How to Cook Lobster Tail
I remember walking by the meat department at my local grocery store one day and seeing how affordable lobster can actually be, if you watch the sales. For weeks I approached the counter, building up the courage to buy it. But in the end I would always chicken out.
One day, the lobster was on a killer sale and I figured this was my perfect opportunity, because if I really messed it up I wasn’t out too much money. I also bought some steaks to prepare with it as a backup. If everything worked well, I had surf ‘n turf. If it bombed, well, I still had steak.
To cut to the chase, the lobster turned out great. It turns out my fears were largely unfounded and lobster is actually one of the easiest things to prepare. So you can be the hero preparing a romantic home-cooked meal that seems like it took forever to prepare, but was actually shockingly easy. I won’t tell if you won’t.
INGREDIENTS
Lobster tails
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/2 tsp garlic salt
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp parsley
PREPARATION
- Line a baking sheet with tinfoil and turn your broiler on high.
- Using kitchen shears, cut along the middle of the hard shell of the lobster tail. Start at the fleshy end and move toward the bottom of the tail.
- Carefully pull back along both sides of the cut to expose the meat (don’t cut your fingers in the process). Place the tails on the baking sheet, with the exposed meat side up.
- Combine the melted butter, garlic salt, paprika, pepper and parsley in a bowl. Pour the butter mixture over the lobster meat.
- Broil for 7-10 minutes or until the meat turns opaque. Depending on the tail, it will often turn a bright red, indicating it is done. Be careful not to overcook so it doesn’t become spongy.
- Serve with more of the melted butter mixture, if desired.
That’s it. The most challenging part of the whole meal is cutting the shell. It’s a little unnerving to feel the shell crack as you cut, but it’s not too bad. Plus, once you get a taste of the rich, buttery meat, the only thing you’ll be thinking about is how great a decision you made to make this dish.
How to Cook a Lobster Tail
Ingredients
- Lobster tails
- 1/2 cup butter melted
- 1/2 tsp garlic salt
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp parsley
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with tinfoil and turn your broiler on high.
- Using kitchen shears, cut along the middle of the hard shell of the lobster tail. Start at the fleshy end and move toward the bottom of the tail.
- Carefully pull back along both sides of the cut to expose the meat (don’t cut your fingers in the process). Place the tails on the baking sheet, with the exposed meat side up.
- Combine the melted butter, garlic salt, paprika, pepper and parsley in a bowl. Pour the butter mixture over the lobster meat.
- Broil for 7-10 minutes or until the meat turns opaque. Depending on the tail, it will often turn a bright red, indicating it is done. Be careful not to overcook so it doesn’t become spongy.
- Serve with more of the melted butter mixture, if desired.
Terri Steffes says
Oh yum. I remember the first time I cooked a whole lobster. My friend, Al, told me that the lobster would scream when it touched the water. I put my fingers in my ears and closed my eyes. I have a photo of me looking terrified. Lobsters don't have vocal chords. It was a complete sham.
Author TP Keane says
good on you for trying it. I cooked a live lobster once… not sure it was so much fun but it turned out okay in the end.
Jessica Knott says
I just got finished with dinner and you totally have me hungry for more! The hubs would love if I made fresh lobster tail, yum!
Kimberly Stroh says
I would love to learn how to cook a lobster. It is something that I only order when we go out. It would be a huge treat at home
Amanda Love says
I am so loving this recipe! Nothing like keeping it simple especially when it comes to seafood! Thanks for sharing this, I'm going to keep this recipe!
Rose Sahetapy says
My favourite food! Lobester cook in butter. It can be terriying for some to cook alive lobster. I think I was calm enough when I cooked it for the first at home.
Heather says
Oh I love lobster – it might be a requirement since Iive in Maine! I always steam lobsters, but this looks delicious!
Karen Morse says
Having lived in Boston for years, I am all about lobstah. I wish we had lobster rolls up here in Cleveland… but since they are not a regular here I need to make them at home in the summer! Great tips for cooking this… looks fab!
Karen | GlamKaren.com
Quezzo says
Thank you for sharing this! I've actually never cooked Lobster tail but I've always wanted to. It has been one of those intimidating things.
Dawn McAlexander says
I love a good lobster tail, but I was always scared to cook one at home. Thank you for showing me how.
Yvonne Sowell says
I love lobster! That's such a great way to make it. Sometimes I'd make a lobster salad with diced green apples, some sliced grapes, ceaser dressing = yums!
| yvonnesowell.com |
ConciergeLibrarian says
Well this is good to know. I am not really a seafood fan but this looks really good
Carolyn @ Fennell Seeds says
Lobster is my favorite thing to eat but we always boil it. I just read this out loud to my husband and we are going to make it this way next time. I pinned it!
Toni says
I have always wondered about how to cook lobster tails. One of my kids is allergic to seafood but when he's away for dinner one night, I will definitely make it!
Tough Cookie Mommy says
I've always loved eating lobster tail but I don't think that I have ever prepared it. I would love to be able to make this for Hubby and I to enjoy during date night.
reesa says
We LOVE lobster tail. THey're so easy to make! The perfect date night dinner!
GiGi Eats Celebrities says
Lobster is just soooooo friggin' good!
Julie @ Strong Girl Collective says
This looks absolutely delicious! And perfect for a summer night on the patio after an afternoon of swimming!
jillconyers says
Lobster is so good. I've never cooked them myself and I'm not sure why.
Arin | Heart of Chic says
I saw this on your IG account, and my mouth was watering! What a delicious dinner idea, and it looks so fresh! Send some over, k?! XO
Hil'Lesha O'Nan says
I don't eat seafood, but this looks good nonetheless. My oldest sister would love this since she loves lobster!
CourtneyLynne says
Omg how yummy!!! My parents made lobster everything when I was a kid. This brings me back to those dinners!
Moda Addicted says
I think I might try cooking this! I love lobster, but my mom is allergic to see food so she never cooks anything like this. She only makes salmon! I think I might impress my parents and make this!
Carole says
Hi Debra, this would be a lovely contribution to Food on Friday: Decadent Delights over at Carole's Chatter. Please do bring it over and add it to the collection. Cheers
Jamie Tomkins says
Great tips! I just wish they weren't as expensive as they are up here in the mountains. 🙁 Thank you for sharing with us at the #HomeMattersParty