How to Cook Lobster Tail

Cooked lobster tail is an elegant and unique dining experience. While most people reserve lobster strictly for dining out because of the intimidating purchasing and cooking process, you don’t have to! High-quality frozen lobster tails like the ones at Omaha Steaks make cooking lobster at home simple, delicious, and easy. Omaha Steaks lobster tails are flash-frozen to ensure ocean-fresh flavor guaranteed. We offer a variety of lobster items – all top-of-the-line options for lobster tails at home.

Prepping Lobster Tails

It is not recommended to cook frozen lobster, but it is very easy to thaw them using one of two methods: refrigerator thawing or the cold-water method. Thaw your lobster tails by putting them in the fridge for 12 to 24 hours before cooking. For faster thawing, remove lobster tails from packaging and place in resealable plastic bag. Place sealed bag in cold water for 30 minutes. When thawed, the tails will be flexible.

For broiling, grilling, and baking, butterfly the whole lobster tails by cutting lengthwise through the center of the hard-top shell and meat, but not through the bottom shell. Gently spread the halves apart, keeping the meat attached at the back end.

For boiling, cut down the center of the soft shell with kitchen scissors and remove membrane from along center of the lobster tail. If you choose to indulge in our Maine Lobster Tail Halves or our Split Lobster Tail Skewers, those are already butterflied so you can skip this step!

How to Cook Lobster Tails

Broiling Lobster Tails

Broiling lobster is a quick and easy method for achieving perfectly cooked lobster. Broiling for up to 7 minutes in the oven, you will know when the tails are finished cooking when the meat is pearly and opaque.

Get the guide: How to Broil Lobster

Grilling Lobster Tails

Grilling lobster adds a unique smokiness and char to the meat and shell of the lobster tail. Using a gas or charcoal grill, this method is perfect for an afternoon summer grill-out. Topped with melted butter and fresh squeezed lemon – your lobster tails will be loaded with flavor.

Get the guide: How to Grill Lobster

Boiling Lobster Tails

Boiling lobster is a method for the cooks in the kitchen with a little more patience. After waiting for the water to come to a boil, the tails will cook for a total of 12-15 minutes. Once the meat is pearly and opaque you can remove from the pot and enjoy.

Get the guide: How to Boil Lobster

Baking Lobster Tails

Baking is one of the easiest cooking methods, and it produces incredible results with lobster! With a sweet taste and texture this method will ensure that your lobster tails fulfill your seafood cravings.

Get the guide: How to Bake Lobster

Frying Lobster Tails

Executive Chef David Rose has put together a few steps on how to perfectly bread and fry lobster tails and transform them into a delicious Lobster Po Boy Cheeseburger. Whether you serve fried lobster on a juicy burger or on its own, Chef Rose’s breaded and fried lobster is incredible.

Get the recipe: Fried Lobster Po Boy Cheeseburger

Serving with Clarified Butter

Lobster tails are delicious served with clarified butter for dipping. To clarify butter, place butter in a small saucepan and heat gently over low heat without stirring. Do not let the butter simmer. When the butter is completely melted, use a spoon to skim the foamy layer off the top; discard the foam. Slowly pour the clear melted butter into a dish discarding the milky layer at the bottom. Serve warm. For an authentic experience, pick up a set of butter warmers for serving.

For a steakhouse style surf-n-turf dinner at home serve your lobster tails with our Butcher’s Cut Filet Mignons and any classic steakhouse side. And to make your at home meal even more delicious, try a decadent dessert and a glass of white or sparkling wine.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in January 2018 and has been updated for freshness and comprehensiveness.