The simple answer is yes – and it’s relatively easy! You only need a few simple ingredients and about 10 minutes of your time.
Lobster is a delicious and luxurious seafood that is often enjoyed at upscale restaurants or reserved for special occasions Many home cooks shy away from preparing lobster at home, thinking it requires complicated cooking methods However, with a few simple tips and tricks, you can easily cook lobster tails to tender, juicy perfection in your microwave.
An Overview of Microwaving Lobster Tails
Microwaving is actually an ideal cooking method for lobster tails The moist heat environment gently steams the meat while sealing in natural juices and flavor Microwaves use less water than boiling or steaming, so flavors concentrate wonderfully. The result is tender, succulent meat that rivals lobster prepared using traditional techniques.
Cooking lobster tails in the microwave is also extremely quick and convenient. You can prepare gourmet-quality seafood in your own kitchen in just minutes. It’s the perfect option for easy weeknight meals or impromptu appetizers to impress guests.
When done properly, microwaving yields lobster tails that are tender and juicy on the inside with slightly firm, opaque meat. The key is avoiding overcooking, which can cause rubbery texture. Follow the tips below for perfect results every time.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Microwaving Lobster Tails
Follow these simple steps for foolproof lobster tails cooked in the microwave:
Ingredients:
- Lobster tails, thawed if frozen
- Butter, melted
- Lemon wedges
- Seasonings: salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, etc.
Directions:
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Prep the tails: Use kitchen shears to cut through the top of the shell. Cut along the length of the tail, leaving the shell intact on the bottom.
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Gently loosen the meat and lift it out, keeping it attached at the base. Lay the meat over the top of the shell.
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Brush lobster tails generously with melted butter and squeeze lemon juice over them. Season with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you desire.
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Arrange tails in a microwave-safe dish, cut side up. Make sure tails do not overlap.
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Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. Ensure it’s sealed to trap steam.
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Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes per ounce. An 8 oz tail takes about 16 minutes.
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Rearrange tails halfway through and rotate the dish for even cooking.
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Check for doneness early. Meat should be completely opaque.
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Remove plastic wrap. Cover with foil and let rest 1-2 minutes before serving.
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Plate tails with any accumulated juices from the dish. Serve with lemon wedges and enjoy!
Handy Tips for Microwave Lobster Tail Perfection
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Cook similar sized tails together for even results. Adjust times slightly for larger or smaller tails.
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Add fresh herbs, garlic, or lemon slices under tails for extra flavor.
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Cover the dish very tightly to trap steam. Venting plastic wrap prevents this.
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Rotate and check tails often to prevent overcooking. Cook in short intervals if unsure.
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Brush again with butter after cooking for more moisture and richness.
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Let tails rest before separating meat from shell or eating. This finishes cooking.
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For ultimate flavor, pair with butter, fresh lemon, white wine, and dipping sauces.
Why Cook Lobster Tails in the Microwave?
There are many advantages to microwaving over other cooking methods:
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It’s incredibly quick and convenient. Enjoy fresh lobster in minutes with no fuss.
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You don’t need pots, steamers or grills. Less equipment to pull out and clean up.
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Microwaves use moist heat to gently cook seafood, sealing in natural juices.
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Lobster meat cooks evenly throughout and remains succulent and tender.
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Easy to add flavorings like garlic, herbs, lemon since you brush tails individually.
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Minimal cleanup compared to boiling, steaming, or grilling lobster tails.
Troubleshooting Microwave Lobster Tails
Rubbery, tough texture: This means the lobster is overcooked. Microwave in shorter intervals and check early for doneness. Opacity and firmness indicates done.
Undercooked, translucent flesh: Return to microwave in 30 second bursts until opaque. Remember to cover tightly.
Not enough flavor: Brush with more butter and seasonings after cooking. Add lemon juice or white wine to serving juices.
Dries out quickly: Let tails rest covered for a few minutes after cooking to allow moisture to absorb back into the meat.
Tough to chew: Make sure you cut the shell properly before cooking. Cut all the way through the top shell without severing the bottom. This allows the meat to cook evenly.
Cooking Frozen Lobster Tails in the Microwave
For best results, defrost frozen lobster tails overnight in the refrigerator before microwaving. However, you can microwave frozen tails from frozen if needed:
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Arrange tails in a microwave-safe dish without overlapping.
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Cover dish tightly. No venting.
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Microwave on 30% power for 2-3 minutes for partial thawing.
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Rearrange tails and rotate dish. Microwave on high power using times in the recipe above.
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Check frequently for doneness since frozen state affects cooking time.
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Cook in short intervals until lobster meat is opaque and reaches 140°F internally.
