Q&A for How to Cook Lobster Tails

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  • Question
    When cooking lobster, do I need to devein the tail?
    Community Answer
    I always do because it's easy to do and really grosses some people out if you don't.
  • Question
    What is clarified butter?
    Community Answer
    Clarified butter is unsalted butter that has been melted over low heat, the foam skimmed off the surface, then the remaining liquid strained (e.g. through cheesecloth) to filter out any remaining solids.
  • Question
    What is the easiest way to cut the tail out of the lobster?
    Community Answer
    Scissors or a sharp paring knife will do the job.
  • Question
    When I boil lobster tails, should I do it when they're frozen, or thawed out?
    Community Answer
    Thaw the lobster for more tender meat.
  • Question
    How long do I steam lobster tails?
    Community Answer
    About 8 minutes if you intend to broil after steaming. Broil about 5 minutes with the underside split and meat exposed. (And of course, cook with lots of butter!)
  • Question
    Can I freeze them after cooking?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can, but keep a date on the package. Make sure you coat the cooked meat removed from the shell lightly with butter. Immerse the meat in LIGHTLY salted water, with no flesh poking above the surface, in a plastic FREEZER bag. Squeeze out all air pockets and seal. Use before three months has passed in lobster dishes or salads. I would not freeze them in the shells.
  • Question
    Do the frozen tails have veins?
    Community Answer
    It's not a vein but a digestive tract, same as in a shrimp, and should be removed. Yes, most have them.
  • Question
    Can lobster be cooked in the microwave?
    Community Answer
    It is NOT recommended and is considered the absolute WORST way to cook a lobster or lobster tail.
  • Question
    Can I eat cold lobster tails?
    Community Answer
    Yes. Cold lobster meat is luscious in salads and as an entree. It's delicious in place of crab in Crab Louis Salad.
  • Question
    How would I add lobster tails to gumbo?
    Community Answer
    Cook the lobster tails halfway, then put them in gumbo to finish cooking. This way, your meal will finish cooking faster, and the lobster tails will lightly flavor the gumbo as well.
  • Question
    What would be a good inside temperature to cook to?
    Community Answer
    140 -145 is safe.
  • Question
    Can l eat it after it's cold, or do I have to reheat it?
    Community Answer
    Lobster will last in the fridge after being cooked to an internal temperature of 140-145 for 1-2 days, you may eat it cold (I suggest chopping it up and tossing it in a nice oriental salad!). You may heat it very slowly in a pan with a glug of olive oil or a knob of butter, but keep you heat medium low and pay very close attention to how hot the pan and meat are getting, you can overcook it in literally 10-15 sec and end up with a piece of sea rubber.
  • Question
    How do I cook frozen lobster?
    Community Answer
    You should let it thaw out for a day or so before cooking it, as it is a protein and should not be cooked when it is frozen.
  • Question
    How long should I bake jumbo tails (16 ounces)?
    Community Answer
    The initial numbers cover average sized tails, with an extra three minutes for every extra 2 ounces. From that formula, a 16 ounce tail would need 24 minutes.
  • Question
    Do I need to broil the lobster tail meat side up?
    Community Answer
    Yes. The meaty side should be nearest to the heating element or flame.
  • Question
    Can I cook a whole lobster while it's still frozen?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but it is best to thaw the lobster first to let the moisture out, because if you cook it dry, your lobster will hold in more juices.
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