How to Boil Lobster Tails

First, begin by thawing your frozen lobster tails by placing them directly into cold water for 30 minutes. For giant lobster tails (those bigger than 10 oz. each), change your water after the first 30 minutes and thaw for an additional 15-30 minutes. You’ll know that your tails are thawed when they feel flexible. Once the tails have thawed, follow the steps below:

  • Fill a pot with enough water to cover up to four tails (seasoning is optional).
  • Bring the water to a boil and gently drop tails into the pot one by one. Be careful that you don’t splash yourself!
  • Once the tails have been placed in the pot, wait for the water to reach a slow boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 3-½ minutes.
  • After 3-½ minutes, remove all tails from the pot, but keep the water on the stove at a slow boil.

After removing the tails from the pot, give them a few minutes to cool down, and then test just one tail for doneness. Use a knife to cut through the soft underside of the shell and into the thickest part of the tail meat. If it appears completely white with no signs of translucent, grayish coloring, then your boiled lobster tails are ready to serve.
GRILLING LOBSTER TAILS:
First, use the information below to help you figure out the optimal cooking time for your lobster tails. These directions are based on 4 – 5 oz. lobster tails.

  • Parboil Time: 2 minutes for each 4 – 5 oz. tail
  • Grilling Time: 2 – 3 minutes for each 4 – 5 oz. tail

In order to ensure that you can make the tastiest grilled lobster tail, we recommend parboiling your tails before grilling.

  • Drop the tails in a pot of boiling water. When the water returns to a soft boil, reduce heat, set a timer for the time listed above, and remove the tails from the water.

After parboiling your tails, you’re ready to start grilling. 

  • Start by inserting a long metal skewer lengthwise in each tail to keep it from curling while cooking.
  • Lay the tails on their back side with the soft underneath side of the shell facing up.
  • Take a knife and cut through the shell lengthwise down the middle. Pry the shell open, then pour melted butter and squeeze lemon juice right onto the meat. Treat with any other seasonings you would like to include.
  • Grill with the cut side facing up on medium heat. Each tail should cook within 2 – 3 minutes, so be sure to test the tails often to make sure they don’t overcook