The color of lobster tail meat after it has been steamed or boiled is such a beautiful combination of coral and white. Yes, we also love to grill or broil lobster, but this is my favorite way to fix it. This is also the way I fix it when I am going to use the lobster in chowder or bisque.
Ingredients:
- Lobster tails — 4 to 6 oz. each
- Kosher salt (to put into the water)
- Salted butter, fresh lemon, and minced garlic for dipping
Directions:
One of the reasons I like to boil lobster tails, rather than steam them, is that I can visually observe the cooking process and see when the meat turns that bright white shade that lets me know it’s done. Cooking too long will make the lobster tough, so it’s important to cook for just the right length of time.
Start with thawed lobster tails. If you begin with frozen, your odds of getting the perfect doneness just aren’t as great.
Get a big pot (the size will depend upon how many you are cooking) and fill it about 2/3 full. Add 1 tsp. kosher salt for each quart of water.
Wash your lobster tails under cold running water while your pot of water is coming to a boil on the stove. Melt your butter and garlic while you’re waiting.
Once the water has come to a boil, throw your lobster tails in and set a timer for 4 minutes. At the 4 minute mark, fish them out with good silicone tongs and take a look at them. Use your kitchen scissors to cut through the domed side of the tail so you can see inside to see if the meat is evenly white throughout. If it is, turn off your heat, put on your rubber gloves, and pull the lobster out of the tail. You can either pull it completely out for serving (as pictured above), or you can pull it up so that it’s perched above the slit in the tail. Whatever you deem appropriate. (I find it less messy to serve out of the tail.)
If it’s not done after the 4 minute mark (which it probably won’t be if it is more than 4 ounces), throw it back in to the still-boiling water and check it at 30 second increments. Remove when the color is perfect.
Squirt a little fresh lemon juice into your melted garlic butter and serve this luxurious treat while hot.
Leave a Reply