Perfectly Boiled Lobster Tail – Healthy and Delicious
Nutritional value per serving
Calories120kcal
Carbs1gram
Fat2gram
Protein24gram
Ingredients
- Lobster tail (fresh or thawed)1 piece
- Salt (for boiling water)1 tbsp
- Water4 liter
- Lemon wedges (for serving)2 pieces
- Butter (optional, for serving)10 g
This simple, healthy boiled lobster tail recipe is perfect for home cooks looking to enjoy succulent seafood without fuss. With clear step-by-step instructions, safe cooking temperatures, and handy tips, you'll impress yourself with how easy lobster can be. The recipe costs approximately $15 (USD), €13, £11, and ₹1,200 for ingredients per serving and provides a light, protein-rich meal at just about 120 calories per tail. It's a low-fat, gluten-free dish that's both light and flavorful, suitable for a healthy diet. The cooking process is straightforward, requiring minimal prep and about 8 minutes of cooking time, perfect for beginners.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the boiling water
1Fill a large pot with 4 liters of water and add 1 tablespoon of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat. Salted water enhances flavors and helps cook the lobster evenly.
Prepare the lobster tail
2Using kitchen scissors, cut through the top shell of the lobster tail lengthwise to expose the meat. Rinse the tail under cold running water to remove any shell fragments. This helps the lobster cook evenly and allows flavors to penetrate more.
Boil the lobster tail
3Once the water is boiling, carefully submerge the lobster tail into the water. Boil for 1 minute per ounce of lobster tail (so, a 5-ounce tail should boil for approximately 5 minutes). Ensure the water remains at a rolling boil during cooking.
Check for doneness
4The lobster meat will turn opaque and white, and the shell will become bright red. Internal temperature should reach 63°C (145°F) for safe consumption. Use a meat thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the meat to verify.
Remove and serve
5Use tongs to carefully remove the lobster tail from the water. Allow excess water to drip off. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and optional melted butter for dipping.
Cooking Tips
-To thaw frozen lobster tails safely, place them in the refrigerator overnight, never at room temperature.
-Avoid cross-contamination by using separate utensils and cutting boards for raw lobster and other foods.
-Do not overcook lobster as it can become tough; watch closely for the opaque color and temperature.
-You can add aromatics like bay leaves or garlic to the boiling water for added flavor.
Equipment Needed
- Large pot
- Kitchen scissors
- Tongs
- Meat thermometer
- Strainer or slotted spoon
Shopping List
- [ ] Lobster tails (fresh or frozen, approx. 5 oz each) - $15 per tail. Choose tails with firm shells and vivid color.
- [ ] Salt - $1 for a small container. Use regular cooking salt.
- [ ] Lemon (for wedges) - $0.50 each. Pick bright yellow, fresh lemons.
- [ ] Butter (optional) - $2 for 100g. For a richer flavor, select unsalted butter.
FAQ
Can you boil lobster tails from frozen?
Yes, but it is best to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight first to ensure even cooking.
How do I know when the lobster tail is fully cooked?
The lobster meat will be opaque white, and the shell bright red. The internal temperature should be 63°C (145°F) checked with a meat thermometer.
Can I overcook lobster tail?
Yes, overcooking leads to tough, rubbery meat. Follow the timing guidelines closely and check for doneness promptly.
Is it safe to eat lobster tail without a thermometer?
Visual cues are helpful, but a food thermometer ensures safe cooking. Lobster should be cooked to at least 63°C (145°F).
Can I add flavor to the boiling water?
Yes, adding aromatics like bay leaves, garlic, or lemon slices to the water can enhance the lobster's flavor.