Steaming Lobster Tails: Pressure Cooker Time Perfection

Cooking lobster tails can be a daunting task, but with the help of a pressure cooker, it becomes a lot easier and less time-consuming. The pressure cooker uses steam pressure inside a sealed pot to cook food, and because the inside gets very hot, it cooks food much faster than baking or stovetop cooking. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to steam lobster tails in a pressure cooker, ensuring they are cooked to perfection.

How to steam lobster tails in a pressure cooker

Steaming lobster tails in a pressure cooker is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious meal. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve perfect results.

Preparation:

First, you will need to gather your ingredients and tools. For this method, you will require:

• Lobster tails (fresh or frozen)
• Water or broth (for steaming)
• A pressure cooker
• Kitchen shears or a sharp knife
• A trivet or steamer basket
• Butter (optional)
• Spices and seasonings (optional)

Step 1: Preparing the Lobster Tails:

Start by rinsing the lobster tails under cold water. Then, using kitchen shears or a sharp knife, carefully cut down the middle of the top shell, creating a "butterflied" appearance. Be sure not to cut through the end of the tail, and take care not to cut your hand. Gently pry open the shell to expose the meat, but keep the tail intact. You can also remove the vein and any grit at this stage.

Step 2: Seasoning (Optional):

If desired, you can season the lobster meat at this point. You can use a variety of spices and seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or Italian seasoning. Mix your chosen spices in a small bowl and sprinkle them over the lobster meat. You can also add small pats of butter to the lobster for extra flavour.

Step 3: Arranging the Lobster Tails in the Pressure Cooker:

Place a trivet or steamer basket into the bottom of your pressure cooker, and add about one cup of water or broth. If using a steamer basket, place the lobster tails inside, standing up and leaning against the side of the basket, with the tail-side facing down. If using a trivet, arrange the lobster tails on top, with the shells facing down. Ensure that the lobster tails are not stacked on top of each other but placed side by side.

Step 4: Cooking the Lobster Tails:

Close the lid of your pressure cooker and set the valve to the sealing position. Set the cooker to high pressure and cook for 1 minute for defrosted lobster tails or 2 minutes for frozen. For larger lobster tails (10 ounces or more), add an additional minute to the cooking time.

Step 5: Releasing Pressure and Serving:

Once the timer goes off, perform a quick pressure release by moving the valve to the "release" position. This should take about 1-2 minutes. Open the lid and remove the lobster tails from the pressure cooker. For an extra touch, brush the lobster meat with melted butter before serving. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and additional melted butter on the side, if desired.

Tips:

• It is recommended to defrost frozen lobster tails before cooking, as this will result in a better texture and make it easier to butterfly the shells.
• To defrost lobster tails, thaw them overnight in the fridge for the best results, or gently defrost them under cold water. Avoid using a microwave, as this can make the meat tough.
• When cooking lobster tails, it is important not to let them sit in the pot for too long after they are done, as they will overcook.
• Always release pressure away from your face and never stand over the pressure cooker when doing so.
• To check if the lobster tails are fully cooked, the shells should be bright reddish-orange, and the meat should be opaque and white, with no grey or translucent areas.

By following these steps, you can enjoy perfectly steamed lobster tails prepared right in your pressure cooker!

How to steam lobster tails in the shell

Steaming lobster tails in the shell is a great way to preserve the natural flavour and tenderness of the lobster meat while ensuring even cooking. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Preparation:

Firstly, make sure you have all the necessary equipment: a pressure cooker or Instant Pot, kitchen shears or a sharp knife, a trivet or steamer basket, and tongs. You will also need butter, garlic, and lemon for seasoning.

Next, rinse the lobster tails with cold water. Then, using your kitchen shears or knife, carefully cut down the centre of the top shell lengthwise, stopping just before the tail fin. This technique is called "butterflying" and helps the lobster cook more evenly. Be careful not to cut through the end of the tail or the meat itself.

Once the shell is cut, gently pry it open to expose the meat, but keep the tail intact. You can also loosen the meat slightly from the shell to make it easier to eat after cooking. If desired, you can also remove the digestive tract, a long black vein visible on the underside of the meat.

Cooking:

Now it's time to start the pressure cooker. Place the lobster tails in the pot with about 1 cup of water or broth. Close the lid and set the steam valve to the sealing position. Set the cooker to high pressure for 1-2 minutes for small tails, or 4 minutes for very large tails.

When the timer goes off, perform a quick pressure release by moving the valve to the "release" position. This will take about 2 minutes. Once all the pressure has been released, carefully open the lid.

Serving:

Remove the lobster tails from the pot and serve immediately. Lobster tails can be enjoyed on their own or with melted butter, lemon wedges, or your favourite dipping sauces. They also go well with sides like steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.

Tips:

• It is recommended to thaw frozen lobster tails before cooking, as it can be difficult to cut the shell while frozen.
• If you are cooking multiple lobster tails, make sure they are similar in size for the best results.
• Do not let the lobster sit in the pot for too long after cooking, as it will overcook.
• For extra flavour, you can season the water or broth with salt or other spices.

