Broiling is the most preferred method for cooking lobsters. Here are some tips for making a perfectly-broiled lobster tail.
Lobsters are among the most popular seafood, and can be cooked in various ways. Whole lobsters are cooked in boiling water, and served as such. In such cases, the diner has to crack open the shell and claws, in order to take out the meat, which is usually consumed with melted butter and other condiments. Another method is to boil lobsters in steam. Lobster tails can also be baked or grilled. However, broiling is preferred for cooking lobsters. Apart from fast cooking, broiling browns the lobster meat.
Tips to Broil Lobster Tails at Home
- You can either use fresh lobster tails or frozen ones. If you have frozen ones, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight (or for 8 to 10 hours).
- Preheat the oven to medium broil setting (500°F), and clean the defrosted lobster. Place the lobster tail on a cutting board or baking sheet.
- Take a kitchen sheers, and cut the shell across the top side of the lobster. Make sure not to cut the lobster meat. Remove the sheers, just before reaching the tail.
- Spread open the split shell, so as to expose the meat. Wash the lobster tail once again, and keep it aside. Start preparing the marinade.
- Usually, lobster marinade is prepared with clarified butter, lemon juice, white pepper or paprika, salt, and garlic powder. In this case, you have to combine half a stick of butter, one teaspoon of lemon juice, and ¼ teaspoon each of white pepper/paprika, salt, and garlic powder.
- Apply the marinade over the exposed meat. Place the lobster tail on the broiler pan, and insert it into the oven.
- The cooking time is the most important factor, as far as broiling lobster tails is concerned. In general, it is recommended that if the oven is in broil setting, then the cooking time can be calculated as one minute per ounce of lobster.
- If the lobster tail weighs around five ounces, then the cooking time would be around five to six minutes. If overcooked, the meat will turn hard and rubbery.
- Once the lobster is done, it will turn white; and develops a sweet, meaty texture. If the internal temperature of the meat is 145°F, it means that the lobster is done.
- You may keep the lobster for a few more minutes, if you want that golden or brownish color for the cooked lobster meat.
So, broiling lobsters is really easy, if you know the right technique. By following the right methods, you can master the art of broiling lobsters. You can serve broiled lobsters with melted butter, salad, bread, and other condiments of your choice.