Cook Frozen Lobster Tails

Lobster is only available fresh in a few locations, so most cooks prepare frozen lobster. They thaw it then broil, poach, steam or boil it. You can learn how to cook frozen lobster tails using a butter poaching method.

Steps

Buy Lobster

1. Check the frozen seafood section at your local supermarket. You may find spiny lobsters that are brown and mottled or Maine lobsters that are red.
2. Choose smaller lobster tails, between 4 and 8 oz. (113 to 226g). Smaller tails tend to be more tender than larger tails.
3. Check the label on the package. You are looking for the following:
   • The use-by or expiration date. Make sure they are still considered fresh.
   • The ingredient "sodium triphosphate." This additive makes the tails heavier, so if you are buying by the weight of the tail, you will pay more for less meat.

Defrost Lobster

1. Don't cook lobster tails while they are still frozen. It is one of the most expensive types of seafood you can buy, so it is not the right food on which to cut corners during preparation.
2. Place the frozen lobster tails in a bowl. Cover it with a lid or plastic wrap.
3. Leave the bowl in the refrigerator overnight. Give them between 12 and 24 hours to defrost, or longer for larger quantities.

Prepare Lobster Tails

1. Remove the lobster tails from the refrigerator approximately 30 to 60 minutes before you want to cook them. They should come to room temperature for even cooking.
2. Use a pair of kitchen shears to cut the bottom of the shell lengthwise down the middle.
3. Loosen the meat from the shell on both sides. Remove the lobster from its shell.
4. Remove any gelatin with your fingers. Rinse the lobster tails in cold water.

Prepare Butter Bath

1. Boil 2 tbsp. (29ml) of water in a medium saucepan or small pot.
   • The pan or pot should be big enough to fit your lobster tails, while giving them room to be coated by the butter bath.
2. Turn the burner to low as soon as it starts to boil. You want to reserve as much water as possible.
3. Add 1 tbsp. (14.7ml) of butter to the pan. Whisk it as it melts. Continue adding 1 tbsp. pats until you have used 2 to 3 1/2 cup (118ml) sticks of butter.
   • You need enough butter to cover your lobster tails when they are added to the pot. Place the lobster tails in a bowl, fill it with water and remove the lobster tails. Measure the water in a liquid measuring cup, and melt the same amount of butter in your saucepan.
4. Whisk until your butter is liquid. It should be an emulsification, so it should not be separated. Although the burner should be on low already, place it at its lowest setting now.
   • This is called beurre monte. It is a French method for cooking lobster and other seafood.

Cooking Lobster Tails

1. Place your lobster inside the beurre monte. The tails should be submerged.
2. Allow them to sit and poach for 5 to 8 minutes.
3. Touch the tails with your finger. They should be firm and white. Leaving them in too long can make them too firm and rubbery.
4. Lift each tail out of the butter with tongs. Allow it to drip into the pan for a few seconds.
5. Place the tail on a plate. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Things You'll Need

• Frozen lobster tails
• Saucepan/pot
• Unsalted butter
• Water
• Bowl
• Plastic wrap
• Whisk
• Kitchen shears
• Timer
• Tongs

Related Articles

• Grill Lobster Tails
• Cook Lobster Tails
• Broil Lobster Tails
• Prepare a New England Lobster Bake

Sources and Citations

• http://www.wincofoods.com/holidayguide/lobster-tails-basic-preparation/
• http://www.bhg.com/recipes/how-to/cooking-basics/how-to-boil-lobster-tails/
• http://deadspin.com/how-to-cook-lobster-tails-a-guide-for-people-who-dont-5979160

See also

• Get a Lobster Tail out of Its Shell
• Cook a Lobster
• Clean a Lobster
• Cook Frozen Lobster
• Cook Lobster Tails
• Safely Free Dive for Lobster
• Broil Lobster
• Boil Lobster Tails
• Grill Lobster Tails
• Bake Lobster Tails

What links here

• Boil Lobster Tails