Steaming Lobster Tail Perfection With An Electric Steamer

Lobster is often regarded as an elegant, high-end type of seafood, but cooking lobster tails at home is simple and quick. Steaming lobster tails is a great way to cook them, as it minimises direct water contact, keeps the meat tender, and enhances flavour retention. To steam lobster tails, you will need a large pot with a steamer basket and lid, kitchen scissors or shears, an instant-read thermometer, butter (salted or unsalted), and seasonings of your choice. You can also use an electric steamer, which should produce good results.

Preparing the lobster tails

Start by making sure you have the right equipment. You'll need a large pot with a steamer basket and a lid, as well as kitchen scissors or shears. An instant-read thermometer is also useful but not essential.

Before you begin preparing the lobster tails, you'll need to defrost them if they're frozen. The best way to do this is to leave them in the fridge overnight. If you're short on time, you can place them in a bowl of cool water for 30 minutes to an hour. For larger tails, you may need to replace the water and leave them for a further 30 minutes.

Once your lobster tails are thawed, you can start preparing them for steaming. Fill a large pot with a few inches of water and place it on the hob to boil. While you're waiting for the water to heat up, take your lobster tails and carefully cut the shell lengthwise from top to bottom using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors. Be careful not to cut the meat underneath.

Gently pull back the shell to expose the meat. This will help the lobster cook more evenly and make it easier to remove the meat once it's cooked.

Cooking the lobster tails:

When your lobster tails are prepped and the water is boiling, it's time to start cooking. Place the steamer basket on top of the pot and put the lobster tails inside, making sure they're not overcrowded. Cover the pot with a lid and steam for 1-1.5 minutes per ounce of lobster, or until the meat is opaque white and the shell is bright red.

To check that your lobster is fully cooked, insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the tail. The temperature should be between 135-145°F.

Serving suggestions:

Lobster tails can be served hot with melted butter, or you can allow them to cool and add them to dishes like lobster rolls, salads or lobster mac and cheese.

Preparing the steamer

Firstly, you will need to gather the right equipment. You will need a large pot with a tight-fitting lid, a steamer basket or insert that fits inside the pot, kitchen scissors or shears, and an instant-read thermometer. It is also a good idea to have some butter (salted or unsalted) and your choice of seasonings on hand. Popular options include garlic powder, paprika, Old Bay Seasoning, fresh lemon juice, or herbs.

Once you have your equipment ready, it's time to start preparing the steamer. Begin by adding a few inches of water to the large pot. You will need enough water to reach a depth of about 2 inches. Then, place the pot on the stove and turn the heat to medium. While the water is heating up, you can start prepping your lobster tails.

Take your kitchen scissors or shears and carefully cut the shell of each lobster tail lengthwise from top to bottom. Be sure to only cut the shell and not the tender meat underneath. This step will help the lobster cook more evenly and make it easier to remove the meat from the shell once it is cooked.

By now, your water should be close to boiling. Place the steamer basket or insert into the pot, ensuring it is just above the water level. Carefully place the prepared lobster tails into the steamer basket, being careful not to overcrowd them. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your pot and steamer.

Cover the pot with the lid and let the lobster tails steam. The cooking time will depend on the size of your lobster tails, but a good rule of thumb is to allow for 1-1.5 minutes of cooking time per ounce of lobster. For example, a 4-ounce lobster tail will need to steam for 4-6 minutes, while an 8-ounce tail will take 8-12 minutes.

To check if your lobster tails are cooked, look for the following signs: the meat should be opaque white, and the shell should be a bright red colour. You can also use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the lobster tail. It should reach between 135-145 degrees Fahrenheit when fully cooked.

Once your lobster tails are cooked to perfection, remove them from the steamer and serve immediately. Steamed lobster tails go well with melted butter or your choice of sauce. Enjoy!

Cooking the lobster tails

To cook lobster tails in an electric steamer, you'll first need to prepare the tails. If your lobster tails are frozen, it's best to thaw them first. This can be done by leaving them in the fridge overnight or submerging them in a bowl of cold water for 30 minutes to an hour. For larger tails, you may need to replace the water and repeat the process.

Once your tails are thawed, use a sharp knife or kitchen shears to cut the shell of each tail lengthwise from top to bottom. Be careful not to cut the meat. Then, gently pull back the shell to expose the meat. This will allow the meat to cook more evenly and be removed from the shell more easily once cooked.

