Steaming Succulent Lobster Tails: A Guide To Cooking Frozen Delicacies

Lobster tails are a delicacy, and steaming is one of the best ways to cook them. While it might seem daunting, cooking frozen lobster tails is relatively easy. The key to success is thawing them first – this ensures the meat stays tender and tasty. You can do this by putting the lobster tails in the refrigerator overnight, or for at least eight hours. Once thawed, you can steam the lobster tails in a large pot with a steamer basket, making sure the water doesn't touch the basket. After about 5-10 minutes of steaming, the lobster meat should be opaque and white, and ready to serve.

How to thaw frozen lobster tails

To thaw frozen lobster tails, it is recommended that you place them in a refrigerator for 24 hours or overnight before cooking. This slow thawing process prevents the meat from sticking to the shell. If you need to thaw the lobster tails more quickly, you can place them in a bowl of cold water for a few hours, changing the water every 15 minutes to keep it between 30 and 40 degrees. You can also put the lobster tails in a sealed bag in a pot with lukewarm water, changing the water a couple of times. Once thawed, lobster tails should be cooked as soon as possible and should not be refrozen.

How to clean lobster tails

Cleaning lobster tails is a simple process that can be done with a good pair of kitchen scissors. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean lobster tails:

Defrosting and Thawing:

• Remove the lobster tails from the freezer and allow them to defrost overnight in the refrigerator. It is easier to clean them once they are mostly thawed.
• Open the package and transfer the lobster tails to a pot or bowl. Place them in the kitchen sink and run cold water over them continuously for about 10 minutes to remove the iodine.
• Keep them in cold water for 20 to 30 minutes. Then discard the water, rinse the lobster tails again, and ensure they are no longer frozen.
• Place the lobster tails on paper towels to drain and soak up any excess water for at least 10 minutes.

Cleaning:

• Cut off all the attached fins on the sides and ends of the shells and discard them. These fins, including the large one at the end of the tail, are the smelly part of the lobster.
• Cut the top or back of each tail down the center using kitchen scissors or shears. Do not use a knife for this step.
• Rinse the lobster tails again in a bowl or pot of running water to ensure they are properly cleaned. You will notice that the nasty smell is now gone.
• Place the lobster tails on paper towels to drain and soak up any excess water for at least 10 minutes.
• Change the paper towels and place the lobster tails on a dish layered with new paper towels. Keep them chilled in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook them.

Additional Notes:

• Lobster tails always come frozen, even if you buy them at your local fish market.
• Lobster flesh cooks quickly, anywhere from 8 to 12 minutes or less, depending on their size and thickness.
• They can get tough if overcooked, so keep an eye on them while cooking.
• This cleaning method is the best and easiest way to prepare lobster tails, regardless of your chosen cooking method (barbecue, oven, or skillet).

How to butterfly a lobster tail

Butterflying a lobster tail is a technique often used in restaurants to make the lobster tail and the flesh inside split into two pieces. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to butterfly a lobster tail:

First, use kitchen shears to cut the top shell of the lobster tail lengthwise down the middle. Be careful not to cut through the shell all the way. Pull the shell apart gently and then pull the flesh upwards slightly, just enough to separate it from the shell. You can also use a spoon or fork to loosen the meat while leaving it inside the shell.

Next, brush the lobster meat with melted butter or olive oil, and season with salt and pepper if desired. This will keep the lobster meat moist and flavourful during cooking.

Finally, place the lobster halves flesh-side up on a wire rack inside a baking sheet or directly on the grates of a medium-high grill, depending on your chosen cooking method. If grilling, place the lobster halves shell-side down.

Butterflying a lobster tail is a great way to prepare the lobster for cooking and can be used for various cooking methods such as grilling, baking, or broiling. It allows the lobster to cook more evenly and makes it easier to remove the cooked meat from the shell.

How to steam lobster tails

Steaming is one of the most traditional ways to cook lobster tails. It's a great way to get that pure lobster flavour without watering it down, as boiling sometimes can. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam lobster tails:

Step 1: Prepare the Lobster Tails

Thaw the lobster tails if they are frozen. It is best to do this slowly and evenly by placing them in the refrigerator overnight. This will help you get the best texture and avoid the meat from sticking to the shell.

Once thawed, clean the lobster tails by rinsing the shells. Then, remove the vein that runs down the centre of the tail. This is the digestive tract and it doesn't taste very nice. You can use the tip of a small knife to do this.

Step 2: Prepare the Steamer

Place a steamer basket inside a large pot with a tight-fitting lid. You can use a steaming rack if you prefer. Pour water into the pot until it comes about one or two inches up the sides. Bring the water to a boil.

Step 3: Steam the Lobster Tails

Place the lobster tails in the steamer basket in a single layer, cut-side up. Cover the pot and steam until the meat is opaque and plump. This should take around 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the size of the lobster tails. Do not overcook, as the meat will shrink and dry out.

Step 4: Serve

Lobster tails go well with melted butter and lemon, or a dipping sauce such as chimichurri or a soy sauce-based sauce. Enjoy!

How to serve steamed lobster tails

Steamed lobster tails are a delicious and simple dish to prepare. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to serve them:

Preparing the Lobster Tails

Before steaming, there are a few steps to prepare the lobster tails. Firstly, if you are using frozen lobster tails, it is best to thaw them in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours or overnight. This will ensure that the meat doesn't become tough and chewy.

Once thawed, use a sharp knife or kitchen shears to cut each tail in half lengthwise. Rinse the tails under cold water to remove any grit or shell fragments. If you notice a dark line running through the centre of the flesh, this is the digestive tract, which should be removed. Make a shallow cut to pull it out, then wash and dry the tails.

Steaming the Lobster Tails

To steam the lobster tails, start by adding water to a large pot or deep skillet. Bring the water to a boil, and place a steamer basket inside the pot. The water level should be just below the steamer basket. Place the lobster tails in the basket, cut-side up, and cover the pot.

Steam the lobster tails for 5 to 8 minutes. Be careful not to overcook them, as this will cause the meat to shrink and dry out. The meat should be just opaque and very plump.

Serving the Lobster Tails

Now it's time to serve your steamed lobster tails! There are a few different ways to serve them:

• Melted Butter: This is a classic and simple way to serve lobster tails. Just provide melted butter on the side for dipping. You can also add some lemon or garlic to the butter for extra flavour.
• Herbs and Spices: Try serving the lobster tails with an herb sauce like chimichurri, or simply sprinkle some herbs like parsley, chives, or basil on top.
• Sauces: You can offer a variety of sauces on the side, such as a soy sauce-based Asian dipping sauce or a garlic butter sauce. Just be sure that the flavours are not too strong or sweet, as they can overwhelm the delicate taste of the lobster.
• Salads and Rolls: If you have any leftover lobster meat, you can cool and dice it to use in lobster salads or lobster rolls.

Remember, the key to serving steamed lobster tails is to enhance their natural flavour without overwhelming it. Enjoy your delicious and perfectly cooked lobster tails!

Frequently asked questions