Steaming Succulent Lobster Tails: The Oven Method

Lobster is often reserved for special occasions at pricey restaurants, but you can easily make it at home in your steam oven. There are several ways to cook lobster tails, including steaming, baking, broiling, grilling, and boiling. Steaming lobster tails minimizes direct water contact, keeps the meat tender, and enhances flavour retention. To steam lobster tails, add about an inch of water to a large pot, place a steamer insert inside the pot so that it is just above the water level, and place the tails on the steamer rack. Cover the pot and steam for around 8 minutes.

How to steam lobster tails in a steam oven

Lobster is regarded as an elegant, high-end type of seafood that is often reserved for special occasions at pricey restaurants. However, you can cook lobster tails at home in a steam oven with just a few simple steps. Here is how you can steam lobster tails in a steam oven:

Step 1: Prepare the Lobster Tails

Firstly, you will need to butterfly the lobster tails. This is a simple process that only requires a pair of sharp kitchen shears. Cut the tail down the middle lengthwise, opening up the shell. Check for the dark digestive tract running down the length of the tail meat and remove it. Rinse and dry the lobster tail.

Step 2: Set Up the Steam Oven

Preheat your steam oven to 212 °F in Steam Mode. Place the lobster tails in a solid stainless pan or an oven-proof container. Add half a cup of water, a tablespoon of white wine or dry vermouth, and some lemon slices.

Step 3: Steam the Lobster Tails

Slide the pan into the oven and set the timer for 8-10 minutes, depending on the size of the tails. Smaller tails will take around 8 minutes to cook. Once the timer goes off, remove the pan from the oven and take the lobster tails out of the hot cooking liquid so they can cool down.

Step 4: Remove the Meat from the Shell

When the lobster tails have cooled, cut down each side of the belly shell and peel it away. You should now be able to easily remove the lobster meat.

Step 5: Serve

Lobster tails are often served with melted butter and lemon wedges. Enjoy your perfectly cooked lobster tails!

How to butterfly lobster tails

Butterflying a lobster tail is an easy process that makes your dish look more like it was prepared in a fancy restaurant. It also helps the meat cook evenly. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to butterfly a lobster tail:

Step 1: Cut Open the Shell

Using sharp kitchen shears, cut the tail down the middle lengthwise to open up the shell. Make sure to cut through both the top of the shell and the meat, stopping just before the bottom shell. Do not cut through the wide end of the tail. Check to see if there is a dark digestive tract running down the length of the tail meat and, if there is, remove and discard it. Rinse and dry the lobster tail.

Step 2: Crack the Shell

Flip the tail over to expose the underside. Press with your thumbs to crack the ribs that run parallel to the abdomen.

Step 3: Open the Shell

Using your thumbs and fingers, gently spread the halves of the tails apart, keeping the meat attached near the end of the tail.

Step 4: Lift the Meat Over the Shell

Gently separate the meat from the back of the shell, keeping the base attached at the tail. Lift the meat over the shell and squeeze the shell halves back together beneath the meat so that the meat rests on top of the shell. Now, the lobster tail is ready to be cooked as desired.

Cooking the Lobster Tail

Lobster tails can be cooked in a variety of ways, including baking, broiling, grilling, boiling, and steaming. The best method depends on how the dish will be served and your taste preference. Here are some tips for each cooking method:

• Steaming: This method yields a clean flavour and is ideal for those who like to customize their toppings. It is also a quick way to cook the lobster, taking about 45 to 60 seconds of cooking time per ounce. Keep a close eye on the lobster as it can overcook easily if left too long.
• Baking: This method gives the lobster a delicate texture due to gentle steaming at a consistent temperature in the oven. It works great for larger lobster tails that need more cooking time, taking about 1 to 2 minutes per ounce to thoroughly cook.
• Broiling: This method lightly browns the shell and meat, adding depth to the flavour. It is a quick and flavorful technique, with cooking times of about 1 minute per ounce of lobster tail.
• Grilling: This method adds a bit of smokiness and char to the meat and shell. It provides a nice, smoky, charred flavour.
• Boiling: This method cooks the lobster evenly and quickly, preserving their moisture and delicate texture. It is ideal for whole lobster tails that are not butterflied.

How to prepare the steamer

To prepare the steamer, start by adding about 1-2 inches of water to a large pot or stockpot. Place the steamer basket inside the pot, ensuring that the water level is just below the basket. Cover the pot and place it on the stove over high heat to bring the water to a boil. You can also add a tablespoon of salt to the water if desired.

