How to Know How Long to Boil Lobster Tails

Member

By Francine Sanchez
User-Submitted Article

Article Rating: (22 Ratings)

Yummy Lobster Tails

How long to boil lobster tails for? You picked them up at the market or have them in the freezer stowed away for a special occasion. Yet cooking frozen lobster tails is a mystery to you. You are not alone. Use this article for instructions on how to cook lobster tails in their most delicious form.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Defrosting Lobster Tail

DEFROST THE LOBSTER TAILS – If your lobster tails are already defrosted, skip this step. To defrost the lobster tails leave them in the refrigerator for 8-10 hours. For quicker defrosting, some people use the microwave defrost button at 3-5min. per pound. You CAN cook the lobster tails without defrosting, but they tend to taste rubbery or tougher.
Step 2

CHECK THE COLOR - If your lobster tails are red, they do not need to be cooked and only steamed. If they are grey, then they will need to be cooked.
Step 3

see boiled lobster tail recipes in resource section

BOILING LOBSTER TAILS - To boil or not to boil? Cooking lobster tails is a simple process whichever method you take. Most people will say not to boil a lobster tail (only a whole lobster) because it will be soggy and won't taste as good. On the other hand, people boil lobster tails all the time. If you choose to boil, drop the lobster in a large pot of boiled water with 1tsp of salt per quart of water. Wait for water to re-boil, lower the heat so the water is slightly boiling and start timing. How long to boil lobster tails depends on how many oz you are cooking. For 1-3oz, boil 3-5min. For 4-6oz, boil 5-7min. For 10-12 oz, boil 10-12min and for 14-16oz, boil for 15-20min. Set in colander to cool and enjoy.
Step 4

STEAMING AND BROILING LOBSTER TAILS - Most people prefer to steam or broil their lobster tails. These methods are almost as easy as boiling and some say have much better results. See the resources section for step by step directions with great pictures of steaming or broiling lobster tails.
Step 5

ENJOY YOUR LOBSTER - Whether you boil, steam or broil, lobster tails are meals fit for kings. Enjoy your meal and feel pride that you took the effort to find out how to do this!