How to Cook Lobster Tails: Boil, Bake, Broil, Steam and Grill

You’ll be living the champagne life and feel like a superhero when you learn the art of cooking lobster tails. Learning how to prepare lobster tails at home can elevate your culinary skills and allow you to indulge in this exquisite seafood without a trip to a fancy restaurant. In this guide, we’ll give you the five best methods for cooking lobster tails, including boiling, baking, broiling, steaming, and grilling. You will find detailed step-by-step instructions, including thawing instructions, recommended cooking times, and temperatures for frozen lobster tails.

How to Thaw Frozen Lobster Tails?

Before cooking lobster tails, you need to know how to thaw them properly for the best results. Thawing them the right way, whether slow or quick, will help you do it safely and easily, depending on how much time you have. The slow-thawing method is the best way to keep the meat tender and tasty. This slow thawing process likely allows the ice crystals formed during freezing to dissipate gradually, minimizing damage to the cellular structure of the meat and preserving its inherent tenderness.

Maine Lobster Tails from Lobsteranywhere are shipped in extra-thick resealable bags. Defrosting frozen tails in a resealable plastic bag will protect them from absorbing moisture in the refrigerator. If you remove them from the bag, make sure they’re covered so they don’t soak up extra water.

How Long Does it Take to Defrost Tails?

The slow defrost method typically takes 24 to 48 hours, depending on the size of the tails, allowing for a safe and even defrost. The bigger the tails, the longer it will take to slow defrost. Also, your refrigerator temperature can impact the time it takes for tails to be fully defrosted.

Can You Cook Lobster Tails from Frozen?

Do frozen lobster tails need to be thawed before cooking? Cooking from frozen is generally not recommended as it can lead to unevenly cooked and tough meat. Yes, it’s best to thaw them before cooking so they cook evenly and have the right texture. If you see ice or frost on them, don’t worry; it’s a protective layer that protects the lobster tail meat.

Put your frozen lobster tails in the refrigerator overnight on a plate or baking sheet, covered, so they thaw slowly and evenly for the best texture. Do you steam lobster tails frozen or thawed? It’s best to steam them after they are fully thawed to make sure they cook evenly. This method is slow and gentle and keeps the meat tender. It also prevents the meat from soaking up extra water as faster methods can.

How to Defrost Lobster Tails Quickly

If you need to defrost frozen lobster tails quickly, put them in a sealed plastic bag and place them in cold water, changing the water every 15-30 minutes until thawed. Don’t use hot water because it can cook the lobster unevenly and affect its flavor. Another option is to put the bag in a bowl of cool water, changing the water every 15 minutes for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until the lobster is fully thawed.

Is it Okay to Defrost Lobster in Water?

Yes, but only if you use cold water. Hot water isn’t good because it can cook the meat unevenly. Never thaw your lobster tails in the microwave. This can lead to uneven cooking and ruin the lobster’s texture and flavor.

Once thawed, the lobster tails should feel soft and flexible. How do you thaw frozen cooked lobster in the shell? You can use the same methods to thaw cooked lobster, but be gentle with the process.

How to Clean Lobster Tails?

After you thaw your lobster tails, you need to clean them. No matter how you decide to cut or cook them, the cleaning process is always the same. First, rinse the outside of shells, then decide how you want to split the lobster tail to expose the meat.

Clean the Exposed Meat

Remove the vein that runs down the center of the tail. This long, thin vein is called the digestive tract, similar to the vein in shrimp. The easiest way to remove the vein is to use the tip of a small knife. Slide the knife under the vein to lift it away from the meat.

What is the Black and Green Stuff in a Lobster Tail?

No, the tail is not bad or rotten. The black stuff is the vein or digestive tract, and it doesn’t taste good, so it’s better to remove it. While it’s safe to eat, it can have a gritty texture and doesn’t add to the flavor. You might also see some green stuff, which is called tomalley. Can I eat the green stuff in Lobster Tail? Yes, you can, but tomalley can sometimes contain toxins, so it’s best to eat it in moderation. It has a rich, slightly salty taste, but whether you eat it or not is up to you.

