Lobster tales

Product Information

For a more adventurous flavour, you can try topping the lobster tails with bacon bits, diced tomatoes, or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Before cooking lobster tails, it's important to select fresh, high-quality tails for the best results. Since lobsters are very expensive, the best way to enjoy the sweet flesh is to cook them simply, either halved and grilled or baked, or boiled or steamed, and served with a butter sauce, lemon juice or mayonnaise. If you're feeling adventurous, try using lobster in a mousse or risotto, or cook the classic Lobster thermidor – grilled lobster halves served with a mustard cheese sauce.

For a real luxe take on the street-food scene, try New England-style lobster rolls with spiced mayonnaise, celery, gherkins and – if you really want to keep things real – a pile of crisps on the side. Steaming is a quick and easy way to prepare lobster tails and is a perfect option for a healthy and flavorful meal, especially when you then add some mac and cheese to the mix. If the shells are not fully cooked with a nice orange colour, use tongs to turn the tails and keep the shells in the juices until they are fully cooked.

Most lobster tails you'll find are from spiny lobsters, which have no claws and meatier tails than Maine lobsters. Once your lobster is ready for cooking, place it in a large pan of cold, salted water and slowly bring it up to boil.

When grilling lobster tails, always use the thermometer temperature test method, aiming for a temperature of no more than 60°C.Try to hit the small cross in the shell as this is a weak spot, but if it’s not working, insert a knife sharpener and use a hammer or heavy saucepan to apply more force. Place the lobster tails in the bamboo steamer, shut the lid, and steam until the flesh is opaque and white — or an instant read thermometer registers around 60°C. To prepare the lobster tails for cooking, use kitchen scissors or a sharp knife to cut through the shell down the back of the tail. To prevent overcooking, be sure to keep an eye on the lobster tails while they are under the broiler. How long to cook lobster tails under the broiler: Broil 4 inches from heat for 12 to 14 minutes or until lobster meat is opaque.

If you've fallen in love with a broiled lobster tail dish in your favorite restaurant, bring the specialty home. Run a bamboo skewer through the centre of the lobster tail to keep it from curling while grilling — if you do not have a skewer, use a stainless steel teaspoon handle instead. Chill the lobster in the fridge for around an hour, then place it on a chopping board covered completely with a tea towel. Broiling is a high-heat cooking method that can instantly turn lobster tail meat from tender and tasty to dried out rubbery texture in a matter of minutes. Ready cooked, this luxurious meal can be on the table in less than 20 minutes, making it a brilliant Friday night dinner.

When eating the lobster meat, use a fork and knife to carefully remove it from the shell, taking care not to break the delicate meat.