Home » Boiled Lobster Tails with Garlic Lemon Butter
If you don't know how to cook lobster tails, I'm going to show you the easiest, best way to cook lobster tails today!
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Cooking lobster tails can be super intimidating. They are expensive, they are in strong shells, and they overcook quickly. I avoided making them at home for years due to all of these barriers to entry.
Then, out of desperation when a friend requested lobster for a special meal, I decided to give boiling a try. I'd assumed boiling lobster tail would leave it rubbery and flavorless, but I was wrong. Now it is the only lobster tail recipe I use!
Before you cook lobster tails, you need to do a small amount of prep by cutting the tail shell.
how to cut lobster tail
Simply cut along the top part of the shell, down to the fans of the tail. Watch for sharp edges and use heavy duty kitchen shears to make this as simple and safe task as possible.
how to boil lobster tails
Boiling lobster tails couldn't be simpler: add the tails to a pot of salted boiling water, and remove after they have turned red and the meat is cooked through.
Scroll down to see a complete list of cooking times for the size of your lobster.
Lobster Tail Boil Time
This chart tells you how long to boil lobster tails based on the number of ounces of the individual tail.
Essentially you want to boil a lobster tail for one minute per ounce of tail. Here's how that shakes out, in case math isn't your thing.
- 3 ounce tail -> Boil for 3 minutes
- 3.5 ounce tail -> Boil for 3 minutes 30 seconds
- 4 ounce tail -> Boil for 4 minutes
- 5 ounce tail -> Boil for 5 minutes
- 6 ounce tail -> Boil for 6 minutes
You get the idea!
Other easy seafood recipes you might love:
How to Boil Lobster Tails
This is a foolproof method for cooking perfectly tender lobster tails.
4.65 from 90 votes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: lobster tails, seafood
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 4 minutes
Total Time: 9 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 127kcal
Author: Marianne
Ingredients
For the Lobster Tails:
- 4 lobster tails
- 8 cups water
- 2 teaspoons salt
Lemon Garlic Butter Dipping sauce:
- 1 stick salted butter
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 Tablespoons finely minced parsley
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
To make the lobster tails:
In a large pot, bring the 8 cups of water and 2 teaspoons of salt to a boil.
Cut the lobster tails along the top of the shell, from the edge of the tail straight down the middle lengthwise to the bottom of the tail.
Carefully place the lobster tails in the boiling water, and boil for 1 minute per ounce of tail. For 4 ounce tails, boil for 4 minutes.
To make the lemon garlic butter dipping sauce:
In a small sauce pan, melt the butter over medium to medium low heat. Stir in the garlic and black pepper and cook for about 2 minutes. Be careful to not let the butter brown ( turn down the heat if necessary).
Turn off the heat, stir in the parsley and lemon juice, and serve.
Nutrition Facts
How to Boil Lobster Tails
Amount Per Serving
Calories 127
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Notes
The calories listed are for one 4 ounce lobster tail, without the sauce included. The calories in lobster tail will vary based on the size of the tails, but here are a few popular sizes:
Lobster Tail Calories:
3.5 ounce tail 89 calories
4 ounce tail 127 calories
6 ounce tail 160 calories
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Reader Interactions
Comments
Gary Zernich says
I had 10 oz tails and could see by 8 minutes they were done. However they were over done. Tough and chewy. Poor advice to boil 1 minute per oz. Unless you like tough and chewy lobster meat.Reply
- Msf*ckinGreen says
You must cut a rectangular portion of the shell away in order to see it pop through.
Reply
- Andrew says
Do you cut the rectangle before cooking or after?
Reply
Please share your thoughts on this recipe!
As an enthusiast and expert in culinary arts, particularly in seafood preparation, I can attest to the importance of mastering the cooking techniques for delicate and exquisite ingredients like lobster tails. My extensive experience in the kitchen has allowed me to explore various methods, and today, I'm excited to share insights on boiling lobster tails with a delightful Garlic Lemon Butter twist.
The author of the article rightly points out the initial intimidation associated with cooking lobster tails—pricey, enclosed in robust shells, and prone to overcooking. These factors can indeed make home cooks hesitant. However, my own culinary journey aligns with the author's transformation from apprehension to confidence, particularly when it comes to boiling lobster tails.
The technique of cutting the tail shell is crucial, and I can vouch for the simplicity and safety of this process. Using heavy-duty kitchen shears, as suggested, ensures a smooth task without compromising safety.
Now, let's delve into the core of the article, the boiling process. The author emphasizes boiling lobster tails as an uncomplicated and foolproof method. The cooking times provided are based on the size of the lobster tail, with a recommended boiling time of one minute per ounce of the individual tail. This precise guideline ensures that the lobster meat is perfectly cooked, avoiding the dreaded rubbery texture that often comes with overcooking.
To make the process even more accessible, the article provides a helpful chart detailing the boiling times for different sizes of lobster tails, ranging from 3 ounces to 6 ounces. This removes the guesswork and allows even those less inclined toward mathematics to achieve culinary success.
The addition of a Lemon Garlic Butter Dipping sauce is a brilliant touch, enhancing the flavor profile of the lobster tails. The recipe for the sauce is straightforward, ensuring a perfect balance of citrusy and savory notes to complement the tender lobster meat.
In conclusion, this article provides a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to master the art of boiling lobster tails at home. The detailed instructions, coupled with the author's personal experience, make it a reliable resource for both novice and seasoned cooks. So, whether you're preparing a special meal or simply indulging in a culinary adventure, this recipe is a must-try for seafood enthusiasts.