More Delicious Lobster Tail Recipes for the Microwave
Once you get the basics down, try these flavorful microwave lobster tail recipes:
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Lemon Thyme Lobster Tails – Brush with lemon-thyme butter and add fresh thyme sprigs under tails while cooking.
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Cilantro Lime Lobster Tails – Top with zesty cilantro-lime butter after cooking.
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Lobster Tail Thermidor – Mix cooked lobster meat with sherry, mustard, and parmesan cheese. Stuff into shells and microwave to melt cheese.
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Brown Sugar Rum Lobster Tails – Brush with brown sugar rum glaze before and after microwaving.
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Lobster Tail Scampi – Finish with a garlic lemon scampi sauce.
The options are endless when it comes to experimenting with flavors and recipes for microwave-poached lobster tails. Baseline microwave instructions stay the same, so get creative with herbs, spices, sauces, and more.
Quick and Easy Luxury
Cooking lobster tails in the microwave makes enjoying this iconic luxury food easily accessible any night of the week. In just minutes, you can prepare tender, succulent, restaurant-quality seafood from the comfort of your kitchen. Follow the guidance above for flawlessly cooked lobster without the hassle. Microwaving lets home cooks indulge in the delicious taste and delicate texture of lobster tails on a whim. Give this quick and easy preparation method a try for your next lobster feast!
Fillet and Crab Cakes
Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes come packed with flavor and seasoned to perfection. This means you can rely on crab cakes for an easy yet impressive surf offering. Pair them with tender fillet for a well-balanced meal that comes together in minutes.
Before you start cooking, make sure your crab cakes are thawed in the refrigerator. This way, they’ll cook in 10 minutes or less.
Use a large heavy cast-iron skillet for both the steak and the crab cakes.
Here’s how to do it:
- First, pat the steaks dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper. Brush them with a thin coating of canola oil or another high-heat oil.
- Heat your pan over medium-high heat for a good 3 to 5 minutes, until hot.
- Gently place the steaks in the skillet and sear for 4 minutes, or until you have a nice brown crust on one side. Use tongs to flip the steaks and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on the other side.
- Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet and as it melts, spoon the butter over the steaks for another minute.
- Remove the steaks from the skillet when they are 5 to 10 degrees away from your desired doneness. Place on a cutting board, cover with aluminum foil, and let rest while you cook the crab cakes.
- Melt another 2 tablespoons of butter in the empty skillet.
- When the butter is melted, place the crab cakes in the hot pan and sear for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown on both sides and cooked through.
Why Should You Cook Lobster In The Microwave?
It’s simple and practical! Lobster is versatile seafood that can be cooked in a variety of ways. One option is to microwave it.
Microwaving lobster is a quick and easy way to cook seafood without a lot of prep or cleanup. This cooking method helps to extract the natural sweetness and flavor of the lobster.
Additionally, it prevents the lobster from drying out. This method requires no cleanup; when the lobster is cooked, you toss the bag, and you are all set to enjoy your lobster dinner.
How to cook LOBSTER TAILS in the MICROWAVE | College Hack
FAQ
How do I cook lobster tails in the microwave?
This will help to ensure even cooking. Place the lobster tails, cut side up, in a microwave-safe plastic bag and add approximately 1/4 cup of water along with any aromatics you desire. Cook on high power for two minutes per ounce of lobster and cook on the highest setting.
Can you microwave lobster in the shell?
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1. Prepare the lobster:Remove the rubber bands from the claws, and optionally add a half lemon on top of the lobster’s head.
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2. Place in a microwave-safe bag:Put the lobster and a small amount of water into a microwave-safe bag or container.
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3. Microwave:Cook on high power for the recommended time based on the lobster’s weight (typically 2 minutes per ounce).
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4. Check for doneness:The lobster is done when the meat is opaque and flakes easily.
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5. Rest:Let the lobster rest for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the meat to fully cook.
What is the best method of cooking lobster tails?
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Pros:Creates a smoky, flavorful crust and keeps the meat tender and sweet, says The Kitchn.
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Cons:Requires some prep work, as lobster tails need to be butterflied and brushed with oil before grilling.
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How to:Preheat grill to medium heat, oil grates, brush lobster tails with oil or butter, place shell-side down on grates, and cook for 4-6 minutes per side.
How long to microwave a cooked lobster?
Reheat Lobster in the Microwave
If your lobster is still in the shell, give it 2-3 minutes of microwave time on low-medium heat. If the meat is out of the shell, it’ll only need 1-2 minutes. Additionally, cover the dish with a damp paper towel or microwave-safe lid to keep moisture in.