How to cook lobster tails in the oven: broiling or roasting

Few foods are as luxurious as lobster so it is always a treat to prepare it at home, especially when entertaining special guests. Lobster tails are a great option because they require minimal prep. What's the best way to cook lobster tails? We recommend cooking them in the oven.

How To Cook Lobster Tails in The Oven

There are two ways to cook lobster tails in the oven: broiling or roasting. Both methods work exceptionally well and yield tender, delicious lobster in just minutes. Just be sure to have plenty of clarified butter on hand. Flavored butter would be amazing, as well.

Begin by rinsing the lobster tails under water to remove any debris. If frozen, simply thaw the lobster tails in water (30 minutes usually suffice depending on the size). Pat dry with a towel.

Using kitchen shears or a very sharp knife cut through the top of the lobster shell in a straight line. Be sure to leave the tail attached.

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Remove the digestive tract using your fingers or a knife. Use your hands to crack the bottom shell so the lobster meat loosens (leave the tail intact).

Loosen the lobster meat and push it upwards so that it pops through the shell.

Now the lobster tails are ready for the oven (which should have been preheating while you prepped the lobster).

ROASTING METHOD:

• preheat the oven to 425F
• place the lobster tails in a shallow roasting dish
• add an inch of water to the roasting dish (this will help the lobsters steam)
• place the lobster tails in the middle rack of the oven
• bake for 5 minutes, baste with clarified butter and sprinkle the seasonings of your choice
• bake 5 more minutes (or more, depending on the size) until the meat turns a whitish color

BROILING METHOD:

• pre-heat broiler to 'high'
• place the lobster tails on a baking pan or shallow roasting dish
• put the lobster tails in the top rack of the oven
• broil for 3 minutes, baste with clarified butter and season with your preferred spices 
• broil for 4 more minutes or until the meat turns opaque
• remove from the oven
• serve with a side of clarified butter

Naturally, the size of the lobster tails will determine their cooking time. A general guideline to cook them one minute per ounce. Pay attention to the color of the lobster meat: it will be perfectly cooked when it changes from translucent to white.

Hungry for more?

Check out these decadent lobster recipes that are chef approved.

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