How to cook frozen lobster tails

Cooking lobster tails can be a daunting task, but with the right tools and a bit of patience, you can achieve delicious results. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to cook frozen lobster tails using a pressure cooker:

Preparation:

Before you start, make sure your pressure cooker has a trivet or steamer basket. These will help ensure even cooking and prevent the lobster tails from sitting directly on the bottom of the pot. If you're using an Instant Pot, it likely came with a trivet.

Begin by rinsing the frozen lobster tails under cold water. This will help remove any ice or residue.

Next, use sharp kitchen shears or a knife to carefully cut the top of the lobster tail shell. Cut from the top down to the tip of the tail. Don't worry too much about avoiding the meat, as creating a "butterflied" appearance is desirable. Carefully pull the shell down, so the meat sits on top of the shell and is more exposed. You can also devein the lobster tails and remove any grit at this stage.

To enhance the presentation, you can slide a lemon wedge or two under the lobster meat, between the meat and the tail.

Cooking the Lobster Tails:

Now it's time to add the trivet and about a cup of water or stock to your pressure cooker. Place the prepared lobster tails on top of the trivet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. If you're making more than four lobster tails, you may need to use a steamer basket to fit them all.

Close the lid of your pressure cooker and set it to seal. Set the cook time for one minute if your lobster tails are fresh or thawed. If you're cooking frozen lobster tails, set the timer for four minutes (three minutes if partially thawed).

It's important to note that it will take some time for the pressure cooker to reach the desired pressure before the actual cooking time begins. Once the timer goes off, release the pressure carefully, making sure to do so away from your face.

Serving:

After releasing the pressure, remove the lid and let the lobster tails rest in the pot for about 10 minutes to finish cooking gently.

Finally, serve your lobster tails with plenty of melted butter for dipping. Enjoy the fruits of your labour!

Tips:

• It's best to cook lobster tails on low pressure if your pressure cooker has that option. If not, that's okay—just add one minute to the total cook time.
• For larger lobster tails (over 8 oz), add an extra minute to the cook time to ensure thorough cooking.
• While it's possible to cook frozen lobster tails, they may have a gummy texture. It's recommended to thaw them first, either by leaving them in the fridge overnight or under cold running water to speed up the process.

How long to steam lobster tails for

Steaming lobster tails in a pressure cooker is a quick and easy way to cook this delicate seafood. The process is simple and can yield impressive results, with tender, juicy lobster tails that are cooked to perfection.

Preparation

Before steaming, there are a few steps to prepare the lobster tails. Firstly, butterfly the lobster tails by cutting down the middle of the top shell with kitchen shears or a sharp knife. Be careful not to cut through the end of the tail and stop before reaching the tail fin. Pry open the shell to expose the meat, keeping the tail intact. You can also loosen the meat from the shell to make it easier to eat after cooking. If desired, you can also remove the lobster's digestive tract, a long black vein visible on the underside of the meat.

Once the lobster tails are prepared, you can brush them with butter or a garlic butter mixture. This step is optional but will add flavour to the dish. Place the lobster tails in a steamer basket, standing up and leaning against the side of the basket. The tail-side should be facing down, and the meat side should be at the top inside of the basket.

Cooking Time

Now, for the crucial part: how long to steam those lobster tails? The cooking time will depend on a few factors, including the size of the lobster tails and whether they are frozen or fresh.

For fresh lobster tails, the cooking time is typically between 1 to 2 minutes on high pressure. However, it's important to note that it will take around 10 to 15 minutes for the pressure cooker to come to pressure. Once the timer goes off, perform a quick release to avoid overcooking the lobster.

For frozen lobster tails, the cooking time will be longer, ranging from 2 to 4 minutes on high pressure. Again, remember to factor in the time it takes for the pressure cooker to reach pressure.

Serving

After cooking, carefully remove the lobster tails from the steamer and let them cool slightly before serving. Lobster tails are often served with melted butter, lemon wedges, or your favourite dipping sauces. They can be enjoyed as a main dish or as part of a surf and turf meal.

Now you know how long to steam lobster tails in a pressure cooker! With this guide, you can confidently prepare and cook lobster tails to perfection.

How to tell when lobster tails are fully cooked

Lobster tails are fully cooked when they are opaque and firm, but still moist. The shell will be bright red, and the meat will be white and pink. The internal temperature of the lobster should be 140°F.

Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker

After cooking the lobster tails in the Instant Pot or pressure cooker for the recommended time, release the pressure manually by switching the valve to the "venting" position. Check the lobster tails—the meat should be opaque and firm. If not, close the lid and let the lobster tails sit in the pot for an additional 5 minutes on the "Keep Warm" setting.

Oven

Bake the lobster tails in the oven at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, or until the lobster meat is firm and opaque, and the shells are bright red.

Air Fryer

Cook the lobster tails in the air fryer at 350°F for 7 minutes, or until the lobster meat is opaque and firm.

Grill

Preheat a gas, charcoal, or pellet grill to high heat (around 400°F). Place the lobster tails on the grill with the meat side down for 5-6 minutes to get nice grill marks. Then, turn the tails over and grill for another 2-4 minutes, or until the lobster meat turns opaque and firm. Keep a close eye on them so they don't overcook.

Frequently asked questions