Steaming Succulent Lobster Tails: A Beginner's Guide

Steaming lobster tails is a simple and traditional way to cook this shellfish, which can be tricky to get right. This guide will take you through the steps to achieve tender, juicy, and succulent lobster tails.

How to butterfly a lobster tail

Butterflying a lobster tail is a more advanced technique, but it's a great way to cook lobster tails and perfect for special occasions. It is also a good method if you want to avoid the meat sticking to the shell. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to butterfly a lobster tail:

Firstly, you will need to thaw your lobster tails. This can be done by either leaving them in the fridge overnight or by placing them in a sealed, watertight plastic bag and submerging them in cold water, changing the water every 15-30 minutes until they are fully thawed. This will usually take 30-60 minutes, depending on the size of the tails.

Once your lobster tails are thawed, you can start butterflying. Take your kitchen shears or a sharp knife and cut a straight line down the centre of the top of the shell, stopping just before the tail fin.

Now, carefully spread the shell open and lift the meat out. Place the meat on top of the shell, centring it and fully opening it out. You can use a spoon to help detach the meat from the shell if you need to.

At this point, you may want to insert a skewer or toothpick into the meat to keep it from curling.

Your lobster tails are now butterflied and ready to be cooked! You can steam them, boil them, bake them, or grill them.

Steaming is a great option for cooking lobster tails as it is faster than boiling and is the most traditional way. It is also less likely to overcook the tails, resulting in tender and moist lobster meat. To steam your butterflied lobster tails, fill a pot with about 1-2 inches of water and bring it to a boil. Place a steamer basket or an upturned colander inside the pot, ensuring it doesn't touch the water. Then, carefully place your lobster tails inside the basket or colander and cover the pot. Steam for 6-12 minutes, depending on the size of the tails. The lobster is fully cooked when the flesh is firm and white with an opaque colour, and the shells are bright red.

Alternatively, you can boil, bake, or grill your butterflied lobster tails. Boiling is a great option for first-timers, while baking and grilling offer unique presentations and flavours that are sure to impress your guests.

How to steam lobster without a steamer

Steaming lobster tails is a great way to prepare this dish, and you can do it without a steamer by following these simple steps.

First, you'll need to choose a pot large enough to hold your lobster tails. A stockpot or canning kettle will work, and you'll want to ensure there's enough space for the steam to circulate around the lobster tails. Place a trivet, colander, or steaming basket in the pot, making sure the lobster tails won't be submerged in the water.

Next, pour in about 1-2 inches of water, and add salt or other seasonings if desired. Bring the water to a boil. If you're using live lobsters, it's recommended to keep the bands on their claws for protection.

Once the water is boiling, carefully add the lobster tails to the pot, head-first, and cover. Steam the lobster tails according to their size: small to medium tails will take about 6-8 minutes, while large tails may need 8-12 minutes.

When the lobster tails are fully cooked, the flesh should be firm and white with opaque colouring. The shells will be bright red, and the internal temperature should reach 140°F to 145°F at the thickest part of the meat.

Remove the lobster tails from the pot using tongs or gloves to prevent overcooking. Serve with melted or clarified butter and lemon wedges, and enjoy!

Some additional tips:

• If you're using frozen lobster tails, be sure to thaw them before cooking. You can do this overnight in the refrigerator or by placing them in a sealed bag and submerging them in cold water, changing the water every 15-20 minutes.
• To butterfly the lobster tails, use kitchen shears to cut a straight line down the top centre of the shell, stopping just before the tail fins. Then, lift the meat out and place it on top of the shell.
• You can add various seasonings to the water for extra flavour, such as garlic, lemon slices, peppercorns, Old Bay seasoning, or fresh herbs.
• If you want to get creative, you can even use beer, wine, or sparkling wine instead of water for a unique twist on the traditional steaming method.

How long to steam lobster tails

Steaming lobster tails is a great option when deciding on the best cooking method for you and your family. This cooking method is faster than boiling and is arguably the most traditional way to prepare lobster tails.

When steaming lobster tails, it's important to remember that you're cooking at a higher temperature, so it's crucial not to overcook the tails. The best way to avoid overcooking is to keep an eye on the time and use a kitchen timer.

