Steamed Lobster Tails

Simple Seafood Recipes

This recipe originally stated using lobster tails weighing from 6 to 8 ounces (170 to 226 g) each, and I can only source 4 ounce (113 g) lobster tails, but the steaming time will be similar, the most important check is the internal temp regardless of the size of the tail you are using, which is 60° C (140° F).

Print Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 6

Total Time 16

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings lobster tails per serving

Equipment

Rice Cooker with Steamer Tray or a large saucepan with a steamer tray
Kitchen scissors
Instant Read Thermometer

Ingredients

2 lobster tails, 4, 6, or 8 oz (113, 170, or 226 g) each
salt and pepper, as desired
Old Bay seasoning, as desired
melted butter, for serving

Instructions

Add about 2 inches of water to your rice cooker and place the steamer tray on top then cover with the lid, set to cook to bring the water to a boil. (Feel free to use a large saucepan with a steamer tray if that is what you have, then place on high heat to bring the water to a boil.)
While the water is heating, prepare the lobster tails. Butterfly the tails by cutting along the top of the shell with a pair of kitchen scissors to just before the tail fin.
Turn the tail over and press down in the center to crack the ribs.
Turn the tail back over and gently open the shell and gently lift the tail meat out, leaving it attached to the tail fin, and rest it on top of the shell.
Run a knife down along the back, just deep enough to remove the dark vein.
Season with salt, pepper, and Old Bay seasoning as desired.
When the water is boiling, remove the lid and place the tails on the steamer tray, shell side down, and cover with the lid.
Steam for 6 to 8 minutes, the tell tale signs of the lobster is done is when the shells turn bright red and the meat turns solid white and is firm when pressed, and most importantly, use a meat thermometer and check the thickest part of the tail, the ideal temperature is 60° C (140° F).
Move the lobster tails to a serving plate and let rest, and if preparing more, add them to the steamer when the first batch comes out.
Serve with melted butter and sides of your choice.

Notes

High cost per serving as lobster tails in Makro are imported from Canada.