How to Boil a Lobster Tail

There is no question that a properly prepared and cooked lobster tail dunked in butter is a delicious delicacy. Many people are intimidated about cooking lobster when in fact it is not difficult. Follow these easy steps and you yourself can be on your way to making great boiled lobster tails.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Frozen or Fresh Lobster Tail(s)

1. It is strictly up to you whether or not you want to use frozen or fresh lobster tail. Prices are always different depending on the season but frozen lobster is often times just as good as buying fresh lobster.

2. If you decide to use frozen lobster tail just be sure to give them ample time to defrost. The lobster tail(s) will not be as tender if you try to boil them frozen.

3. You will then want to use kitchen shears to cut the shell of the lobster tail down the center while leaving the tail fin in tact. At this point, go ahead and remove the shell from the lobster tail and leave the membrane in tact without peeling it off.

4. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Lower the heat down a bit and drop the tail(s) of lobster into the boiling water. How long you cook the water is based on weight.
   
   1-3 oz. = 3-5 minutes
   4-6 oz. = 5-7 minutes
   10-12 oz. = 10-12 minutes
   14-16 oz. = 15-20 minutes

[brit303]

on 10/5/2009 The restaurant I worked at years ago served lobster tails. We kept them frozen because there wasn't much demand for them. They seemed to cook up OK, but we kept the oven at 400 degrees, as I recall. (Used a butcher knife to cut thru the shell.) It's good to know they can be cooked fairly easily at home. Nice column.