Learning how to butterfly a lobster tail doesn’t need to be intimidating.
In fact, it’s surprisingly easyand the key to the gourmet look we see at fancy seafood restaurants.
The lobster tail meat underneath the shell then puffs up as it cooks.
Credit: Blaine Moats
The resulting edible portion is juicy, tender, and totally rave-worthy.
Let’s dive in!
Or buy them online from a sustainable fishmonger like Luke’s Lobster or Maine Lobster Now.
Credit: Blaine Moats
They’re generally marketed as rock lobster tails.
Expect the tails to have a mottled, greenish-blue-brown appearance when raw.
Plan on one (about 8-ounce) tail per person.
If frozen, thaw the tails in the refrigerator before cutting the lobster tails and cooking them.
How to Butterfly Lobster Tails
To butterfly or not to butterfly?
That is the (first) question.
Mostseafood recipesfor lobster tails call for butterflying them before cooking.
However, there are exceptions.
However, if your recipe calls for it, here’s how to butterfly lobster tails.
Credit: Jacob Fox
Cut the Tail
Hold a lobster tail in one hand with the top of the hard shell facing up.
Don’t cut through the wide end of the tail.
Squeeze the shell halves back together beneath the meat so that the meat rests on top of the shell.
Now the tail is ready to cook as desired.
you’re free to cook lobster on the stovetop for a quick, easy, and elegant dinner.
Get our step-by-step directions for cooking by clicking the button below.
