Lobster Tails
Shop raw, frozen, wild-caught lobster tails for a seafood dinner or surf and turf. Compare Maine tails and larger jumbo lobster tails, then check each product’s origin, shell-on weight per tail and package quantity.
Our Maine lobster tails are traceable to our partner docks in Maine. Choose sustainably sourced Maine options such as our 4–5 oz. two-pack, and learn about our approach to sustainable seafood.
25 products
What Size Lobster Tails Should You Buy?
Compare sizes, portions and package quantities.Choose lobster tails by weight per tail, the number of tails in the package, and the rest of your menu. Smaller tails work well beside steak or other seafood; larger tails make a generous centerpiece. All sizes below are raw, shell-on weights, not ounces of edible meat.
| Size of one tail | Package format | Suggested meal planning |
|---|---|---|
| 3–4 oz. Maine tails | 2 tails per pack; select the number of packs | A smaller surf-and-turf portion, or plan 2–3 tails per adult when lobster is the main dish. |
| 4–5 oz. or 5–6 oz. Maine tails | 2 tails per pack; select the number of packs | Plan 1 beside steak or another main course, or 2 per adult for a lobster-focused dinner. |
| 6–7 oz. Maine tails | 2 tails per pack; select the number of packs | A larger surf-and-turf portion; choose 1 or 2 per adult according to appetite and sides. |
| 8–10 oz. Maine tails | 2 tails per pack; select the number of packs | Plan 1 per adult with substantial sides, or pair with another protein for a generous dinner. |
| 12–14 oz. Maine tail | 1 tail; select the quantity | A generous individual centerpiece with sides. |
| Larger North Atlantic tails | Check the selected size and quantity | A showpiece for a large appetite or a meal to share; portion according to tail size and the rest of the meal. |
These are meal-planning suggestions. Appetite, sides and shell-to-meat yield vary. Check the product selector for the total number of tails and any minimum pack quantity before ordering. A two-pack contains two tails; ordering two two-packs gives you four tails.
Compare package value
Divide the selected package price by its total tail count to compare price per tail. Compare the same size range and origin, and include shipping when comparing delivered cost. Shell-on weight does not equal cooked meat weight. For a larger gathering, explore our lobster tail bulk packs or ask about lobster tails for caterers and restaurants.
How to Thaw and Prepare Lobster Tails
Our lobster tails are supplied raw and frozen. Thaw them completely before cooking, then choose the preparation that fits your method.
Thaw frozen lobster tails
Place the tails on a tray in the refrigerator at 40°F or below. Small tails may thaw overnight; larger tails can need longer. Follow the package instructions, including any directions for opening vacuum packaging. The center should be flexible and free of ice before cooking.
For faster thawing, use a leakproof bag in cold water, change the water every 30 minutes, and cook promptly once thawed. Avoid countertop or hot-water thawing.
Butterfly for baking or broiling
- Use kitchen shears to cut the top shell lengthwise, stopping before the tail fan.
- Open the shell gently and loosen the meat, keeping it attached near the fan.
- Lift the meat above the shell and rest it on top. Remove loose shell fragments or a visible dark vein.
Butterflying is a presentation and cooking preparation, not a required step for every method. For the full photo tutorial, learn how to butterfly a lobster tail.
How to Cook Lobster Tails
Choose your method, then check doneness in the meat.The best way to cook lobster tails depends on the finish you want. Broil for a browned top, bake for oven preparation, boil or steam for stovetop cooking, or grill for an outdoor meal. Use fully thawed tails and check the thickest meat with an instant-read thermometer.
| Method | Choose it for | Preparation used in our guide |
|---|---|---|
| Boil | A simple stovetop dinner with butter on the side | Keep the shell intact |
| Steam | Cooking above water in a covered pot | Split lengthwise into halves |
| Bake | Seasoned, exposed meat cooked in the oven | Butterfly the tail |
| Broil | A lightly browned, buttery top | Butterfly the tail |
| Grill | Outdoor cooking and grill marks | Split lengthwise into halves |
An easy method: broil 5–6 oz. lobster tails
- Fully thaw the raw tails, butterfly them and pat the meat dry.
- Set the broiler to high. Arrange the tails meat-side up on a broiler-safe metal pan, with the meat at least 6 inches below the heating element.
- Brush with melted butter or oil and season to taste. Use clean utensils and keep serving butter separate from raw seafood.
- Broil while watching closely. About 10–11 minutes is a planning range for 5–6 oz. butterflied tails; begin checking before that range and adjust for your broiler.
- Cook the thickest meat to 145°F, checking away from the shell. The meat should be pearly and opaque. Remove each tail as it finishes.
That timing applies to the size, preparation and rack position above. Larger tails and other methods need different timing. Shell color alone does not confirm doneness. Compare the best way to cook lobster tails in our full guide, with instructions for all five methods and original demonstrations with Vanessa Seder.
Food handling and doneness: FDA seafood guidance.
Choosing Lobster Tails: Origin, Quality and Delivery
Maine and other North Atlantic origins
Maine is a specific origin; North Atlantic is a broader region. Our Maine lobster tails come from wild-caught Maine lobster and are traceable to our partner docks in Maine. Larger North Atlantic options have their own sourcing details on the product page. Choose the listing that matches the origin and size you want.
