When cooking lobster tail there are a few key tips and tricks to make the most of this special seafood ingredient. First, start by selecting the right style of lobster tail for this dish. Cold-water tails, from Maine or Canada, tend to be sweeter and more tender than warm-water ones. When purchasing the tails, look for firm shells, even coloring, and avoid any that have an excessively strong fishy smell.
Butterflying the tail, as suggested in the recipe above, helps the lobster meat to cook evenly, while also looking visually appealing. Take your time with this step and gently loosen the meat from the shell before resting it on top.
Don’t skip adding lemon, as this enhances the flavor of the lobster meat and cuts through the richness with its acidity. You can also serve the lobster tails with a wedge of lemon on the side for guests to adjust to their individual tastes.
We’ve shared a basic butter mix in this recipe, but you can build additional ingredients and flavors into this as required. Some chefs will introduce a touch of heat with spices, such as paprika or chili flakes, or a sweet touch with a drizzle of honey. You could also sprinkle cheese over the tails, such as Parmesan, for creamy indulgence.
Once you’ve perfected baked lobster tail there are plenty of other cooking techniques to try, including grilled lobster tail, for a smoky, charred finish. Or, try boiling lobster, and follow our detailed guide outlining the five easy steps and tips for this process.
What to Serve with Baked Lobster Tail
When pairing baked lobster tail, opt for steakhouse sides. Creamy garlic mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up the juices of the lobster meat, and commonly found in steakhouse surf-and-turf dishes. For a lighter meal, a fresh serving of arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette brings a vibrant contrast to the buttery flavors of the baked lobster tail. Roasted asparagus is a common pairing with lobster meat, with its earthy flavor offering a welcome balance to the richness of the lobster.
Lobster tails are an incredibly versatile ingredient and can be used in a number of popular dishes, from lobster risotto to lobster linguine and try making a lobster roll for an elevated lunch at the weekend. An East Coast classic, these rolls can be ready in as little as 30 minutes for a refined meal with friends.