How long do you soak lobster tails? You don’t need to soak lobster tails, but it’s a good idea to give them a quick rinse after removing the vein. Also, if you find any roe (eggs) near the top of the tail, make sure to clean it well. You can keep or discard the roe based on what you prefer.

The color of the tail, whether red or pink, doesn’t affect the taste or quality. It just shows the gender of the lobster. Find out what makes Maine lobster tails the best in our guide on the Best Lobster Tails.

How to Make the Most Tender Lobster Tail?

To keep the lobster meat tender, do not overcook it. Whether you grill, bake, or broil, watch the cooking time to keep the meat juicy and tender. Even 1 or 2 minutes too long can ruin your tails and turn them tough and rubbery. Is it better to broil or bake lobster tails? Both broiling and baking are good methods. Broiling cooks the lobster faster and gives it a slightly charred flavor, while baking is gentler. Remember that broiling usually takes less time than baking. If you want a smoky, grilled flavor, broiling is the way to go.

Different Ways to Prep and Cut Lobster Tails

How you cut your lobster tails can help you decide on the best method of how to cook your lobster tails. Some different ways lend themselves to different methods of cooking. The piggyback method, which is one of the most popular, works well with everything from a baked lobster tails recipe to a broiled lobster tail recipe. Below are some of the most popular ways of how to cut lobster tails. Just like there’s no wrong way to eat lobster tails, from dunked in butter to add a boost of flavor to risotto, there’s no wrong answer in deciding your preferred way for cooking lobster tails.

How to Piggyback a Lobster Tail?

Piggybacking a lobster tail is a technique that showcases the meat elegantly resting atop the shell. This is the preparation most people think of and associate with fine dining and lends itself to pretty much all methods of cooking lobster tails, with the exception of boiling. To achieve this presentation, follow these simple steps:

1. Cut the upper shell down the center using scissors or a chef’s knife.
2. Leave the under-shell and tail fan attached.
3. Gently pull apart the shell halves to expose the tail meat.
4. Lift the tail meat through the split shell, allowing it to rest on top while keeping its connection to the tail fan intact.
5. Carefully pinch the split shell closed under the meat, returning it to its original position.

Learn more about the piggyback method and its benefits in our detailed guide on Piggyback Lobster Tails.

Real Maine Lobster Tails

I’m a life-long New Englander recently transplanted from Massachusetts to Maine, and I know a good lobster when I see one. I recently sent your jumbo lobster tail to a friend in Sedona, Arizona in thanks for helping my daughter out there. It was delivered promptly and safely overnight. My daughter said the lobster tails were huge!!! They had it for dinner last night. My daughter said it was absolutely delicious – and her friend who had never had a “real” (i.e. Maine) lobster, was equally as impressed.

Your product is excellent, and I’d order from your company again without reservation. Your product is honestly represented by your website. Like I said to the recipient of my gift, “there’s no better lobsta than a Maine lobsta”

Linda Peterson Acton, Maine

Buy Lobster Tails

How to Butterfly a Lobster Tail?

Butterflying lobster tails is a good idea if you want to add smoky flavors by grilling, roasting, broiling, or baking. Grilling and broiling give the lobster a smoky, slightly charred taste while roasting and baking make the meat more tender and evenly cooked. The flat surface also makes it easy to sear the meat on a grill or griddle. How do you butterfly a lobster tail easily? Just follow these simple steps:

1. Use kitchen shears to cut the upper shell down the center from the big end to where it meets the tail fan, leaving the fan tail and bottom shell intact.
2. Gently spread the shell halves apart, revealing the tail meat inside.
3. Lift the top portion of the meat through the split in the shell, leaving the rest in the partially open shell, resembling wings.

How to Fan-Cut a Lobster Tail?

Fan-cutting lobster tails involves slicing the tail off under the shell while leaving the tail fan intact. Here’s how to fan-cut your tails:

1. Turn the lobster tail on its back so the thinner, flat, and flexible membrane shell is facing you.
2. With kitchen scissors, cut lengthwise from the big end to the fan tail through the thin undershell edges that connect to the thick backshell.
3. Once cut, elevate the undershell and snip it free where it connects to the tail fan, preserving the tail fan in its place.
4. Loosen the tail meat from inside the back shell, leaving the lobster meat as though it’s nestled in a boat.

