If you’re looking for an impressive and decadent meal, butterflied lobster tails are a perfect choice. This dish is not only delicious, but it also makes a beautiful presentation. Lobster tails are known for their sweet and tender meat, and cooking them in butter enhances their natural flavors.

To butterfly a lobster tail, you will need a sharp pair of kitchen shears. Start by placing the lobster tail shell side down on a cutting board. Use the shears to carefully cut along the top of the shell, all the way to the tail. Be sure not to cut into the meat. Gently spread the shell open to reveal the meat, and carefully remove it from the shell, keeping it attached at the base. This will create a butterfly shape.

Once the lobster tails are butterflied, they can be cooked in a variety of ways. One popular method is grilling. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates. Brush the lobster tails with melted butter and season with salt and pepper. Place the tails on the grill, shell side down, and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the meat is opaque and firm, basting with more melted butter halfway through.

If you prefer to cook the butterflied lobster tails in the oven, preheat it to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius). Place the tails on a baking sheet and brush them with melted butter. Season with salt and pepper. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the meat is opaque and cooked through. Baste with more melted butter halfway through the cooking time.

Butterflied lobster tails make an elegant and delicious meal that is sure to impress your guests. Whether you choose to grill or bake them, the meat will be tender and flavorful. Serve the lobster tails with melted butter and lemon wedges for a classic accompaniment. Enjoy!

Preparing the Lobster Tails

Preparing the lobster tails is an important step before cooking them. Follow these simple steps to ensure that your butterflied lobster tails are ready for the grill or oven:

1. Thaw the lobster tails if they are frozen. Place them in the refrigerator overnight or in a bowl of cold water for about 30 minutes until they are completely thawed.

2. Use kitchen shears or a sharp knife to cut through the top shell of the lobster tail, starting from the open end and working your way towards the tail. Be careful not to cut through the meat.

3. Gently spread the shell apart to expose the lobster meat. The meat should still be attached to the bottom shell.

4. Carefully pull the lobster meat out of the shell, keeping it attached at the end of the tail. Lay the meat on top of the shell.

5. Optionally, you can use a knife to make a small slit in the meat and gently remove the black vein or intestinal tract.

6. Repeat the process for each lobster tail, making sure to handle them gently to avoid damaging the meat.

Now that the lobster tails are prepared, you can continue with your chosen recipe for cooking them to perfection!

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Selecting the Lobster Tails

When it comes to selecting lobster tails for your recipe, there are a few factors to consider. Here are some tips to help guide you:

1. Freshness

Choose lobster tails that are fresh to ensure the best flavor and texture. Look for tails that are still alive or recently frozen.

2. Size

Consider the size of the lobster tails you want to cook. Larger tails will have more meat and can be great for a main course, while smaller tails are perfect for appetizers or lighter meals.

3. Shell Color

Pay attention to the color of the lobster tails’ shells. A vibrant, bright red color indicates that the lobster is freshly cooked or frozen, while a darker-colored shell may indicate that the lobster has been thawed or stored for longer.

4. Meat Quality

Check the meat quality of the lobster tails. Look for tails with firm, white, and translucent meat. Avoid tails with discolored or slimy meat, as this may indicate spoilage.

By considering these factors, you can ensure that you select the perfect lobster tails for your butterflied lobster tail recipe.

Thawing the Lobster Tails

Before you begin cooking, it’s important to properly thaw your lobster tails to ensure even cooking and delicious results. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Remove the lobster tails from the packaging and place them in a sealable plastic bag.
  2. Fill a large bowl with cold water and submerge the lobster tails.
  3. Seal the bag, ensuring all air is removed, and place it in the bowl of water.
  4. Allow the lobster tails to thaw in the refrigerator for 24 hours.

Note: If you’re short on time, you can use the cold water thawing method. Simply place the sealed bag of lobster tails in a large bowl of cold water and change the water every 30 minutes until the tails are thawed. This method usually takes about 1 hour.

Important: Never thaw lobster tails at room temperature or in hot water, as this can encourage bacteria growth and compromise the quality of the meat.

Butterflying the Lobster Tails

If you want to take your lobster tails to the next level, you can butterfly them before cooking. Butterflying is a technique that involves splitting the tail in half lengthwise, keeping the meat attached to the shell. This not only creates a stunning presentation but also allows the lobster meat to cook more evenly.

To butterfly the lobster tails, follow these steps:

Step 1: Gather the necessary tools

  • Sharp kitchen shears
  • Butterfly lobster tail holder or wooden skewers

Step 2: Prepare the lobster tails

  1. Place the lobster tails shell-side down on a cutting board.
  2. Using kitchen shears, cut through the top of the shell, starting from the open end towards the tail.
  3. Stop cutting before reaching the tail fan.
  4. Gently pull the shell apart, exposing the meat.
  5. Use your fingers or a knife to separate the meat from the shell, keeping it attached at the end.

