Wondering what to cook with lobster tails? Sweet, savory, and delicious, fresh Maine lobster tails can be perfectly cooked in numerous ways. Large in size, lobster tails are firmer and meatier than the claws. The tail, which is the lobster’s abdomen, is the largest section of meat in the lobster—a tail from a one-pound Maine lobster weighs approximately 6 or 7 oz. The larger size and firmness make for easy access to the tail, which may account for its popularity in making dishes—you can do more with it in the kitchen.
Preparing Lobster Tails for Cooking
Whether baked, broiled, oven roasted, or grilled, your lobster tails must be prepped for cooking. The preferred method is to butterfly the lobster tails by cutting lengthwise along the topside of the shell to the tail fin. Do this by cutting through the shell along the top section of the tail with kitchen shears or a knife. Be sure not to cut all the way through the shell, and do not cut through the tail fin. Once you have made the incision, pull the top part of the shell apart slightly to expose the meat. Rinse off thoroughly with cold water. Then, slide a spoon or fork between the shell and the meat and lift slightly to loosen the meat from the shell.
The tail is now prepped for cooking with your favorite recipe! If you’re still not sure what to cook with lobster tails, try one of these classic recipes:
Broiled Cajun Lobster Tails
What you’ll need:
- 4 lobster tails
- 1/2 cup softened butter
- 5 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 Tbsp Cajun or Creole Seasoning
How to prepare:
- Turn oven settings to broil
- Mix softened butter, minced garlic, and Cajun seasoning in a small bowl.
- Place prepared lobster tails in a baking dish or pan, meat side up, and then add the butter, minced garlic, and Cajun mixture evenly over the four tails.
- Place in the oven, and broil for 10 to 12 minutes until lobster meat has turned opaque and the shell edges are slightly charred.
- Remove and serve with wild or whole grain rice, kernel corn, and a salad of diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, and scallions. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Panko Bread Crumb Baked Lobster Tails
What you’ll need:
- 2-6 Maine lobster tails
- 1 Tbsp of olive oil per tail
- 1 box of Panko breadcrumbs
- Sea salt, pepper, and paprika
How to prepare:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
- Place prepared lobster tails on a baking pan with aluminum foil and add a little water to the pan to prevent the tails from drying out
- Brush olive oil over each lobster tail
- Sprinkle Panko bread crumbs generously and evenly over each tail.
- Place lobster tails in the oven, meat side up. Bake time can take 8 to 30 minutes, depending on the weight and number of tails. A dinner of 2 lobster tails may take approximately 15-18 minutes; 4 lobster tails should take 20-24 minutes; 6 lobster tails can take up to 30 minutes. Best to use a thermometer to check the internal temperature (145°F) at periodic intervals
- Remove from the oven and add sea salt, pepper, and paprika to taste. Serve with your favorite risotto (porcini mushroom, creamy Parmesan, Alfredo, e.g.)
Classic Buttery Broiled Lobster Tail
What you’ll need:
- 4 fresh Maine lobster tails
- 4 Tbsp melted butter
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced or pressed
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Sea salt and pepper to taste
- 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
How to prepare:
- Preheat the broiler and place the oven rack approximately 6 inches from the heating element
- In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic, paprika, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and parsley, and stir together thoroughly
- Place prepared lobster tails on a foiled-lined baking sheet
- Brush lobster tails with the buttery mixture
- Place in the oven and let tails broil for 10 to 12 minutes or until the lobster meat turns opaque. Shells will char slightly.
- Remove from the oven and serve with a Maine baked potato, salad, or your favorite side!
Klenda Seafood offers fresh Maine lobster, live or hand-picked lobster meat, and fresh seasonal shellfish and finfish. Order online from us today!