Lobster tails are considered a delicacy by many seafood lovers. Their sweet tender meat and dramatic presentation make them a special treat. However tackling a lobster tail can be intimidating if you’ve never done it before. Have no fear! With a few simple techniques, you’ll be eating lobster tails like a pro in no time.
Get Equipped
Before you start, make sure you have the proper tools on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A lobster cracker or nut cracker to split open the shell
- A small fork or lobster pick to extract the meat
- Kitchen shears or a sharp knife to cut through the shell
- A bowl for collecting shells and other debris
- Plenty of napkins
- Melted butter for dipping
Optional items that are nice to have include a lobster bib claw crackers, and lemon wedges.
Separate the Tail
If working with a live lobster, the first step is separating the tail from the body. This is easily done by firmly grasping the body in one hand and the tail in the other while twisting in opposite directions. The tail should detach cleanly.
Set the body aside for later use if desired. Rinse the tail briefly under cold water and pat dry
Split the Shell
Place the lobster tail on a cutting board, shell-side up. Use kitchen shears or a sharp knife to cut lengthwise down the center of the shell. Try to cut as close to the top of the shell as possible to maximize exposed meat.
Alternatively, you can use a lobster cracker or nut cracker to split the shell by applying pressure down the center seam. Work slowly and carefully to avoid shattering the shell.
Loosen the Meat
Once split, the shell should easily pull away from the meat. Loosen one side, then the other. Lift the meat out in one piece if possible. Discard the empty shell or set aside for presentation.
Run a finger along the inside of the shell to scoop out any residual meat. Check the underside flap of the tail as well.
Remove the Vein
Before eating, inspect the lobster meat for a dark vein running through the center. This is the intestinal tract. Remove by pinching one end and gently pulling. Discard the vein once removed.
Indulge in Sweet, Succulent Meat
Your lobster tail is now ready to enjoy! Use a fork or lobster pick to pull meat from the tail. Dip each bite into melted butter. The meat should release easily in tender chunks full of delicious ocean flavor.
Sprinkle lemon juice over the meat if desired. Provide lobster crackers or picks for your guests to assist in extracting the meat. Serve with classic pairings like potatoes, corn on the cob, and a crisp white wine.
With the proper tools and techniques, eating lobster can be a breeze. Don’t let the shell intimidate you. Cracking open lobster tails is easier than you think! Armed with these simple steps, you’ll be impressing dinner guests with your lobster prowess in no time.
Expert Tips for Eating Lobster Tails
Take your lobster tail game to the next level with these pro tips:
Choose the Right Lobster
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Select lobster tails that are at least 5-6 ounces in size for the most meat. Bigger is better!
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Opt for wild-caught over farmed for superior flavor and texture.
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Pick lively lobsters that show signs of movement. Avoid any with limp or curled tails.
Cook Correctly
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Steam, boil, or broil for tender, juicy meat. Avoid overcooking.
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For boiling or steaming, cook 6-8 minutes. Broiling takes 9-11 minutes.
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Check for doneness by verifying meat is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Prep Like an Expert
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Rinse tails just before cooking. Don’t soak them.
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Use poultry shears for clean, easy cuts through the shell.
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Save shells for presentation or lobster stock.
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Chill briefly before serving if desired.
With the right techniques, you’ll be a lobster pro in no time. Crack open those tails and enjoy the tender, briny sweetness inside. Lobster is a true delicacy meant to be savored.
Expert Q&ASearch
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Pairing Food and Drink with Lobster
- 1 Dip the lobster tail in butter. Clarified butter is the best dipping sauce for lobster meat. If youre at a restaurant, youll get a small cup of it with your meal. You can eat the lobster tail by itself, but dipping it in butter adds new flavors and textures to the dish.[6]
- Most restaurants will give you lemons with your lobster. Drizzle on some lemon juice after youve dipped it in butter to add another flavor to the meal.
- 2 Serve baby carrots glazed with brown sugar. This root vegetable goes great with lobsters and is easy to make. All you have to do is fill a pan with water and put a bag of carrots, a pat of butter, and 1 teaspoon (4.2 grams) into the pan. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Then, turn the stove to low and let the ingredients simmer for 6 minutes. Finally, turn the stove to high and cook for another 5-6 minutes, or until the water has evaporated.
- At this point, the carrots and tender and ready to serve. Just add some salt and pepper and enjoy!
Other foods that go with lobster: String beans and broccoli covered in butter Grilled or steamed asparagus Tomato and cucumber salad
- 3 Make macaroni and cheese for a heavier side that pairs well. Macaroni and cheese is a classic dish that goes perfectly with lobster. If you want to combine the two dishes, simply chop up your lobster into small pieces and mix it into the macaroni and cheese with a spoon.
- Baked potatoes, risotto, and baked beans are other hearty side dishes that pair well with lobster.
- 4 Drink champagne to pair your lobster with a drink. Champagne is a versatile drink that pairs well with many dishes. That said, get a dry champagne to pair with your lobster dish. Dry champagne or white wine works best with any kind of seafood.[7]
- If you dont like champagne, get a bottle of Sauvignon blanc or crisp Chardonnay instead.
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Jasper White shows How to Eat a Lobster
FAQ
How do you properly eat a lobster tail?
When it comes to how to eat lobster tail, hold on to the lobster tail in one hand and the body in your other hand and gently twist the two sections apart and remove. Be sure to bend the tail fins from the tailpiece and use your picker to remove and enjoy smaller pieces of lobster meat.
Do you eat lobster tails with a fork?
Bend the tails fins up and break them off. Use a small fork to pick the small pieces of meat from fin. There is some delicate meat in the smaller claws or legs.
How do you eat a lobster tail?
Be bold! Place the body in the bowl. Lobster freaks may actually twist off the little legs and suck the meat out, but it’s a labor of love. Hold the tail section over the plate. Pull the fins off the end of the lobster tail. There’s tiny bits of meat in the fins, if you’re inclined to work them out.
Can you eat lobster tail meat?
If you have a whole lobster you can eat the tail meat, claw meat, and meat in the knuckles, legs, and body. If you purchased a female lobster, the tail should have red roe (lobster eggs) along the tip of the shell, which are edible. Avoid eating the tail vein, as well as any cartilage or portions of the shell.
Can you eat a black lobster tail?
Kingston notes that the black or green vein at the center of the tail shouldn’t be eaten, as it’s part of the lobster’s digestive system and doesn’t have a palatable flavor. The feather-shaped cartilage inside the larger claw, along with any of the cartilage and feathery parts within the body of the lobster aren’t digestible as well.