Cold-water versus warm-water lobster tails
Maine lobster is a cold-water, clawed lobster. Caribbean warm-water tails commonly come from spiny lobster, a different species without the large front claws. Compare the stated species and harvest location, as well as size, freezing, handling and your preferred preparation. Tail size alone does not establish origin or quality.
Frozen versus fresh
These tails are sold frozen so you can store them until you are ready to thaw and cook. Frozen describes their storage condition; the tails are raw, not ready to eat. Check the selected listing for its freezing and packaging details. Our 4–5 oz. Maine lobster tails are nitrogen frozen.
Sustainably sourced Maine lobster
Maine’s lobster fishery has size limits, protections for egg-bearing and V-notched females, and trap rules that support the future of the fishery. Learn about our approach to sustainable seafood. Product-specific sourcing matters across this collection.
Plan delivery around your meal
Frozen tails ship in insulated packaging with dry ice. Choose from the delivery dates offered at checkout and allow refrigerator-thawing time before your dinner. Check the cart for the current free-shipping offer and checkout for your order’s delivery options and shipping cost. Need help with an event or a larger order? Contact our team.
Lobster Tails FAQ
Buying, portions, thawing, cooking and delivery—answered in one place.For surf and turf, a smaller tail can complement steak or another main course. For a lobster-focused dinner, choose multiple smaller tails or one larger tail with sides. Use the size table above to compare actual sizes and package counts.
As meal-planning guidance, allow two 4–6 oz. tails per adult for a lobster-focused dinner, or one beside another main course. One 8–10 oz. tail with substantial sides is another option. Adjust for appetite and the rest of your menu.
Yes. Tail size is the raw, shell-on weight of each tail, not the weight of edible cooked meat. Yield varies, so do not treat an 8 oz. tail as 8 oz. of meat.
A two-pack contains two tails. Selecting two packs gives you four tails. Minimum quantities and larger pack options vary by product; confirm the total count in the product selector.
These lobster tails are supplied raw and frozen and need to be cooked. Frozen describes storage, not doneness. Follow the instructions for the exact product you ordered.
Origin varies by product. The collection includes Maine tails and larger North Atlantic options. Check the selected listing for its source rather than assuming every tail has the same origin.
Thaw on a tray in the refrigerator, following the package directions. Small tails may thaw overnight; larger tails need longer. For faster thawing, use cold water and a leakproof bag, changing the water every 30 minutes, then cook promptly.
Choose broiling for a browned top, baking for oven preparation, boiling or steaming for stovetop cooking, or grilling for an outdoor dinner. The cooking table above explains the preparation used for each method.
Check the thickest meat with an instant-read thermometer, away from the shell, and cook to 145°F. The flesh should be pearly and opaque. A red shell by itself does not confirm the center is cooked.
Frozen tails ship in insulated packaging with dry ice. Choose an available delivery date at checkout and allow time for refrigerator thawing before your meal.
Let customers speak for us
Lobsters were fabulous
Amazing. The lobster arrived ahead of time and put the box in the fridge as suggested. Later cooked them they were huge. Plenty of meat had to crack claw with a hammer. Worth every penny
Perfect! Came exactly when I requested it, still frozen and loved every bit. Will order again!
Great service & experience
My brother Paul, and I ordered lobsters, clams, and chowder to be delivered to our brother and his wife in Bay City, Michigan to celebrate their 35th anniversary. They arrived on time, exactly as promised and the quality and condition of everything was superb! They had enough for a lobster boil and lobster rolls the next day! I have already recommended Maine Lobster Now to friends and family in Texas and Florida.
Wonderful clams with lobster bisque, put in the 2 free lobster tails I received with my purchase, did a seafood boil with the rest of my order, 32 people ate till their heart’s content, everyone asked me where I got the seafood, Maine lobster now will have many new customers. Thanks again for your support and service for delivering the best lobster and on the day I wanted.
The flavor is incredible
As a displaced Mainer with older children who have vacation memories of these dogs from birthday party picnics at Fort Knox, schodic point and steamed at the Bangor State Fair. We broke down the large package and froze so we can bring them out when we have other displaced Maine friends come by who are willing to balance their 'red dye' intake for a day. Memories are re-activated from eyes, nose, and mouth.
Five stars they were amazing
Great taste and made for the main part of a very special birthday celebration!!
Amazing!!
Delicious Dinner! This is the second time we have ordered lobster from you. The order process is easy, the lobsters arrived nicely packed. The kids at our party had fun unpacking them and prepping them for dinner. Once cooked, the lobsters were delicious and were the centerpiece of our Clam Bake!
I have been trading with Maine Lobster for 10 years now (?). I have never been disappointed. Raised in New England and living in So Cal I need a good lobster. I’ve purchased, lobsters, clams, mussels, snow crab, bisque and was only disappointed 1ce when UPS screwed up my delivery. Maine Lobster stood behind me.
I ordered 2 lbs of Lobster meat and appreciated it came in 1 lb packs not a 2 lb pack. This is always my preference going forward not a 2 ln pack which is not convenient.
I ordered lobster dinners with all of the fixings for my son’s 40 birthday in Montana! Even when there was a delivery issue, the Maine Lobster rectified it immediately! Everything was delicious and perfect for days!