Now, it's time to prepare your steamer. Add a few inches of water to a large pot and place it on medium heat. Bring the water to a boil. While you're waiting for the water to boil, you can prep your butter or chosen sauce. Melted butter is a classic, but you could also try something like lemon garlic butter, or a soy sauce-based Asian dipping sauce.

When the water is boiling, place a steamer basket on top of the pot and add the lobster tails. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket. Cover the pot and steam the tails for around 1 minute per ounce of lobster. This should take between 5 to 9 minutes, depending on the size of your tails. You'll know the lobster is cooked when the meat is opaque white and the shell is bright red. You can also use an instant-read thermometer to check—the thickest part of the tail should reach an internal temperature of between 135 to 145°F.

Once your lobster tails are cooked, remove them from the steamer and serve immediately with your chosen sauce. Enjoy!

Serving suggestions

Lobster tails are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your steamed lobster tails:

• Melted Butter: One of the most classic and popular ways to serve lobster tails is with melted butter. The rich, buttery flavour complements the sweet and salty taste of the lobster meat perfectly. You can also add some lemon or garlic to your melted butter for an extra punch of flavour.
• Lemon and Garlic: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over your steamed lobster tail can brighten up the dish and add a nice citrusy note. Alternatively, you can serve it with a side of garlic butter sauce or lemon garlic butter sauce for dipping.
• Herbs and Spices: Garnish your lobster tails with fresh herbs such as parsley, chives, or basil. You can also add some paprika, pepper, or other desired seasonings to enhance the flavour of your dish.
• Sauces: If you want to add a more complex flavour profile to your lobster tails, try serving them with an herb sauce like chimichurri, or a soy sauce-based Asian dipping sauce. Just be mindful that the flavours of these sauces are not too strong or too sweet, as they can overwhelm the delicate taste of the lobster.
• Salad or Rolls: For a refreshing option, you can dice the steamed lobster meat and use it to make a lobster salad or lobster rolls. This is a great choice for a light lunch or picnic.
• Sides: Consider serving your lobster tails with some classic sides such as mashed potatoes and asparagus. These sides will complement the lobster without overwhelming its delicate flavour.
• Surf and Turf: For a heartier meal, pair your steamed lobster tails with a juicy steak. This combination of surf and turf will surely impress your guests and satisfy their cravings.
• Special Occasions: Steamed lobster tails are perfect for a romantic dinner for two or a special occasion like Valentine's Day, Christmas, or an anniversary. Impress your loved ones with this luxurious dish that is sure to make the evening memorable.

Storing and reheating

Lobster tails are a delicious treat, but sometimes you may end up with leftovers. Here are some tips for storing and reheating your lobster tails to ensure they stay tasty and safe to eat.

Storing Cooked Lobster Tails

If you have cooked lobster tails that you want to store for later, it's important to do it properly to maintain their freshness and quality. Place the cooked lobster tails in an airtight container or sealed plastic bag, or wrap them in aluminium foil. Store them in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

Reheating Lobster Tails in the Oven

One of the best ways to reheat lobster tails is to use gentle heat, and the oven is a perfect tool for that. Preheat your oven to 350° Fahrenheit. Wrap the shelled lobster or tails in aluminium foil and place a couple of pats of butter over the meat. You can also add some lobster sauce or butter to the dish to keep it moist. Place the wrapped lobsters on a baking pan and cook for 5 to 10 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check that the lobster has reached an internal temperature of at least 140° Fahrenheit.

Reheating Lobster Tails in the Microwave

If you're short on time, you can also reheat lobster tails in the microwave. This method is especially good for reheating lobster in its shell, as it helps preserve its texture and flavour. Wrap the lobsters in damp (not wet) paper towels and place them on a microwave-safe plate. Set the microwave to its "High" setting and heat for 1 to 2 minutes. Use a digital meat thermometer to check that the lobster has reached an internal temperature of at least 140° Fahrenheit.

Reheating Lobster Tails on the Grill

If you're feeling adventurous, you can also reheat lobster tails on the grill. Fire up your grill and lightly smear the lobster with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the lobster is still in its shell, simply place the shell on the grill and heat without turning it over. Grill until the lobster is hot and enjoy.

Reheating Lobster Meat Without the Shell

If you have removed the lobster meat from the shell, you can reheat it in a frying pan on the stovetop. Choose a pan that is large enough to hold the meat comfortably. Add a teaspoon of butter and sauté over medium heat. Check the lobster after 4 to 5 minutes—it's ready when the meat is pearly and opaque.

Remember, when reheating lobster, it's important not to overcook it, as this can make the meat tough and chewy. Enjoy your delicious, perfectly reheated lobster tails!

Frequently asked questions