learn how to butterfly a lobster tail does n’t call for to be intimidating . In fact , it ’s astonishingly soft — and the key to the gourmet appear we see at fancy seafood restaurants . When butterflying lobster tails , you ’re basically just cutting them through the hard shell to spread the tail meat well into two even one-half . The lobster track meat underneath the shell then puff up as it wangle . The result edible portion is juicy , untoughened , and entirely rant - worthy .
Confession : After we mastered how to flirt a lobster tail , we admit that we ’ve rarely boughtwhole lobstersanymore . The tail meat alone take much less feat to prepare and eat , plus the centre - to - shell proportion is far superscript in the tail .
We ’ll show you how to butterfly a lobster tail so you may serve this special meal at home . Butterflying is a simple three - step mental process , and it ’s idealistic for serving as - is or popping the meat out to use in alobster roll formula . However you settle to serve it , we can guarantee you ’ll be surprised by how easygoing it is to butterfly lobster tail . Let ’s dive in !
Credit: Blaine Moats
How to Buy Lobster Tails
you may discover lobster tail in the fish section or the freezer case of your local grocery store . Or buy them online from a sustainable fishwife like Luke ’s Lobster or Maine Lobster Now . Most lobster go after you ’ll obtain are from spiny lobsters , which have meaty tails than Maine lobster and do n’t have claws . They ’re generally marketed as rock lobster buttocks . Expect the tail to have a mottled , greenish - blue - dark-brown appearance when sensitive . program on one ( about 8 - snow leopard ) tail per mortal . If rooted , thawing the derriere in the refrigerator before trend the lobster tails and cooking them .
How to Butterfly Lobster Tails
To butterfly or not to flirt ? That is the ( first ) doubt . Mostseafood recipesfor lobster tails call for butterflying them before cooking . However , there are exclusion . Sometimes , butterflying is unnecessary when lobster tails are simply boiled ( to incorporate the meat into dishes like this lusciousLobster Mac and Cheese ) . However , if your formula call for it , here ’s how to mash lobster tail .
1. Cut the Tail
Hold a lobster tail in one manus with the top of the gruelling shell face up . Using sturdy kitchen shears , cut through the top of the shell and the meat , stopping just before the bottom eggshell . Do n’t foreshorten through the wide end of the tail .
2. Open Lobster Tail to Separate the Meat from the Shell
Using your thumbs and fingers , gently spread the halves of the tails asunder , stay fresh the inwardness attach near the end of the tail .
Step 3: Lift the Meat over the Shell
Gently separate the meat from the back of the shell , observe the base attached at the tail , and lift the meat over the shell . Squeeze the shell half back together beneath the meat so that the pith lie on top of the shell . Now the tail is ready to fake as desired .
How to Cook Lobster Tail
Lobster give chase tastes great grilled , seethe , steam , grilled , and baked . you could cook lobster on the stovetop for a quick , soft , and graceful dinner . Get our step - by - stair charge for cook by clicking the button below .
Now that you ’re a pro at how to dally a lobster tail , you may confidently serve a gourmet - style seafood entrée with maximal smell and lower limit intimidation .
Test Kitchen Tips for Cooking Seafood
Credit: Blaine Moats
Credit: Jacob Fox
