You just picked up fresh Maine lobster tails from your local seafood purveyor or were lucky to receive a delivery to your door from LobsterAnywhere. Now, how do you prepare them for cooking? While there are a few ways to prep tails, we will show you how and why we love butterfly lobster tails. In this article, we will offer step-by-step instructions, plus easy cooking recipes for butterflying lobster tails.
To explore more methods for cooking lobster tails, check out our comprehensive guide on How to Cook Lobster Tails: Boil, Bake, Broil, Steam, and Grill.
Butterfly is not the same as Piggyback Lobster Tails
Page Contents
Don’t be confused; butterflying tails are not the same as piggyback lobster tails. There are many recipe bloggers who write instructions incorrectly. The difference is that butterflying is when you open the tail up like a butterfly or book, while the piggyback prep pulls the meat up on the top of the shell. Both methods lend themselves to different cooking techniques. Below, we will outline how to cook a butterflied tail.
Why Butterfly Lobster Tails?
There are several reasons why you should prep and cut lobster tails butterfly style. Planning a tailgate? Check out our tips for a successful Lobster Tailgate.
- Cut for the Grill: Because the tails lie flat, this allows for more grill surface contact.
- Infuse Flavors: Since the tails lie flat, there is more grill surface contact, allowing the smoky flavors to infuse with the meat.
- Shorten Cook Time: With the tail cut and the meat exposed, tail meat will cook in a flash.
- Easy to Serve: To access the delicious tail meat, no knife or crackers are needed. Simply pull the meat out with a fork.
Cooking Methods
Butterflied Lobster Tails are natural for the grill, but they can also be roasted, smoked, baked, and steamed. For a unique flavor, try serving your butterflied lobster tails with our Lobster Tails with Balsamic Dressing, or for a citrusy option, consider our Lobster Tails with Lime Butter.
Discover more ideas in our guide on Lobster Tails for Holidays and Celebrations. For a spicy twist, try our Broiled Lobster Tails with Jalapeno Butter. For a pure lobster flavor, consider steaming.
See our step-by-step guide on How to Steam Lobster Tails.
Grilling
Grilling is our favorite way to cook butterflied lobster tails. Unlike other methods, this allows the tail to spread flat on a grill. Set your grill at medium heat. Sear the meat side for a couple of minutes. Turn tails so the shell side is on the grill. Baste with butter or your favorite marinate. Cook for about 5 minutes, depending on the size of your tails. No need to flip. You do not want to lose the juices. Don’t have a grill? Grill on a cast iron pan on your stovetop. For more detailed cooking instructions, see our tips for grilling lobster tails. Check out our tips for grilling frozen lobster tails if you prefer grilling.
Roasting
Roasting cooks tails quickly at high heat. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Place the tails on a cookie sheet or roasting pan, shell side down. Brush with butter, olive oil, or your favorite spice rub. Roast for 6-8 minutes, depending on the size of the tail.
Steaming
Steaming cooks lobster tails with gentle, moist heat. Place butterflied lobster tails shell side down and steam for 5-6 minutes. See our complete guide for how to steam lobster tails at home.
Do you butterfly lobster tails before boiling?
Butterflying is usually done for grilling, broiling, or baking to add smoky flavor. It’s not needed for boiling because the exposed meat can get overcooked and lose its tenderness. If you are boiling lobster tails, you don’t need to butterfly them. Why butterfly lobster tails? Butterflying helps the meat cook evenly and lets flavors like butter or spices soak in better. It also makes the lobster look nice and appetizing.
See our complete kind for the best ways to cook frozen lobster tails at home. including Checkout our recipe How to cook Lobster Tails for more info
How to Butterfly Lobster Tails?
Here are some simple steps to butterfly lobster tails at home.
Time needed: 5 minutes.
Before you prep lobster tails it is always important to fully defrost them. Learn about how to defrost frozen tails. Discover what makes Maine lobster tails the best in our guide on the Best Lobster Tails.
- Cut Down the Top Shell Only
Use kitchen shears to cut down the center of the upper shell only, leaving the fan-tail intact. This initial cut will allow you to make a safe and controlled cut with a chef’s knife in the next step.
- Cut the Tail Meat
Place a knife into the cut you made, then cut through the lobster meat, but stop before you cut through the bottom shell.
- Open like a Book
Gently spread the shell halves apart like a book so they are hinged in the center. Rinse under cold water to remove any shell debris or intestinal black vein.
Mastering Maine Lobster Tails: Cooking and Preparation at Home
There are various methods for cooking frozen lobster tails, and the ideal choice depends on your recipe and desired outcome, as each technique has its own advantages and disadvantages. Discover additional ways to prepare and cook Maine lobster tails to broaden your culinary repertoire.
- Complete Guide for Cooking and Preparing Frozen Lobster Tails: This guide provides five different methods for cooking lobster tails, including boiling, baking, broiling, steaming, and grilling. It also includes instructions for thawing, prepping, and determining doneness.
- Cutting and Prepping Lobster Tails: Discover a range of lobster tail-cutting techniques, including butterflying, splitting, fan-cutting, and meat removal. Each technique is suited for specific cooking methods and visual appeal. Mastering these methods allows for versatility in preparing and presenting lobster tails.
- Best Way to Butterfly a Lobster Tail: This article explains the process of butterflying lobster tails, which involves cutting the shell and partially separating the meat for enhanced cooking and presentation, particularly for methods like grilling.
- Piggyback Lobster Tails with Instructions and Diagrams: This page details how to prepare lobster tails in the “piggyback” style. In this style, the meat is lifted and rests on top of the shell, offering an appealing presentation and quicker cooking. It is suitable for baking, roasting, or grilling.
- Guide to Grilling Lobster Tails: This recipe provides a step-by-step guide for grilling frozen lobster tails, covering thawing, preparation, grilling techniques, seasoning suggestions, and tips for achieving perfectly cooked and flavorful lobster.
- Instructions for Smoked Lobster Tails: This guide explains how to smoke lobster tails on a ceramic-style grill for a smoky and tender result, including ingredient lists, preparation steps, cooking times, and serving tips.
- Best Air Fryer Lobster Tail Recipe: This article explains how to cook lobster tails in an air fryer. The method involves butterflying the tails, brushing them with a butter, garlic, and parsley mixture, and air frying them at 380°F for 4-10 minutes, depending on size.
- How to Cook Sous Vide Lobster Tails: This article offers a step-by-step guide to cooking lobster sous vide. Controlled water bath temperatures ensure even cooking and a desirable texture, followed by optional searing for added flavor and appearance.