How to Cook Lobster Tails

                                 Learn to cook lobster tail perfectly for an upscale dining experience at home.

Indulging in the flavours of lobster is a culinary adventure. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the essentials of selecting, preparing and finally, cooking lobster tails to perfection.

First Things First: Buying Lobster Tails

Any delicious seafood dish starts with a fresh catch. When buying lobster tails, opt for those with a vibrant, firm shell and a translucent appearance. Fresh lobster meat should have that sweet aroma of the ocean, indicating its quality.

For those seeking convenience, frozen lobster tails are a good alternative. They retain their freshness and can be stored in the freezer for an extended period. Just make sure they’re free of freezer burn and have a uniform colour. 

                                           From the warmer waters of Brazil to your doorstep, order                                                                                    tropical lobster tails from Manettas today!

How to Prepare Lobster Tails

Before you start cooking, make sure to prepare your lobster tails the right way. Thaw frozen lobster tails by placing them in the refrigerator overnight for optimal results. Alternatively, use the defrost setting on your microwave for a quicker thaw.

To prepare lobster tails for cooking, use sharp kitchen shears to cut through the top of the shell, stopping at the end of the tail. This method allows for easy access to the meat without removing it from the shell entirely.

What is Australian Lobster?

Australian lobster, also known as the southern rock lobster, is a prized seafood delicacy with a distinct sweet flavour. Sourced from the pristine waters of Australia, these lobsters boast a tender and succulent meat that sets them apart. The Australian lobster’s exceptional taste makes it a top choice for creating gourmet lobster tail dishes.

Is Australian Lobster Any Good?

Australian lobster is renowned for its exquisite taste and texture. The high-quality meat, coupled with the unique marine environment it comes from, contributes to a dining experience that seafood enthusiasts cherish. When seeking the best for your lobster tail dish, Australian lobster is a premium choice that won’t disappoint.

                                A southern rock lobster is available cooked and frozen at Manettas. 

What You Need to Make the Best Lobster Tail Dish

Creating the perfect lobster tail dish requires a few key ingredients and tools. Here’s a simple checklist to ensure you have everything you need.

Tools and Ingredients:

• Lobster tails: Obtain fresh or frozen lobster tails, perhaps 1-2 tails per person.
• Sharp kitchen shears or knives: For cutting and preparing the lobster tails, use a reliable pair of kitchen shears or a sharp knife.
• Melted butter: Prepare around ½ to one cup of butter for brushing and serving with the lobster tails.
• Lemon juice: Squeeze fresh lemon juice, around 2-3 tablespoons, to enhance the flavour of the lobster.
• Garlic powder: Add a pinch or ½ teaspoon of garlic powder for a subtle garlic flavour.
• Salt and pepper: Season to taste with salt and pepper, approximately ½ to one teaspoon of each.
• Fresh parsley: Finely chop fresh parsley for garnish, using about two tablespoons.
• Lemon wedges: Serve with 1-2 lemon wedges per lobster tail.

These quantities can be adjusted based on personal preferences and the number of lobster tails you’re preparing. Feel free to customise the seasoning and herbs to suit your taste.

What’s the Best Way to Cook Lobster Tails?

The versatility of lobster tails allows for various cooking techniques, each producing a distinct flavour profile.

1. Seared Lobster Tails

1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Brush lobster meat with melted butter, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
3. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side until the meat is opaque and golden.
4. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

2. Broiled Lobster Tails

1. Preheat your oven’s broiler.
2. Place lobster tails on a baking sheet.
3. Brush with melted butter, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
4. Broil lobster tails for 8-10 minutes until the meat is opaque and slightly charred.
5. Serve with a side of garlic butter.

3. Grilled Lobster Tails

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Brush lobster meat with melted butter, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
3. Grill for 5-7 minutes or until the meat is opaque and lightly charred.
4. Serve your grilled lobster tail with additional butter and lemon wedges.

    Look at this grilled lobster with garlic-parsley butter (with the head). Visit Manettas for other lobster recipes.

How to Butterfly a Lobster Tail

With butterflied lobster tails, you get an enhanced visual appeal that ensures even cooking. Here’s how to butterfly a lobster tail:

1. Place the tail shell-side down on a cutting board.
2. Use kitchen shears to cut through the top of the shell, stopping at the tail’s end.
3. Carefully pull the shell apart, exposing the meat.
4. Brush the meat with melted butter, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt and pepper.

Other Ways to Cook Lobster Tails

• Steaming: Steaming lobster tails ensures a delicate and moist texture.
• Baking: Get your lobster tails in the oven—a convenient method for even cooking.
• Boiling: Want a quick and straightforward option? Boiling lobster tails is perfect for beginners.

Do you crack the lobster tail before boiling?

There’s no need to crack the lobster tail before boiling. The shell acts as a natural protective barrier, preserving the meat’s juiciness and preventing it from becoming overly dry. It also adds a layer of flavour during the cooking process, ensuring a delicious and moist end result.

Cooking Tips for Perfect Lobster Tails

Achieving the perfect lobster tail dish requires attention to detail. Here are some essential tips to enhance your lobster cooking skills:

• Start with fresh or properly thawed lobster tails.
• Brush the meat generously with melted butter for added richness.
• Monitor the cooking time closely to prevent overcooking.
• Allow the lobster meat to rest for a few minutes before serving.

Mastering How to Cook Lobster Tails

From the succulent tenderness of broiled lobster tail to the aromatic delight of charred lobster meat, each cooking method brings its unique charm to the table. The key lies in attention to detail and the use of high-quality ingredients. You need to be as meticulous as possible and source your ingredients from reliable online seafood marketplaces like Manettas.

Order from Manettas today and get ready to impress your friends and family with responsibly sourced and perfectly cooked lobster tails.