How to Split a Lobster Tail?

In this method, the lobster tail is completely split in half lengthwise down the middle, yielding two parts, each resting in its split shell. Here’s how to do it:

1. Turn the lobster tail on its back so the softer under-shell is facing up.
2. Use a sharp chef’s knife to cut lengthwise through the under-shell, fantail, tail meat, and hard shell to create an even and complete split.

How to Remove the Lobster Tail Meat, Whole?

If you intend to prepare lobster tail meat in one whole piece for butter poaching or gentle steaming, follow these steps:

1. Turn the lobster tail on its back, making sure the softer undershell is facing up.
2. With kitchen shears, create a slit on each side of the back of the tail, from the big end to the fan tail, allowing the entire back membrane piece to peel back.
3. At the same time, peel the middle of the underside membrane back.
4. Carefully retract and crack both sides of the shell, gently removing the tail in one whole piece. The cooked lobster meat should be pure white, opaque, and elastic.

• RELATED: Can You Eat Raw Lobster?

Best Way to Cook Frozen Lobster Tails?

Now that you have cut and cleaned your lobster, it’s time to decide the best way to cook lobster tails. The best way to cook lobster tails all comes down to personal preference and your desired finished dish. If you decide to steam lobster tails, you’ll have more of a pure lobster flavor, while air-frying lobster tails might allow you to add additional layers of flavor, like an herbaceous compound butter.

Another consideration that may help you decide the best method to prepare your lobster tails is time. How long it takes to cook lobster tails will vary. Using high heat to broil lobster tails will have a feast fit for any celebration on the table in minutes while baked lobster will take a little longer to prepare and cook.

Comparing and Contrasting Lobster Tail Cooking Methods

Each method of cooking frozen lobster tails offers distinct advantages and disadvantages, making the “best” choice dependent on individual preferences and priorities.

What is the best method of cooking lobster tails?

Ultimately, the optimal method for cooking frozen lobster tails is a matter of personal preference, taking into account desired flavor profiles, texture, and convenience. Boiling offers simplicity and speed, while steaming is excellent for preserving natural tenderness. Broiling provides a quick, browned finish, and baking allows for more even cooking. Grilling imparts a smoky flavor, air frying delivers crispiness, and oven-roasting combines moistness with some browning.

So pour your favorite libation, and let’s jump into different options for cooking lobster tails at home.

How to Boil Lobster Tails?

Boiling lobster tails is one of the most straightforward methods for cooking them. For optimal results, we suggest you use whole or fan-cut lobster tails. This will protect the meat from absorbing too much water and diluting the flavor. Boiling is a great method for cooking a large volume of lobster tails and for cooking the meat if you plan on using it in other dishes.

When boiling lobster, not using enough salt in the water can result in a less flavorful outcome. The water should taste like seawater, but be mindful of over-salting.

The steps to boil lobster tails:

1. Bring a medium to a large pot of water to a boil. Make sure there is sufficient room for the water to circulate.
2. Place the tails in boiling water. Once the water reboils, reduce the heat and cook for the specified time based on the tails’ size.
3. After cooking, you can either use kitchen shears to remove the meat from the shell or split the tails to expose the lobster meat. Enhance the flavor by serving with a delectable lemon butter sauce. Hosting a tailgate? Discover our tips for a successful Lobster Tailgate.

How Long to Boil Lobster Tails?

Tips for Boiling Lobster Tails

• For additional flavor, add aromatics like bay leaves, lemon halves, fresh thyme, garlic cloves, or halved onions.
• If desired, add your favorite seafood seasoning or sea salt to the water, making sure it dissolves before adding the lobster tails.
• Don’t overcrowd the pot. You want a pot large enough that the water can freely circulate around all of the lobster tails without spilling over.
• Save those lobster shells! They can be used to make seafood stock.

How to Cook Lobster Tail in the Oven?

Get out that baking dish or baking sheet and pour a glass of wine. If you’re searching for an easy way to cook your seafood feast, how to cook lobster tail in the oven might be one of the first things you look up. Baking offers a more controlled cooking environment, which can lead to evenly cooked lobster, especially when using the piggyback preparation method.

