Dine out at an overpriced steakhouse, and you will likely feast your eyes on a big lobster tail with the meat lying on top of its shell. This is what is called a piggyback lobster tail. It is not cheap, especially when the sides are à la carte. It’s a treat for the taste buds but not so light on the wallet! In this article, we will show you how it is done with step-by-step instructions. Dive into luxury with mouthwatering piggyback lobster tails at your house!
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Difference Between Piggyback and Butterfly
There is a difference between a piggyback and a butterfly lobster tail. With butterflying tails, you are basically opening up the shell like a book. The tail will open up like a butterfly and lay flat. Piggyback, on the other hand, is simply cutting the top of the shell and lifting the meat on top of the shell. See our guide for how to properly butterfly a lobster tail.
For a different preparation method, see our guide on How to Butterfly Lobster Tails.
Why Piggyback Lobster Tail?
There are several reasons to use this method, including:
- Presentation: The biggest reason to piggyback lobster tails is that they look impressive. Some chefs might use this method on small tails to make them look bigger than they really are.
- Easy to Serve: The tail meat is already pulled out of the shell, so your guests will have easy access. No lobster crackers are required, just a fork and knife and extra butter for dipping.
- Butter & Spice: The meat lends itself to butter baste and spice rubs.
- Quicker Cooking: The lobster tail will cook quicker with the tail meat exposed.
Tools Needed
- Kitchen Shears
- Large Chef Knife
- Cutting Board
- Kitchen Towel
Steps to Piggyback the Tail
Time needed: 2 minutes.
This method is not as difficult as it looks, but always be careful cutting the tail as there can be sharp shell pieces. Always slow defrost the lobster tails overnight before prepping and give the tail a quick rinse under cold water.
- Cut Top of Shell
With kitchen shears cut through the top center shell lengthwise until you reach the fan of the tail.
- Make a ‘T’ Cut
Make two small cuts to make a small ‘T’ above the fantail.
- Crack Ribs
Flip the tail over to crack the ribs in the center and snip of the legs.
- Spread Open and Clean Meat
Gently spread the halves of the shell apart and loosen the meat. Remove the black intestinal tract and rinse out the tail.
- Piggyback the Tail Meat
Lift up the meat through the split shell and rest it “piggyback” on top of the shell. Optionally, use a sharp knife and score the 2 loins down the center and cross hatch. This fabrication method will increase surface area for roasted flavor, decrease cooking time as well as add to the presentation. Season with salt, baste with drawn butter.
How to Cook a Piggyback Lobster Tail?
Piggyback tails are best roasted or baked in the oven. With this preparation method, you do not want to boil or steam tails since the shell protects the delicate meat.
For a comprehensive guide on various cooking methods, visit How to Cook Lobster Tails: Boil, Bake, Broil, Steam, and Grill.
Bake Piggyback Lobster Tail
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Place prepared lobster tails on a baking sheet, brush each lobster tail with melted butter, and bake for approximately 10 to 15 minutes (depending on tail weight) or until an instant-read thermometer registers an internal temperature of 140 degrees. Do not overcook. Lobster shell will turn their bright red color well before the meat is thoroughly cooked inside. Remove from the oven and serve with melted butter and lemon wedges.
For detailed instructions, see our tips for baking whole lobster.
Roasting Piggyback Lobster Tail
Follow the instructions for baking, but you are cooking at a higher heat for less time. Preheat the oven to 420. Depending on the tail size, cut the cooking time by 5-6 minutes. Tails can also be roasted on a grill at high temperatures. Do not flip the tails. Baste the tails once to prevent them from drying out. Watch carefully, as roasting can dry out the tails. See our tips for roasting lobster. For a smoky flavor, check out our guide on How to Smoke Lobster Tails Like a Pro.
Grilling Piggyback Lobster Tail
Tails can also be roasted on a high-temperature grill. Do not flip them. Baste the tails once to prevent them from drying out. See our step-by-step instructions for grilling lobster tails.
Recipes for Piggyback Lobster Tails
For a delicious recipe using lobster tails, try our Lobster Tails with Balsamic Dressing. For a spicy twist, try our recipe for Broiled Lobster Tails with Jalapeno Butter. For a citrus twist, consider our Lobster Tails with Lime Butter.
If you’re working with frozen tails, see our tips for Grilling Frozen Lobster Tails.
Piggyback lobster tails are perfect for special occasions. Learn more in our guide on Lobster Tails for Holidays and Celebrations. For a pure lobster flavor, learn How to Steam Lobster Tails.
In review, there are many ways to prepare lobster tails. Perhaps the most important thing is to start out with fresh Maine lobster tails to buy directly from Lobsteranywhere.com. Our lobsters are sourced from some of the most regulated and sustainable fisheries in the world, ensuring the superior taste and environmental responsibility you care about. Hosting an event? Check out our tips for a successful Lobster Tailgate.
Prefer to skip the cutting and prepping for a piggyback presentation? LobsterAnywhere sells Jumbo Maine lobster tails already prepped and ready for cooking.
Jumbo Piggyback Lobster Tails
Our Jumbo Maine Lobster Tails are prepared piggyback style for an impressive presentation!
A piggyback Maine lobster tail features the tail meat partially removed and arranged on top of its shell for elegant presentation and even cooking.
Sourced directly from the cold Atlantic, these 7-8 oz. Maine-certified tails are guaranteed to deliver authentic, sweet, and succulent flavor. FREE express shipping, not ground.
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.