Alternatively, if you are using an oven, preheat it to the desired temperature based on your chosen cooking method (steaming, steam roasting, or steam broiling). For steaming, set the oven to 212°F, for steam roasting, use the combination convection steam mode at 350°F, and for steam broiling, set the oven to 450°F in steam broil mode.

Place a solid stainless pan or an oven-proof container inside the oven. Add about 1/2 cup of water, along with a tablespoon of white wine or dry vermouth, and some lemon slices.

Once the water is boiling or the oven is preheated, you can proceed to the next step of cooking your lobster tails.

How to serve lobster tails

Lobster is a delicacy, with a complex and delicate flavour that is loved by seafood enthusiasts. The tail is the most sought-after part of the lobster and is considered the most flavourful. Here are some tips on how to serve lobster tails:

Preparation

Before serving, you'll need to cook the lobster tails. You can steam, boil, grill, bake, or broil them. Steaming lobster tails minimises direct water contact, keeps the meat tender, and enhances flavour retention. Boiling cooks the meat evenly and quickly, preserving moisture and texture. Baking, broiling, and grilling use dry heat to intensify flavours and add a smoky taste.

Presentation

The most elegant and impressive way to serve lobster tails is to butterfly them. First, cut the tail down the middle lengthwise using sharp kitchen shears to open up the shell. Check for the dark digestive tract and remove it if present. Rinse and dry the lobster tail. Flip the tail over and press with your thumbs to crack the ribs. Carefully pull out the lobster tail meat, leaving a small part attached at the end of the tail fin. Layer the meat on top of the shell—the shell will look reconnected, and the meat will sit gorgeously on top.

Seasoning and Sauces

When it comes to seasoning and sauces, keep it simple. A classic side dish is drawn butter—melt butter and add lemon juice for added flavour. The butter adds a rich and creamy flavour that complements the lobster. Alternatively, make a simple butter sauce with garlic and lemon juice. You can also serve lobster tails with fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or basil.

Sides

Lobster is the shining centrepiece of the meal, so choose sides that enhance the lobster's rich, sweet flavour. Here are some side dish ideas:

• Light, refreshing salad—a garlicky, lemony Caesar salad adds zing without stealing the limelight.
• Steamed mussels or clams—seafood pairs well with seafood, especially if you're trying to impress.
• Mac and cheese—a popular lobster side that's filling and buttery.
• Pasta salad—a refreshing and hearty choice, especially with a bright lemon dressing.
• Cheesy biscuits—buttery, cheesy biscuits are a perfect complement to seafood.
• Corn on the cob—corn is a bit sweet and loves a butter bath just like lobster.
• Bread—a crusty loaf of bread, like baguette, ciabatta, or sourdough, is a classic seafood side.
• Risotto—a classic Italian dish with a creamy texture and a rich flavour that pairs well with lobster.
• Green beans—a classic vegetable side that is low in calories and can be steamed, sautéed, or roasted.
• Asparagus—its delicate flavour and tender texture complement the rich, buttery taste of lobster.

Drinks

When it comes to drinks, a dry white wine such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or champagne is the perfect pairing. A light beer, chilled sake, or cocktail would also work well. If you're serving champagne, opt for the driest variety. Red wines are not traditional, but a light-bodied red with high acidity, such as Pinot Noir, can complement the delicate flavour of the lobster without overpowering it.

How to broil lobster tails

Broiling lobster tails is a quick and easy way to cook this crustacean and get restaurant-quality results at home. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to broil lobster tails.

Ingredients:

• Lobster tails (2 whole tails)
• Butter (½ cup, melted)
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and paprika
• Lemon (cut into wedges)

Method:

• Using kitchen shears, cut the tops of the lobster tails lengthwise and pull apart the shells.
• Coat the meat with butter and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
• Set an oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven's broiler.
• Place the lobster tails on a baking sheet.
• Broil the lobster tails until lightly browned and the meat is opaque. This should take about 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the size of the tails.
• Garnish with lemon wedges and serve.

Tips:

• Keep an eye on the lobster tails while they are in the oven to ensure they do not burn.
• Broiling time will vary depending on the size of the lobster tails, so adjust accordingly.
• For a more intense flavour, try using Old Bay seasoning instead of paprika.
• For easier butterflying, place two to three fingers into the underside of the shell to lift the meat into the top of the shell.
• For a simple side dish, serve with quick cheddar garlic biscuits, broccoli with lemon butter sauce, or mushroom risotto.

Frequently asked questions