Cooking lobster tails in the oven allows you to add your favorite seasonings, slather on the butter, or keep it more health-conscious with olive oil. It’s a versatile option that just requires a little prep at the beginning while being mostly hands-off. Unlike broiled lobster tails, you don’t have to keep as close of an eye as they don’t bake at intense heat.

1. For mouthwatering oven-baked lobster, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and place prepared lobster tails on a baking sheet. For the best outcome, we recommend using the piggyback method. This will expose the meat and give you plenty of surface area for seasoning.
2. Brush each lobster tail with our melted Casco Bay Sea Salt Butter and bake for the specified duration, which depends on the tail’s weight.
3. It’s crucial not to overcook; the lobster tail is ready when an instant-read thermometer registers an internal temperature of 140 degrees. Keep in mind that there will be carryover cooking, and the lobster’s internal temperature will continue to rise. Serve with melted butter and lemon wedges.

For a smoky flavor, learn How to Smoke Lobster Tails Like a Pro.

No oven? No problem. You can still achieve lobster bliss even if you’re living in a small studio apartment or dorm. Lobster tails air fryer recipes abound. Make sure to check out our easy, in-depth guide below.

• RELATED: How to Cook Lobster In an Air Fryer

How Long to Bake Lobster Tails?

Baking at a moderate temperature allows for a more even distribution of heat, reducing the risk of overcooking the exterior. Higher temperatures can result in faster cooking and some surface browning.

Tips For Baking Lobster Tails

• For the best-finished product, use the piggyback method of preparing your lobster tails for baking.
• Don’t overcrowd the lobster tails in the baking dish or sheet pan.
• All ovens vary slightly, so use your instant-read thermometer to ensure your lobster tails have cooked to 140 degrees.
• Some cooks recommend adding a small amount of water to the bottom of the pan to help prevent the lobster from drying out

Baked Lobster Tails Recipe

It doesn’t get more classic New England than baked stuffed lobster tails. Combining succulent lobster with sweet sea scallops and tender shrimp, this is over the top yet effortless dish will have your friends and family declaring it the best lobster tail recipe.

• Related: Can You Freeze Scallops?

How to Broil Lobster Tails?

Learning how to broil lobster tail is all about the precision of timing and temperature. It happens fast, making this a great method for any night of the week. Broiling tales are easy and fast and great for presentation for a special lobster dinner. In addition, it also gives you the most concentrated lobster flavor as the high heat caramelizes the sweet meat. Broiling lobster tails requires careful attention due to the high heat involved. To avoid overcooking, follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat the broiler to high while preparing the tails, or between 400-500 degrees.
2. Split or piggyback the tails and place them on a cookie sheet or broiler pan with the shell side down.
3. Brush the meat with butter or olive oil, season with salt, pepper, or your preferred marinade, and keep baste at the ready for mid-cooking application.
4. Broil the tails for slightly less than a minute per ounce, ensuring you baste them halfway through cooking. Exercise vigilance, especially with larger tails.
5. For an added touch, garnish with crushed Ritz crackers, parsley, and a dash of paprika for a burst of color.

How Long to Broil Lobster Tails?

Broiled Lobster Tail Recipe Inspiration: 

Add an instant flavor boost to your broiled lobster tail recipe by basting your lobster tails in rich and savory compound butter. Here are a few suggestions.

• Broiled Lobster Tails with Lime Butter
• Broiled Lobster Tails with Jalapeno Butter
• Broiled Lobster Tails with Lemon Butter

If you plan on making lobster the star and not necessarily making it a part of a dish such as lobster pasta, broiled lobster tail recipes will always win out in the battle of broil vs. boil. For a citrusy flavor, consider trying our Lobster Tails with Lime Butter. Spice things up with our Broiled Lobster Tails with Jalapeno Butter.

Tips For Broiled Lobster Tails

• To prevent the meat from burning, make sure that your baking dish or sheet pan isn’t too close to the top of the oven. You’ll want to place your baking dish in either the middle rack or make sure there is at least 6″ between the top of the oven and the rack.
• Broiling lobster tails quickly cooks the meat, so you will want to ensure you check it at the halfway mark. Allow just under one minute per ounce.
• Don’t add an excess of oil or butter to your lobster tails. At high heat, they can burn and become acrid. Save that pool of butter for dipping!
• While you can broil the XXL and XXXL lobster tails, you may want to pick another option, such as baking or grilling, to prevent them from burning or overcooking.

