is opaque and easily pulls away from the shell. 

Use the following instructions to cook based on your lobster tail size:  

Preparation is the key to cooking delicious lobster tails. Luckily for you, preparation is simple! To prepare your lobster tails for boiling, thaw them out thoroughly. If you try to cook the lobster while it's still fully or partially frozen, it will dry out when cooking, rendering it rubbery. Thaw the lobster in a cold water bath or in the refrigerator overnight.

Another tip for preparing lobster tails is to use a metal or wooden skewer so the lobster tail stays straight while cooking. This isn't crucial to the recipe, but it will keep your tails from curling as they cook in the lobster pot.

When you cook a lobster tail by boiling, there's only one real way to serve it — with melted butter! This traditional dipper is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. However, if you feel that melted butter lacks the zazz you're looking for, there are plenty of other ways you can add it.

One of these ways is by adding some minced garlic into your butter while it melts to add that good garlicky aroma. Or, you can add lemon juice to your melted butter to give it an extra citrusy kick, and then garnish it with some parsley for a better appearance. Better yet, add both to your butter!

If you want to add some seasoning when the lobster is done, have at it! Salt and pepper are time-tested and sure to please, but you can spice things up by using Old Bay or other creole seasonings.

At Maine Lobster Now, we do a whole lot more than sell the freshest lobster. We would be happy to supply you with all the ingredients you need to make a complete meal reminiscent of placid Maine right there in your home.

A full lobster dinner wouldn't be complete without clams or mussels, or potatoes and corn! We have everything from sides to desserts so you can get a full meal right from Maine.

Steaming lobster tails is another a great option when deciding the best cooking option for you and your family. This cooking method is faster than boiling and is arguably the most traditional way. Since you are actually cooking at a higher temperature, it's even more critical not to overcook your tails.

PRO TIP - Keep your tails from curling in the lobster pot so the tails will lie flat on a plate when they are done; use a metal or wooden skewer so the lobster tail stays straight while cooking!

There are many, many ways to dress steamed lobster tails to your liking! Serving lobster tails with melted butter is probably the most recognized and traditional way to do it, but there are some good ways to mix things up a bit, too.

One way you can do this is by jazzing the clarified butter up a bit with a few more ingredients. A popular way to add a quick spin on melted butter is by adding fresh, minced garlic to make garlic butter. If you're shying away from garlic, you can make lemon butter instead by adding a squeeze of fresh lemon and a pinch of chopped parsley.

You can substitute a variety of spices for butter, too, if you're looking for a healthier way to serve steamed lobster tail. Salt and pepper is an undeniable duo for good reason and makes an excellent topper on your lobster. Using fresh sea salt is a great way to bring out the tender, natural flavor of the lobster. And if you want to spice the black pepper up (more than it already is), try toasting whole peppercorns and pulverizing them for smokier touch.

If you're looking to add even more spice, Old Bay and other blackened/cajun seasonings will offer a nice punch. Just be careful of the additional salt these seasonings contain.

Regardless of how you top your lobster, the most timeless way to present them is with a garnish of parsley and lemon wedges.

The beauty of lobster as the centerpiece of an entrée is the plethora of sides that can accompany it. For the sake of brevity, we'll stick to only three we would definitely pair with our steamed lobster tail recipe.

Let's start with another shellfish: steamed clams. Because of their size, they make a perfect appetizer or a side, and benefit greatly from a dunk in melted butter.

Why not a soup to pair as well? Consider this: the only way you can truly add to lobster — is with more lobster! A well-prepared lobster bisque will make the perfect seafood acquaintance for our steamed lobster recipe.

To round the dish off, you may want to add some greens to contrast the red. Touch up your steaming skills by making some fresh broccoli crowns with a dash of salt and pepper, or if you're feeling citrusy, some lemon pepper.

Using salt water isn't the only liquid you can use to steam lobster. As a matter of fact, using beer — usually a light beer — is becoming a more popular way to add flavor in the steaming process. Simply boil a 12-ounce can of beer below your lobster tails.

We still recommend using salt water as a way to replicate ocean water, but if you want to try something different, give it a shot! You may be pleasantly surprised by the result.

Great! You've decided to bake your lobster tails. This is fun because you can really get a mind-blowing presentation for your guests. You'll have to be careful not to overcook your lobster tails because the meat can dry out very quickly, so its critical to keep check your tails early just to be sure. We suggest putting these on the middle rack of your oven. Another great way to keep your tails moist is actually brushing butter on the meat along with parsley or other spices. Baking lobster tails is necessary for butterflying lobster tails like our lobster tails product photographs. This is a more advanced technique, but once you get it down, you will have your friends in disbelief.

Now that you've prepared your lobster tails, you're ready to cook! Follow these instructions to properly season, cook and serve your meal depending on your chosen cooking method:

Prepare and Season 

Start by butterflying your lobster tails. Using a sharp knife, split your shells by cutting the tops lengthwise. Next, loosen the meat and pull the lobster up to salt and pepper. You can then set it on a baking sheet and leave it to the side. 

The right seasoning will complement the natural sweetness of the lobster meat. Popular combinations include garlic butter, lemon herb and spicy Cajun. A garlic butter seasoning will turn the tails a golden yellow when baking, offering a delectable taste that melts in the mouth.

To prepare your seasoning, whisk melted butter, paprika, garlic, thyme, parsley and rosemary into a small bowl. Spread the seasoning evenly on each tail.

Bake

To bake, set your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and let it preheat. Drizzle melted butter over the lobster tails and add your chosen seasoning, then place the lobster tails on a baking sheet and bake for the appropriate time based on the size of your lobster tail or until the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Use the following instructions to cook based on your lobster tail size:  

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent your lobster tails from sticking. Brush your lobster with melted butter or the marinade of your choice, which keeps the meat moist and enhances the flavor. Place the lobster tails with their shells facing down on the grates and cook for four minutes per side, flipping halfway through until the meat is opaque and slightly charred. Let cool for a few minutes.

Once you're done cooking the lobster tails, pair them with a side dish and drink option or garnish them to impress guests. White wine and side dishes like buttery mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus will complement your lobster tails and enhance their succulent flavor.

Try any of the following side dishes or drinks to serve alongside lobster: 

• Lemon butter and herbs: Serve your tails with a side of melted lemon butter for dipping. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and sprinkle parsley, dill or chives on top for added flavor. 
• Fresh garden salad: Serve a fresh garden salad with mixed greens, cucumber slices, tomato and a light dressing. The crispiness and tanginess of the salad will complement the richness of the lobster. 
• Mac and cheese: Add chunks of your cooked lobster to a creamy mac and cheese. These combinations pair well, making a decadent side dish for your main meal. 
• Champagne or white wine: Lobster tails go great with a chilled glass of champagne or white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. The fruity notes of the wine complement the richness of the meat. 

Whether you boil, steam, bake or grill your lobster, you're sure to create a soft, buttery meal perfect for any occasion. At Maine Lobster Now, we offer the freshest Maine lobster tails and seafood ranging in size from small lobster tails to jumbo lobster tails. 

Shop for your next lobster tail dinner today!