Step 3: Secure the lobster tails

  • If you have a butterfly lobster tail holder, insert it through the shell to hold the lobster tail in place.
  • If you don’t have a holder, use wooden skewers to secure the lobster tail by inserting them through the tail meat and shell.
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Now that you have butterflied the lobster tails, they are ready to be cooked using your preferred method. Remember to remove the lobster tail holder or skewers before serving. Whether you grill, broil, or bake them, butterflied lobster tails are sure to impress your guests with their beautiful presentation and delicious taste.

Marinating the Lobster Tails

Marinating the lobster tails before cooking can add extra flavor and enhance the overall taste of the dish. Here is a simple marinade recipe that you can use:

Ingredients Amount
Lemon juice 1/4 cup
Garlic 2 cloves, minced
Parsley 2 tablespoons, chopped
Butter 2 tablespoons, melted
Salt 1/2 teaspoon
Pepper 1/4 teaspoon

Instructions:

  1. In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped parsley, melted butter, salt, and pepper.
  2. Place the butterflied lobster tails in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag.
  3. Pour the marinade over the lobster tails, making sure they are fully coated.
  4. Cover the dish or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the lobster meat.

Marinating the lobster tails is an optional step, but it can greatly enhance the taste of the final dish. Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the marinade according to your preferences.

Grilling the Lobster Tails

Grilling the lobster tails is a great way to enhance their flavor and create a delicious smoky taste. Follow these steps to achieve perfect grilled lobster tails:

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.

2. Start by preparing the lobster tails by cutting them in half lengthwise, ensuring that the shells remain intact.

3. Gently loosen the meat from the shell, keeping it attached at the end to form a butterfly shape. This will make the meat easier to grill and enhance the presentation.

4. Brush the lobster tails with melted butter, ensuring that all sides are coated. This will help to keep the meat moist and add richness to the flavor.

5. Season the lobster tails with salt and pepper, or your preferred seasoning mix, to taste.

6. Place the lobster tails on the grill, flesh side down. Close the lid and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the flesh is opaque and lightly charred.

7. Carefully flip the lobster tails over and continue grilling for another 5-7 minutes, or until the shells are charred and the meat is fully cooked.

8. Remove the lobster tails from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the flavors to intensify.

9. Serve the grilled lobster tails immediately with additional melted butter and lemon wedges, if desired.

Grilling Time: 10-14 minutes
Serves: 2-4 people
Difficulty: Intermediate

Preheating the Grill

Before you start cooking the butterflied lobster tails, it’s important to preheat your grill. This ensures that the lobster will cook evenly and have a deliciously charred exterior.

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Start by turning on your grill and setting the burners to medium heat. Close the lid and allow the grill to preheat for about 10-15 minutes. This will give it enough time to reach the desired temperature.

Temperature

The optimal grilling temperature for butterflied lobster tails is around 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 204°C). This medium-high heat will allow the lobster tails to cook through without burning the delicate meat.

Optional: Oil the Grill Grates

If desired, you can oil the grill grates before preheating to prevent the lobster tails from sticking. Use a pair of tongs to hold a folded paper towel soaked in vegetable oil and rub it over the grates.

Once the grill is preheated and ready, you can move on to the next step of preparing the lobster tails for cooking.

Preheating the Grill
Turn on the grill and set the burners to medium heat. Close the lid and preheat for 10-15 minutes.
Temperature
Optimal grilling temperature is 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 204°C).
Optional: Oil the Grill Grates
Use a pair of tongs and a folded paper towel soaked in vegetable oil to rub the grates.

Q&A

What is the best way to butterfly lobster tails?

The best way to butterfly lobster tails is to start by cutting through the top of the shell with kitchen shears and then gently pulling apart the shell to expose the meat. Be careful not to cut all the way through the tail. Once the meat is exposed, you can easily remove it from the shell by cutting along the sides.

What are some seasonings that go well with lobster tails?

There are many seasonings that pair well with lobster tails. Some popular options include melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. You can also experiment with herbs like parsley, thyme, or dill to add more flavor to the dish.

How long does it take to cook butterflied lobster tails on the grill?

Cooking time for butterflied lobster tails on the grill can vary depending on the size of the tails and the heat of your grill. As a general rule, it takes about 5-6 minutes per side to cook a 4-ounce lobster tail. However, it’s important to keep a close eye on the tails while grilling and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I cook butterflied lobster tails in the oven?

Yes, you can definitely cook butterflied lobster tails in the oven. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and place the tails on a baking sheet. Brush the tails with melted butter or olive oil, season them with your desired spices, and bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the meat is opaque and cooked through.

What are some side dishes that go well with butterflied lobster tails?

There are many delicious side dishes that can complement butterflied lobster tails. Some popular options include steamed vegetables (such as asparagus or broccoli), roasted potatoes, rice pilaf, or a fresh green salad. You can also serve the lobster tails with a side of melted butter for dipping.