How to Steam Lobster Tails?

Steaming lobster tails is an excellent option when dealing with whole, butterfly, or split lobster tails. This is a favorite method for cooking lobster tails in Maine that gives you the pure flavor of the lobster without the risk of watering it down like boiling lobster tails. The steam heat makes for a tender and sweet-tasting tail. Remember to watch your cooking time as it is easy to steam the tails too long. Here’s how to do it:

1. Begin by adding 2 inches of water to a pot and bringing it to a boil.
2. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add the tails and tightly cover the pot with a lid. You can also use a steaming rack.
3. Steam the tails to perfection, following the specified cooking times based on tail size and method. To stop the cooking process simply add your steamed tails to a bowl of ice water.

For more detailed steaming instructions, visit our guide on How to Steam Lobster Tails.

How Long to Steam Lobster Tails?

Tips For Steaming Lobster Tails

• To steam the lobster tails, use white wine or beer instead of water. You can also use half water and half wine or beer.
• Add aromatics to the liquid, like lemon or lime slices, bay leaves, thyme, parsley, etc.
• Make sure that you’re not using a large amount of water for this method of cooking lobster tails.

How to Cook Lobster Tails on the Grill?

Learning how to grill a lobster tail with confidence will make you channel your inner Hank Hill and feel like a true pit master. Whether it’s just a feast of lobster tails being kissed by smoke and fire or a 4-way grill with steak, lobster, veggies, and sides. Grilling lobster tails impart a distinct smoky flavor and a unique texture that is difficult to achieve with other cooking methods.

Learning how to grill lobster tails couldn’t be easier. To achieve this, follow these steps:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates to prevent sticking. Make sure they’re clean.
2. Place prepared lobster tails, shell side down, on the grill.
3. Brush with your choice of marinade or seasoned butter, and grill according to the recommended times based on tail size.
4. Keep a close watch to prevent overcooking. When the meat turns opaque and slightly charred, it’s time to savor your grilled lobster tails.

For a unique and flavorful twist, try these Lobster Tails with Balsamic Dressing

If you are working with frozen lobster tails, check out our tips for Grilling Frozen Lobster Tails.

How Long to Grill Lobster Tails?

Grilling over direct heat can create a slightly charred exterior while the interior remains moist. The different grilling techniques, such as starting shell-side down, protect the delicate meat from the initial intense heat.

Tips For Grilling Lobster Tails

• Lobster tails can be cooked on any grill, including gas, charcoal, and pellet grills. Regardless of the type of grill, you want to heat it to around 400 degrees.
• Be mindful of flair-ups when basting your lobster tails, especially with charcoal grills. If this happens, you can quickly move your lobster tails to a cooler zone to prevent them from burning.
• Wood chips add a smoky layer of flavor to your grilled lobster tail recipe. Sweeter woods like pecan, apple, and cherry work well with seafood.
• Split lobster tails will cook a little faster than piggyback or butterfly lobster tails. You can also sear them flesh side down for a couple of minutes to develop a crust before flipping them over.

How Long to Cook Lobster Tail?

The cooking time for lobster tails varies depending on the method and the size of the tails. As a general guideline, for boiling, baking, and broiling, allow 1-2 minutes of cooking time per ounce of tail meat.

Steaming may require slightly longer, typically 3-4 minutes per ounce. When grilling, aim for 4-5 minutes per side for each ounce of meat.

 Relying solely on visual cues to determine doneness might not be sufficient. Always verify doneness by checking that the meat is opaque and firm and reaches an internal temperature of between 135 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. An instant-read thermometer is your best friend regardless of the method for cooking lobster tails.

How to Prevent the Lobster Meat from Sticking to the Shell?

