Steaming Lobster Tails: A Quick Microwave Guide

Lobster tails can be cooked in the microwave in just a few minutes, resulting in juicy, tender, and sweet meat. This method is quick, convenient, and preserves the moisture of the lobster meat. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to steam lobster tails in the microwave:

First, defrost the lobster tails if they are frozen. This can be done by leaving them in the refrigerator for 24 hours or using the defrost setting on your microwave. Once defrosted, rinse the tails and cut or butterfly them to expose the meat.

Next, prepare the lobster tails by making a lengthwise slit along the top of each tail with kitchen shears. Gently lift the meat out, leaving it partially attached, and place it on top of the shell. Season the lobster tails with your choice of herbs and spices, such as melted butter, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Arrange the seasoned lobster tails in a microwave-safe dish, ensuring they don't touch each other. Cover the dish loosely with microwave-safe plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.

Microwave the lobster tails on high power for 3 to 4 minutes, keeping a close eye on them to prevent overcooking. Remove the dish from the microwave and let the lobster tails rest for a minute.

Finally, serve your cooked lobster tails with melted butter and lemon wedges. Enjoy the tender and delicious lobster tails cooked right in the comfort of your home!

Defrosting frozen lobster tails

Defrosting in the Refrigerator:

• Place the frozen lobster tails on a plate, keeping them in their wrapper to collect any juices. Ensure they are arranged in a single layer to defrost evenly.
• Put the plate in the refrigerator, preferably on a lower shelf, and let the tails thaw undisturbed for 24 hours. This slow thawing process ensures the tail meat doesn't stick to the shell and maintains its raw state.
• After 24 hours, check if the lobster tails are fully defrosted by touching the centre of the exposed meat. If not, let them sit for another 6 hours before checking again.
• Use the defrosted lobster tails immediately, and avoid refreezing to prevent bacterial growth and spoilage.

Defrosting with Cool Water:

• Place the lobster tails in a sealed plastic bag, ensuring they are arranged in a single layer to defrost evenly. Remove excess air from the bag before sealing.
• Fill a large pot or container with cool water. The water should be cool to the touch, not warm or hot, to avoid altering the meat's consistency.
• Submerge the bag of lobster tails in the cool water, ensuring no water gets into the bag. Change the water every 30 minutes to help bring the lobster meat to room temperature faster.
• Allow the lobster tails to sit in the water for 30-minute intervals, checking after each period to see if they are fully thawed. Touch the centre of the meat to determine if it's defrosted without breaking the shell.
• Once defrosted, cook the lobster tails immediately and avoid refreezing.

Defrosting in the Microwave:

• Place the frozen lobster tails on a microwave-safe plate, arranging them in a single layer to ensure even defrosting.
• Use the defrost setting on your microwave and defrost for 3 minutes. If your microwave lacks this setting, microwave in 1-minute intervals.
• Check the lobster tails after the initial defrost cycle. The centre of the meat should be around room temperature with no ice or frozen parts.
• If the tails are close to defrosting, lower the time to 1 minute and microwave again until they are fully thawed.
• Cook the lobster tails immediately after defrosting, as partial cooking may occur during the process. Avoid refreezing to prevent spoilage.

Preparing the lobster tails

First, you will need to defrost your lobster tails if they are frozen. You can do this by leaving them in the refrigerator for 24 hours before cooking, or by using the defrost setting on your microwave. If you are using the microwave, place the tails in a single layer and check on them every 30 seconds, rotating them to ensure even defrosting. It will take roughly 1 to 2 minutes to defrost a single petite to medium-sized tail, and an extra 30 seconds per extra tail. Once defrosted, rinse the tails to remove any residue.

Next, you will need to butterfly the lobster tails. Cut the tail down the middle lengthwise, using sharp kitchen shears to open up the shell. Check for the dark digestive tract running down the length of the tail and remove it if present. Rinse and dry the lobster tail. Then, flip the tail over to expose the underside and press with your thumbs to crack the ribs that run parallel to the abdomen. Finally, carefully pull out the lobster tail meat, leaving a small part attached at the end of the tail fin, and layer the meat on top of the shell.

Now, you can season the lobster tails. A classic combination includes melted butter, garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. You can also try variations like adding a drizzle of teriyaki glaze, a sprinkle of chili flakes, or topping the cooked lobster with a creamy herb sauce.

Seasoning the lobster tails

Lobster is a versatile ingredient that can be seasoned in a variety of ways. Here are some tips and suggestions for seasoning your lobster tails when cooking them in the microwave:

When it comes to seasoning lobster tails, you can choose to season the meat before, after, or even during cooking. Seasoning can be as simple as a sprinkle of salt and pepper, or you can get creative with other herbs and spices. Here are some ideas to elevate the flavour of your lobster tails:

• Butter: Brush the lobster flesh with melted butter before cooking. This will not only add flavour but also help keep the meat moist. You can also serve additional melted butter on the side for dipping.
• Salt and Pepper: A classic combination that enhances the natural sweetness of the lobster. Sprinkle salt and pepper generously over the lobster flesh before or after cooking.
• Paprika: This spice adds a subtle smokiness and depth of flavour to the lobster. Sprinkle it over the lobster flesh before or after cooking, or mix it with melted butter and brush it onto the lobster.
• Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the cooked lobster tails adds a bright, citrusy note. You can also serve the lobster with lemon wedges on the side.
• Garlic: Minced garlic adds a savoury kick to the lobster. Mix it with melted butter and brush it onto the lobster, or add it to a dipping sauce.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or basil can be sprinkled over the cooked lobster tails or used as a garnish.
• Spicy kick: For a spicy twist, sprinkle cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes over the lobster flesh before cooking.
• Custom seasonings: Create your own custom seasoning blend by mixing dried herbs and spices such as thyme, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Sprinkle this blend over the lobster flesh before cooking.
• Wine: Cooking the lobster tails with a small amount of white wine in the microwave dish can add a subtle depth of flavour.
• Steaming liquids: When steaming lobster tails, you can use different liquids such as wine, broth, or flavoured water to infuse subtle flavours into the lobster meat.
• Compound butter: Mix softened butter with herbs, spices, or other flavourings of your choice. Form it into a log, chill it, and slice off discs to melt over the cooked lobster meat.