• Choose a pot large enough to hold your lobster tails with a tight-fitting lid that allows enough room for the steam to circulate around them.
• Place a steamer basket or an upturned colander in the pot to ensure the lobster tails are not submerged in the water.
• Pour in about 1 to 2 inches of water. You can also add optional seasonings like garlic, lemon slices, peppercorns, Old Bay seasoning, or fresh herbs to the water for extra flavor.
• Cover your pot and bring the water to a boil.
• Once the water is boiling, quickly add the lobster tails to the pot and cover.
• Steam the lobster tails for the appropriate time based on their size. For small to medium tails (around 4 to 6 ounces), steam for 6 to 8 minutes. For larger tails, steam for 8 to 12 minutes.
• Check the lobster tails after 5 minutes to prevent overcooking, but avoid opening the lid unnecessarily.
• The lobster tails are fully cooked when the flesh is firm to the touch, white, and opaque, with bright red shells. The internal temperature should reach 140°F to 145°F at the thickest part of the meat.
• Remove the lobster tails from the pot using tongs or gloves to avoid overcooking.
• Serve immediately with drawn butter and enjoy!

By following these steps and timing your steaming accordingly, you can ensure that your lobster tails are cooked to perfection and ready to be enjoyed!

How to tell if lobster is cooked

It is important to ensure your lobster is fully cooked to prevent foodborne illnesses. To check if your lobster is cooked, you can use a meat thermometer—the internal temperature of cooked lobster meat should be 140°F. If you don't have a thermometer, there are some physical signs to look out for.

Firstly, the shell of a cooked lobster will be bright red all over. The meat will be white, with the pink colours closest to the shell becoming a deep red. The flesh should be firm to the touch and opaque, with a pearly white colour.

If you are boiling your lobster, another sign that it is cooked is if the tail curls up. If you uncurl the tail, it will snap back, like a spring. If you are grilling, baking, or broiling your lobster, the tail will lie flat, but the spring test is still effective.

Lobster meat is fully cooked when it reaches 140°F. If you don't want to use a thermometer, you can also use these guidelines:

• Boiling average-size lobsters (1 to 1½ pounds) will take 8 to 12 minutes, depending on size.
• Steaming average-size lobsters will take 9 to 12 minutes, depending on size.
• Soft-shell lobsters cook faster than hard-shell lobsters, so reduce cooking times by 2 to 3 minutes.

What to serve with steamed lobster tails

Steamed lobster tails are delicious and tender, and they make a perfect centrepiece for a special occasion. But what to serve with them? Here are some ideas to elevate your meal and impress your guests.

Melted Butter

The traditional accompaniment to lobster is melted or clarified butter, and for good reason. It's a classic for a reason! The rich, buttery flavour enhances the sweetness of the lobster meat. You can also add some minced garlic to your butter for an extra kick, or a squeeze of lemon juice and some parsley for a citrusy twist.

Steamed Clams

As an appetizer or a side, steamed clams are a perfect match for steamed lobster tails. They're another type of shellfish that benefits from a dunk in melted butter, and their small size makes them an ideal complement to the more substantial lobster tails.

Lobster Bisque

For a real seafood extravaganza, why not try a lobster bisque? It's a soup made with lobster meat and stock, and it's a great way to add even more lobster flavour to your meal. It's a rich and creamy dish that will leave your guests feeling satisfied.

Fresh Garden Salad

If you're looking for something a little lighter to accompany your lobster tails, a fresh garden salad is a perfect choice. Mixed greens, cucumber slices, and tomato with a light dressing will provide a crisp and tangy contrast to the richness of the lobster.

White Wine

When it comes to drink options, you can't go wrong with a chilled glass of white wine. Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay are great choices, as their fruity notes will complement the lobster's flavour.

Buttery Mashed Potatoes and Grilled Asparagus

For a more indulgent side dish, try buttery mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus. The butter in the potatoes will mirror the richness of the lobster, while the asparagus will add a touch of greenery to your plate.

So there you have it! Whether you're looking for classic flavours or something a little more creative, these pairings will definitely enhance your steamed lobster tails and make your meal unforgettable.

Frequently asked questions