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Butterflying Lobster Tails
Learn how to butterfly a lobster tail
Butterflying lobster tails is the method of preparation most common in restaurants. This method results in a lobster tail that puffs out of the shell and makes for a spectecular presentation. This is one of the more complex methods of cooking a lobster tail but this step-by-step guide will show you how to cook lobster tails like a pro.
Below are directions for butterflying 6oz lobster tails
Defrost the lobster tails
Grab your kitchen shears
Begin the cut with the bottom blade right under the shell. Only cut the shell and not the meat.
Proceed the cut down the center all the way to the base of the tale
Cut to base of tail
Grab each side of the shell and gently pry away the shell away from the meat
Continue to pry the shell away from the meat but keep the back of the meat connected to the shell
Once the meat is freed, grab the meat, squeeze the shell together to close the gap and lay the meat on top of the shell
The meat on top of the shell
Cut a small slit in the top of the meat
Grab the loose part of the meat and fold over the shell
Here's the meat folded over each side of the lobster shell
Cut additional slits on the top for presentation
Prepare lobster marinade of melted butter, a dash of peprika, a dash of garlic powder, a squirt of lemon juice and a dash of white pepper.
Drizzle lobster tail with marinade
Move the lobster tails to a pan and broil according the chart below. Baste tail with marinade half way through cooking.
Lobster Cooking Times
bake lobster tail at 450F according to the times below
Lobster Tail Weight |
Cooking Time |
| 2 Oz. |
12 minutes |
| 4 Oz. |
18 minutes |
| 6 Oz. |
22 minutes |
8 Oz. |
26 minutes |
12 Oz. |
30 minutes |
14 Oz. + |
35 minutes |
Cooking times vary, make sure you keep an eye on the lobster tail so it doesn't burn!
Remove tails from pan, dunk in butter and enjoy!
Other helpful resources:
Easiest Way to Cook Lobster - Learn the easiest to cook lobster.
Easiest Way to Eat Lobster - Learn the easiest way to eat lobster.
Lobster Tail Recipe - Recipes for lobster tails.
Lobster Butter - Learn how to make clarified butter for lobster.
Frozen Lobster Tails - Learn what to buy and how to cook frozen lobster tails.
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