How do you cook lobster tails in boiling water?

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.

Is it better to boil or steam lobster tails?

For recipes that call for fully cooked and picked lobster meat boiling is the best approach. In contrast, steaming is more gentle, yielding slightly more tender meat. It preserves a little more flavor and it’s more forgiving on the timing front. It’s harder to overcook a steamed lobster.

How do you prepare a lobster tail for boiling?

Bring a large stockpot of salted water to a boil. Reduce heat slightly and keep water at a gentle boil — stronger than a simmer, but weaker than a rolling boil. Add lobster tails, and boil until they are bright red and their meat turns white and tender. Each tail should take about 1 minute per ounce to cook.

Do you split lobster tails before boiling?

Use shears or a knife to cut the lobster tail along the middle. You should cut the lobster all the way back to the very tip of the fin. Try to avoid cutting into the meat, so that it does not break apart during the boiling. Instead, keep the shears well above the meat by pulling up on the shell as you cut.

What do you add to the water when boiling lobster tails?

Boiled Lobster Tail



Add water and salt to a large pot making sure its enough to cover the lobster tails.

How long do you boil a lobster to cook it?

Clamp the lid back on tightly and return the water to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and cook the lobsters for 12 to 18 minutes (hard-shell lobsters will take the longer time), until the shells turn bright red and the tail meat is firm and opaque when checked.

How long do you cook a 4oz lobster tail?

The cooking time depends slightly on the method but doesn’t vary too much. A 4-ounce lobster tail will take from 5 to 8 minutes. An 8-ounce lobster tail will take from 8 to 10 minutes. You want the lobster meat to be opaque (white) throughout, not translucent, and firm.

How long do I boil a 2 pound lobster?

Boil lobsters for 10 to 20 min, depending on size: Note the time at which the water comes to a boil again. From that point, boil the lobsters for 10-20 minutes or longer, depending on the size of the lobster. 10-13 minutes for 1 lb lobster, 12-18 minutes for a 1 1/2 pound lobster, 18-23 minutes for a 2-3 pound lobster.

How do you boil a lobster alive?

Boiling Instructions:

1. Fill a pot (large enough to hold the lobsters) anywhere from one-half to two-thirds full with water. …
2. Add 2 tablespoons of salt for each quart of water. …
3. Place the live lobsters in one at a time, headfirst, completely submerging them. …
4. Cover the pot tightly and return to a boil as quickly as possible.

How do you keep lobster tails from curling?

Cooking Tip | To keep the lobster tails from curling, you can skewer the meat prior to cooking with a wooden or metal skewer. Preparation Tip | Prior to cooking your lobster tails in any method, you can brush oil or butter on the shells/meat or add any spices you desire.

How long do you steam lobster for?

Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Add two lobsters, more if the pot is large enough, then cover the pot and return the water to a boil. Decrease the heat to medium or medium-low to maintain a vigorous simmer and steam the lobsters until they turn bright red, 13 to 15 minutes.