This blog is for the adventurous at heart; for those who do NOT know what they’re doing when it comes to preparing lobster tail, and is looking for some easy ideas on how to take this crusty crustacean and turning it into an aesthetically pleasing gourmet dish – maybe not THAT gourmet!
Lobster Season in Belize opens on June 15th and we are super ready to devour those tails, are you? How do you prefer your lobster tails? There are several ways to prepare them. I decided to do some research on some of the easier ways to prepare these delectable crustaceans.
Whether your taste buds are craving steamed lobster tails, or tails cooked on the grill, there are ways to get just what your hearts’ desire – and if all fails – there is always Lobster Fest – more on this in next week’s blog.
One of the first things that I learned is that it is super important to thaw frozen lobster tails for at least six hours inside the refrigerator. Another good way of accomplishing this same outcome would be to place the tails in a sealed plastic bag and then sit it in warm water for about an hour. But being that we are on Ambergris Caye and our Barrier Reef and surrounded waters have had time to allow these babies to mature to adulthood – chances are, we won’t be needing to thaw! These suckers will be fresh out of the Water!!
It is super important to be relaxed and confident as you prepare your tails. The more relaxed you are about preparing lobster the better it will taste.
Boiled Lobster Tails
This is one of the simplest ways of preparing lobster tails and one that I will definitely be trying.
- Take a large pot and fill it with water, adding a couple teaspoons of salt.
- Next, you’re going to want to add the lobster tails one at a time, making sure you don’t overcrowd the pot.
- Bring to a boil.
- Once the water has come to a boil, lower heat and cook for one minute per ounce (e.g. six-ounce lobster tails should cook for six minutes).
- Remove lobster tails from water and allow cooling for a few minutes before serving.
Tip: To prevent lobster tails from curling while cooking, place a skewer down the middle of the tails.
Broiled Lobster Tails
This method of cooking your lobster tails is considered the most visually pleasing. However, while using this method, you have to be very careful to not overcook the meat. If done correctly though, its meat is super tender and extremely flavorful.
- To start off, you will have to preheat the broiler.
- Place lobster tails on a medium baking sheet.
- Using a sharp knife carefully cut the top-side of lobster shells lengthwise.
- Following this, you will want to pull open the shell slightly and season the meat with salt, pepper, butter and a few of your favorite herbs and spices (I love cilantro – so this is where I would add that spice to the seasoning).
- Broil lobster tails 5 to 10 minutes, or until lobster meat is opaque and the butter is melted.
Baked Lobster Tails
Lobster tails can be baked within 15 minutes or less. Done properly, the resulting dish is a sweet, juicy lobster tails.
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Use a sharp pair of kitchen knives and cut down one side of the lobster tail as close to the side as you can. Repeat on other side of lobster tail.
- Brush lobster tails with butter or olive oil.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes.
- Remove and serve with melted butter.
Tip: If you are cooking a large lobster tail, and want to avoid drying out the meat, wrap the tail in aluminum foil before baking.
Grilled Lobster Tails
Summers in Belize are hot, and this method is ideal for outdoors preparing, while you are having your beach get together, or a get together in your back yard, jamming to some Caribbean beats and sipping on some cold Belikin Beers. This method involves slight boiling, prior to grilling.
- Insert a wooden skewer into the lobster tails to prevent them from curling.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- Place the tails in water and cook for four minutes.
- Drain tails and allow cooling slightly.
Preheat grill.
- Using sharp kitchen scissors, cut the top of the shell lengthwise down the middle.
- Baste lobster tail meat with melted butter and lemon juice.
- Place tails shell side down on grill set at medium-high.
- Grill lobster tails for approximately eight minutes, or until meat is opaque and firm to the touch.
- Remove lobster tails from grill and serve with additional lemon wedges and melted butter.
Okay, so there you have it. Now you, ….. as well as I …… can take to the kitchen on June 15th, and surprise that special someone with a home cooked lobster delicacy!!
Stay tuned to our next blog, where we will share the calendar for this year’s Lobster Fest events!! Looking to book your stay for 2016’s Lobster Mania – visit our website and book your stay with us here at Grand Caribe Belize!!!