It can be very frustrating when you pay good money for lobster tails, and after you cook them, the meat comes out of the shell in bits and shredded pieces. Typically, this occurs when grilling lobster tails. Here are some tips for how to prevent the meat from sticking to the shell:

• Defrost fully. Always make sure your lobster tails are fully defrosted so the tail meat can cook evenly and prevent the meat from sticking to its shell. Review our tips for thawing frozen lobster tails.
• Remove the shell during prep time. The tail meat can also be gently lifted or loosened from the shell with your hands or even with a butter knife and lay back in the shell. This is also a great point to add seasoning or butter between the meat and shell.
• Blanch the lobster tail. Parboiling (or blanching) cooks the meat enough so that the meat can be removed from the shell. It’s a good method to use before grilling. If you parboil your lobster prior to grilling, you will just need to sear it quickly to finish the cooking process.
• Submerge lobster tail in cold water. Plunge cooked lobster tails into ice water to stop the cooking process and release the meat from the shell.

How Can You Tell Lobster Tails Are Cooked?

The two things you should look for are the color of the meat and the texture. Key indicators of doneness include the shell turning a vibrant red color and the flesh becoming white and opaque throughout. When cooked, the lobster meat should become opaque and turn pearly white. Additionally, it should feel firm and springy to the touch. The tails may also begin to curl, and any emerging juices should turn white. For broiled lobster, the top might develop a crispy, golden finish

Some people judge lobster by its shell color, but the shell can turn red when the meat isn’t fully cooked. This is especially true if the lobster wasn’t properly unthawed. However, the most reliable way to determine if lobster is fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the tail meat; it should register between 135-140°F (57-60°C).

It always helps to make sure that your lobster is fully unthawed prior to cooking. This will allow the meat to cook evenly without becoming tough. However, sometimes, the craving for lobster hits without planning. Knowing how to cook frozen lobster will ensure that it’s cooked through without overcooking or being raw in the middle. More gentle methods like steaming or boiling are ideal for cooking lobster tails that may still be frozen.

What Temperature Should Lobster Tails Be Cooked At?

Once the internal temperature reaches 135-140 degrees Fahrenheit, your lobster tails are ready to enjoy! An instant-read thermometer is a reliable tool for ensuring you reach the minimum internal temp for lobster. It ensures you will have that tender, succulent every time you cook lobster tails.

Be careful the tails will continue to cook when you take them off the grill or pull them out of boiling or steaming water.

How Should I Season My Lobster Tails?

Simple seasonings are often best for enhancing lobster’s natural sweetness. Melted butter, salt, pepper, and lemon juice are classic choices. Garlic, paprika, and various herbs can also be used to add flavor, but over-seasoning should be avoided as it can easily mask the delicate taste of the lobster. Serving with clarified (drawn) butter is a traditional and delicious accompaniment.

Best Maine Lobster Tails

Mastering the art of cooking lobster tails opens up a world of culinary delight in the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether you opt for the simplicity of boiling or the smokiness of grilling, you’ll be rewarded with succulent lobster tail meat that’s sure to impress.

Skip the hassle of looking up lobster tails near me and order cold-water Maine lobsters effortlessly from the comfort of your home. It’s never been easier to create unforgettable lobster dishes for your family and friends!

Frequently Asked Questions

Looking for More Ways to Cook Lobster at Home?

Check out our recipe for How to Cook Lobster Tails. We also have guides for different ways of cooking live lobsters. There are lots of ways to prepare live lobster at home. See our succinct overview of all the best ways to cook Maine lobster.

• Cooking Lobster
  • How to Cook Lobster Tails: Boil, Bake, Broil, Steam and Grill
• How to Bake Lobster: The Ultimate Sheet Pan Dinner
• How to Boil Lobster: Get into Some Hot Water!
• How to Broil Live Lobsters
  • How to Broil Lobster: The Heat is On
• How to Cook Lobster In an Air Fryer
• How to Cook Lobsters on the Grill Without Ruining Them
  • How to Grill Lobster at Home: A Step-By-Step Guide
• How to Microwave Lobster: Yes, it really works in a pinch!
• How to Sous Vide Lobster – Recipes for Lobster Tails and Meat
• How to Steam Live Lobster: Full Steam Ahead!
  • How to Steam Lobster Tails
• How to Fry Lobster Tails – Easy Dinner Recipe