How to Cook Lobster Tails

Quick answer: The best way to cook lobster tails is to butterfly them and broil for about 1 minute per ounce, until the meat is opaque and reaches 140°F. You can also boil, grill, or bake them. Here is how to butterfly a tail and cook it four ways without turning it rubbery.

Lobster tails feel fancy but cook in under 10 minutes. The one rule that matters: pull them the moment the meat turns opaque, because overcooked lobster gets tough and chewy.

How to Butterfly a Lobster Tail

1. Using kitchen shears, cut down the top of the shell to the base of the tail.
2. Gently pry the shell open and lift the meat so it rests on top, keeping it attached at the base.
3. Rest the meat on the shell for that classic restaurant look.

Method 1: Broil (Best)

1. Heat the broiler and set a rack about 6 inches below it.
2. Butterfly the tails, brush with melted butter, and season.
3. Broil about 1 minute per ounce, so a 6-ounce tail takes 5 to 6 minutes, until opaque and 140°F.

Method 2: Boil

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Drop in the tails and boil about 1 minute per ounce.
3. They are done when the shells turn bright red and the meat is opaque.

Method 3: Grill

1. Heat the grill to medium-high.
2. Butterfly the tails, brush with butter, and grill meat side down 4 to 5 minutes, then flip and grill 3 to 4 more.

Method 4: Bake

1. Heat the oven to 425°F.
2. Butterfly the tails, brush with butter, and bake 12 to 15 minutes, until opaque and 140°F.

Cooking Lobster Tails From Frozen

Thaw overnight in the fridge, or in a sealed bag in cold water for about 30 minutes, before cooking. Thawed tails cook evenly and stay tender.

How to Serve Lobster Tails

Serve with drawn butter and lemon. A butter warmer keeps the butter pourable. Lobster tails pair beautifully with crab legs for a surf-and-surf feast.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do you cook lobster tails?
About 1 minute per ounce for broiling or boiling, until the meat is opaque and reaches 140°F.

What temperature should lobster be cooked to?
Lobster is done at an internal temperature of 140°F, when the meat is opaque and firm.

Should you thaw lobster tails before cooking?
Yes. Thaw overnight in the fridge or in cold water for about 30 minutes so they cook evenly.

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