Steaming Lobster Tails: How To Know They're Cooked Perfectly

Lobster is a luxurious treat, often reserved for special occasions. It can be intimidating to cook at home, but steaming lobster tails is a simple and speedy process. Cooking lobster in its shell helps the tail keep its shape and makes it easier to remove the meat after cooking. It also imparts great flavour and helps the meat retain moisture. But how do you know when your lobster tails are cooked?

How to prepare lobster tails for steaming

Steamed lobster tails are a delicious treat, and preparing them for steaming is a simple process. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Choosing and Thawing Lobster Tails

Select the right lobster tails for your meal. Lobster tails come in various sizes and colours, but the most common types are the American lobster (usually from Maine) and the spiny or rock lobster. If you're using frozen lobster tails, it's essential to thaw them before cooking. You can do this by leaving them in the refrigerator for 8 hours or overnight, or if you're in a hurry, place them in a bowl of cold water for 30 minutes to an hour, changing the water as needed.

Step 2: Preparing the Lobster Tails

Use a sharp knife or kitchen shears to cut each lobster tail in half lengthwise. Rinse the tails under cold water briefly to remove any grit or shell fragments. You may also need to remove the dark digestive tract that runs down the length of the tail; make a shallow cut to remove it, then rinse and dry the tail.

Step 3: Setting Up the Steamer

Fill a large pot or deep skillet with about 1-2 inches of water and bring it to a boil. Place a steamer basket inside the pot, ensuring it sits just above the water level. You can also add aromatics to the water, such as lemon juice, wine, herbs, or spices, for extra flavour.

Step 4: Steaming the Lobster Tails

Place the lobster tails in the steamer basket, cut-side up. Cover the pot and steam until the meat is opaque, plump, and cooked through. The cooking time will depend on the size of your lobster tails; a good rule of thumb is about 45-60 seconds of cooking time per ounce of lobster. For example, a 4-ounce lobster tail will take around 4 minutes to cook. Keep a close eye on the lobster tails, as they can overcook easily.

Step 5: Serving

Once the lobster tails are cooked to your desired doneness, remove them from the steamer and serve immediately. Steamed lobster tails are best enjoyed with melted butter, lemon wedges, or a variety of sauces such as herb sauce, soy sauce-based dipping sauce, or a rich sauce like lobster Thermidor. Enjoy your delicious, perfectly steamed lobster tails!

How long to steam lobster tails

Steaming lobster tails is a great way to ensure your lobster stays tender and flavourful. The length of time you need to steam your lobster tails will depend on their size. As a general rule, steaming lobster tails should take around 45 to 60 seconds of cooking time per ounce.

For smaller, 4-ounce lobster tails, you should steam for 6 to 8 minutes. Medium, 6-ounce tails will need 8 to 10 minutes, and large, 8-ounce tails will take 10 to 12 minutes. For extra-large, 12-ounce tails, you're looking at 15 to 20 minutes of steaming.

However, it's important to keep a close eye on your lobster as it cooks, as it can overcook easily. The meat will turn from translucent to opaque and pinkish-white when it's cooked, and the shell will be bright red. You can also use an instant-read thermometer to check—the thickest part of the tail should reach an internal temperature of 135 to 140ºF (57 to 63ºC) when cooked.

To steam your lobster tails, fill a large pot with about 1 inch of water and place a steamer basket inside. Bring the water to a boil, and then place your lobster tails in the basket, cut-side up. Cover the pot and start timing!

Once your lobster tails are cooked, remove them from the steamer and serve with melted butter and a slice of lemon for a zesty kick. Enjoy!

How to tell if steamed lobster tails are cooked

Steaming lobster tails is a great way to cook them without losing their flavour or making them rubbery. But how do you know when they're done?

Visual cues

When steamed, lobster tails will turn a bright red colour and the meat will become opaque white. The meat will also be very plump.

Temperature check

You can also use an instant-read thermometer to check that the lobster tail has reached a temperature of 135-145°F (57-63°C) in the thickest part of the tail.

Timing

As a guide, lobster tails generally take around 45-60 seconds of cooking time per ounce. Small to medium tails will take 6-8 minutes to steam, while large tails will take 8-12 minutes.

It's important not to overcook lobster tails, as this will cause them to shrink and dry out.