Remember, when seasoning lobster tails, it's essential not to overwhelm their delicate flavour. A light touch with seasonings will enhance, rather than overpower, the natural sweetness of the lobster.

Cooking the lobster tails

There are a few ways to cook lobster tails in the microwave, and the method you choose will depend on the equipment you have available and your desired level of convenience.

If you have a microwave-safe bag or container, you can cook the lobster tails in a similar fashion to steaming. Place the lobster tails in the bag or container, adding a small amount of water or wine, and cook in the microwave for 2 minutes, followed by 30-second intervals until cooked.

Alternatively, you can cook the lobster tails in a microwave-safe dish, such as a casserole dish. First, cut the lobster tails down the center, cutting through the shell but not the meat. Place the tails on the dish, drizzle with melted butter, lemon juice, or white wine, and season with salt and pepper. Cover the dish with microwave-safe plastic wrap, leaving one corner open for steam to escape. Microwave on high for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the lobster tails are cooked to your liking.

For an even quicker method, place the lobster tails in a pressure cooker and microwave on high for 8 minutes. Or, for a slower option, use a slow cooker and microwave on high for 10 minutes.

Regardless of the method you choose, it is important to be cautious of overcooking the lobster tails, as this can result in a rubbery texture. The lobster tails are done when the shell is bright red and the meat is opaque and white. To ensure the lobster tails are cooked evenly, it is recommended to use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 135 to 140ºF (57 to 63ºC).

Serving the lobster tails

Now that you've cooked your lobster tails, it's time to serve them!

Lobster is a delicate seafood with a slightly sweet, briny, and rich taste. Its meat is firm, succulent, and tender. The tail is the most sought-after part of the lobster and is considered the most flavourful. When serving lobster tails, it's best to keep the sides and drinks simple to complement the delicate flavour of the lobster.

Classic Lobster Tail Side Dishes and Seasonings

A classic side dish to serve with lobster is drawn butter. This is often served alongside the lobster as a dip and can be made by melting butter and adding a little lemon juice. The butter adds a rich and creamy flavour that complements the delicate flavour of the lobster.

When it comes to seasoning, it's important not to overpower the natural flavour of the lobster. A simple butter sauce made with garlic and lemon juice is a great option. To add some colour and flavour, you can serve the lobster with a side of fresh herbs such as parsley, cilantro, or basil, which will add a bright and refreshing flavour to the dish.

Vegetable Side Dishes

When it comes to vegetables, there are several options that pair well with lobster:

• Asparagus is a classic vegetable side dish for lobster. Its delicate flavour and tender texture complement the rich and buttery flavour of the lobster.
• Green beans are low in calories, high in fibre, and can be steamed, sautéed, or roasted.
• Brussels sprouts are a hearty and flavourful option that can be roasted or grilled and seasoned with garlic, lemon juice, or bacon.
• Grilled or boiled corn on the cob is a great option, as the sweet and buttery flavour of the corn pairs well with the lobster.
• Roasted or grilled vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms add a smoky, rich flavour that complements the lobster.
• A simple mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette dressing is also a great option.

Grain Side Dishes

If you're looking for something a little heartier, here are some grain-based side dishes that go well with lobster:

• Risotto is a classic Italian dish that pairs well with the delicate flavour of the lobster.
• Quinoa is a versatile and healthy grain that can be cooked with various herbs and spices and mixed with vegetables and seafood.
• Polenta is a traditional Italian dish that can be served creamy or firm and flavoured with Parmesan cheese, herbs, or butter.
• Couscous is a North African small pasta that can be steamed and flavoured with herbs, lemon juice, or olive oil for a refreshing and light side dish.
• Farro is an ancient grain with a nutty and chewy texture. Try it with vegetables, seafood, and herbs.
• Orzo is a small type of pasta that can be served as a side dish or in a salad. Add lemon juice, herbs, and seafood for a light and refreshing dish.
• Baked or roasted potatoes are also a popular side dish for lobster tails.

Drinks to Pair with Lobster

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 cocktails like a classic martini or gin and tonic can also work well.

If you're pairing wine with lobster, it's important to consider the flavour profile of the wine and the dish. Lobster's delicate and sweet flavour pairs well with white wines that have a light body and high acidity. Avoid heavy and oaky wines, as they can overpower the lobster's delicate flavour. Choose wines with high acidity, such as Riesling or Vermentino, to balance out the rich and buttery flavour of the lobster.

Sparkling wines, such as Champagne or Prosecco, are also a great choice, as the bubbles can cleanse the palate and enhance the flavours of the lobster.

Overall, lobster tails are a delicious and elegant dish that can be complemented by a variety of simple sides and drinks. Enjoy your meal!

Frequently asked questions