How to serve steamed lobster tails

Steamed lobster tails are a delicious treat and can be served in a variety of ways. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare and serve them:

Preparing the Lobster Tails:

• If you are using frozen lobster tails, make sure to thaw them properly before cooking. The recommended method is to place them in the refrigerator to defrost overnight. Alternatively, you can submerge them in a bowl of cold water for about 30 minutes, changing the water every 15-20 minutes until fully thawed.
• Once the lobster tails are thawed, use a sharp knife or kitchen shears to cut each tail in half lengthwise. This step is optional, but it will make it easier to remove the meat from the shell after cooking.
• Rinse the tails briefly under cold water to remove any grit or shell fragments.
• If desired, you can butterfly the lobster tails for a more elegant presentation. To do this, cut open the shell lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through. Remove any dark digestive tract that may be present, then rinse and dry the lobster tail.

Steaming the Lobster Tails:

• Fill a large pot or deep skillet with about 1-2 inches of water and bring it to a boil. Add a steamer basket or insert to the pot, making sure it is just above the water level.
• Place the lobster tails in the steamer basket, cut-side up, in a single layer. Make sure they are not overcrowded, as this will inhibit even cooking.
• Cover the pot and steam the lobster tails until the meat is opaque and plump. The cooking time will depend on the size of the tails, but it usually ranges from 5 to 10 minutes. For example, small to medium tails may take 6 to 8 minutes, while large tails may take 8 to 12 minutes.
• To check if the lobster tails are fully cooked, look for visual indicators such as a bright red shell and opaque white meat. You can also use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should be between 135-145°F (57-63°C) in the thickest part of the tail.

Serving the Steamed Lobster Tails:

• Once the lobster tails are cooked, remove them from the steamer and serve them hot with a flavorful butter sauce. Melted butter with lemon or garlic is a classic choice, or you could try an herb sauce like chimichurri or a soy sauce-based Asian dipping sauce. Just make sure the flavors are not too strong or sweet, as they can overwhelm the delicate taste of lobster.
• If you prefer, you can also allow the lobster tails to cool and then dice the meat for use in dishes like lobster salad or lobster rolls.
• Steamed lobster tails can also be served with fresh lemon wedges and sides such as mashed potatoes and asparagus.

How to steam lobster tails without a steamer

Steamed lobster tails are a delicious treat and can be cooked without any special equipment. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam lobster tails without a steamer:

Preparing the Lobster Tails:

First, if you are using frozen lobster tails, it is important to thaw them properly. Place them in the refrigerator for 8 hours or overnight. This will ensure they are completely defrosted before cooking.

Once thawed, use a sharp knife to cut each tail in half lengthwise. Rinse the tails under cold water to remove any grit or shell fragments. This step ensures that your lobster meat is clean and ready for steaming.

Setting Up Your Steaming Station:

You will need a large pot or deep skillet with a tight-fitting lid. Pour about 1 inch of water into the pot and place it on your stove. Bring the water to a boil.

If you don't have a steamer basket, you can create a makeshift one by using a metal colander or a heat-proof dish that fits inside your pot. Make sure whatever you use has holes or slots to allow steam to pass through. Place your steaming vessel inside the pot, ensuring it is just above the water level.

Steaming the Lobster Tails:

Place the lobster tails in your steaming vessel, with the cut side facing up. Cover the pot with its lid. This step is crucial to trap the steam inside, ensuring even cooking.

Steam the lobster tails for 5 to 8 minutes. Do not be tempted to lift the lid or peek inside, as this will release the steam and may affect the cooking time.

Checking for Doneness:

After steaming, carefully remove the lobster tails from the pot. The meat should be just opaque and very plump. Overcooking will cause the meat to shrink and dry out, so it is important to keep an eye on the timing.

The best way to check if your lobster tails are cooked perfectly is to use an instant-read thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the tail. The internal temperature should reach between 135 to 140ºF (57 to 63ºC).

Additionally, you will notice that the shell has turned from dark to bright red due to the heat. This color change is a good indicator that your lobster tails are likely cooked through.

Serving Suggestions:

Steamed lobster tails are best served warm with your choice of sauce. Try melted butter with a squeeze of lemon or a dash of garlic. Alternatively, you can go for an herb sauce like chimichurri or a soy sauce-based Asian dipping sauce. Just remember not to overpower the delicate flavour of the lobster with strong or overly sweet sauces.

You can also use the steamed lobster meat in salads or lobster rolls. Simply cool the meat and dice it into bite-sized pieces before adding to your dish.

Now you know how to steam lobster tails without a steamer, you can impress your guests with this delicious and simple dish!

Frequently asked questions