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Lobster is a classic delicacy, especially famous in Europe and South America. Rich people buy a whole dish, a more budget-friendly and common option is to buy and cook lobster tails at home.
There are many cooking options – baking, grilling, frying in a frying pan, or steaming. You can also experiment with spices and serving options. Lobster tails are a spectacular and elegant dish for any occasion.
Lobster: pros and cons
Lobster is a large marine decapod crustacean. The main difficulty in cooking is the presence of a strong shell and many dense legs. However, despite the difficulties of cleaning and cooking, lobster has many useful properties.
Due to its rich vitamin and mineral composition, experts consider it one of the healthiest protein products. Lobster is low in calories, low in cholesterol and fat.
The meat of this crustacean contains more amino acids, potassium, magnesium, and vitamins than the types of meat we are familiar with. The main plus is the high level of phosphorus.
Beneficial nutrients contained in lobster allow it to perform some significant functions for human health.
Experts distinguish the following:
- The ability to prevent disorders of the cardiovascular system. Shellfish contain amounts of EPA and DHA, which are needed to maintain heart health, prevent coronary artery disease and stroke.
- Prevention of arthritis. Omega acids prevent inflammation and relieve joint pain. And the vitamin D contained in lobsters can strengthen the immune system.
- They play a significant role in the fight against cancer. Substances contained in lobsters can prevent lung, prostate, and esophageal cancer.
- Strengthen the health of the eyes. Consuming seafood that contains EPA and DHA can reduce macular degeneration.
- Cognitive function support. Lobster contains Omega-3 substances that improve the functioning of the central nervous system.
- Improves hearing quality. Polyunsaturated fatty acids can protect against hearing impairment, as well as age-related deafness.
However, lobsters, along with some other seafood, belong to potential allergen products. The main reason for this lies in the composition of the protein, which contains tropomyosin.
When this substance enters the body, it activates the production of histamine and сauses an allergic reaction. Mercury can also be concentrated in the bodies of marine life to one degree or another. This dangerous metal causes disorders in the human body.
Things to avoid
Lobster is not a completely edible delicacy. The stomach of a crustacean is usually filled with bones, digestive juices, and pieces of shell.
Lobsters can be carriers of marine mercury, which concentrates on the walls of the stomach and the excretory pathways. That is why experts advise avoiding eating the stomach. Also, inedible parts are the shell and gills.
Proper storage and selection
When buying fresh lobsters, check the freshness and suitability of the product according to the following criteria:
- The color of the shell is orange or red.
- The tail of the mollusk should be rolled up, not lowered down.
- The shell should be moist, without flaws and damage. Dry shells and yellow meat are a sign of old age or lobster disease.
- Don’t buy dead lobsters. If you buy frozen ones, make sure that they were stored at a temperature no higher than minus 26 degrees, and also check the shelf life (frozen shellfish retain freshness for about six months).
- Don’t defrost lobsters at room temperature or in warm water.
Pre-cleaning of lobster tails
Before starting the process of cooking lobster tails, you must clean them properly:
- Take sharp kitchen scissors and carefully cut the shell so as not to crumble.
- Take the tail of the lobster, and use scissors to cut the shell in the middle along the center to the fin.
- Turn the lobster tail over and push the protruding ribs with your thumbs — this will help to open the shell more easily.
- Open the shell and, carefully separating it from the walls, remove the lobster meat, leaving it attached to the base of the fin.
- Connect the cut shell and lay the lobster meat on top. Remove the streak from the top.
Is it better to boil or bake lobster tails?
Cooking lobster tails is quite a complicated process for beginners. You can choose any of the available cooking methods: steaming, cooking, grilling, baking, and smoking. If you are not sure which method to use, then choose the simplest and most classic – boiling.
It will be easiest to boil lobster tails for those who have never cooked such a dish before. Take a large pot of water and boil it. Turn down the heat slightly and keep the water simmering slightly. Put the lobster tails in the water and cook until red.
How long should a lobster tail be cooked?
Professional chefs claim that the average cooking time for lobster tails is 10 minutes. The main indicator is the change of green to red. Some tips will help you accurately determine the degree of readiness of the product:
- Cut the soft lower part of the shell with a knife, if it is white or gray – the mora is ready.
- You will be able to remove the mustache of the crustacean easily.
- In a female, the caviar should become orange-red and firm.
- The finished lobster meat should be firm, white with transparent skin.
What temperature do you cook lobster tails at?
The cooking time of the product plays a major role in the successful completion of the process. For roasting lobsters, the optimal temperature is 350 degrees Fahrenheit (176 degrees Celsius).
You should pay special attention to maintaining an average fire and temperature inside the tails themselves. Using a kitchen thermometer, pierce the tail.
The internal temperature inside the lobster tail will be from 140 to 145 degrees. If we are talking about the ideal cooking temperature, it is 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius).
What goes with lobster tails?
There are many options for feeding lobster tails. Professional chefs in luxury restaurants serve dishes with lemon slices. Butter and fresh herbs will also be a good addition.
Lobster tails act as an independent dish with a unique taste. You should be careful to find additional ingredients and not to block the aroma and taste of the seafood delicacy.
The choice of spices for lobster
Choosing spices for a dish with a unique taste is a difficult task. Dressings and seasonings should reveal the taste, not overlap it. The best option is to use natural spices and ingredients.
A good mixture of spices will be a combination of dried garlic, parsley, pepper, and salt. You can also add butter, which will block the possible bright flavors.
The correct selection of spices for seafood is a complex process and requires a culinary taste. Professional chefs advise seasoning lobsters with white pepper, bay leaf, nutmeg, ginger, lemon balm, estragon, fennel, marjoram, and basil.
These are classic seafood additives that can not only make the taste of the dish brighter but also not block the taste of the product. It is important not to mix the listed spices, otherwise, there will be a mixture of flavors.
Why is my cooked lobster mushy?
Lobster’s softness is a signal of its rawness. A perfectly cooked product will be firm and dense. If you received too soft a product – you undercooked the lobster. However, any cook will say that it is better to undercook the product than to make it much boiled.
If you pulled the lobsters out of boiling water and found them soft – lower them back for another couple of minutes. If you have already drained the water, heat the lobsters in the microwave. However, do not overdo it – otherwise, the dish will be stringy, like rubber.
How to cook lobster tail in the oven with hazelnuts
If you doubt that you will be able to successfully cook a lobster the first time, choose the method of baking in foil. Prepare the following ingredients:
- raw hazelnuts – 1/4 cup
- butter – 8 tbsp
- shallots – 2 tbsp
- fresh parsley – 1 tsp lemon
- zest – 1/4 tsp
- salt – to taste
- lobster tails – 2 pcs
Step-by-step cooking technology:
- Roast the nuts in a small frying pan over medium heat. Remove the hazelnuts from the pan when they turn brown. Coarsely chop them.
- Melt the butter over medium heat. Continue heating until the oil begins to darken. Set aside two tablespoons of melted butter
- Add chopped hazelnuts, parsley, shallots, lemon zest, and salt to the remaining melted butter.
- Put the grill in the oven. Place a layer of foil on the roaster. Preheat the oven to 180 C.
- Cut the top of the lobster tail shells lengthwise, from the open end to the base of the tail. Grasp the sides of the case and open about 3-5 cm.
- Separate the meat from the shell. Remove the meat through the slit you created, leaving the meat slightly attached to the tail. Leave the lobster meat on top of the shell. Place the tails on a baking sheet with foil.
- Smear the naked lobster meat with melted butter. The baking time is 10 minutes.
- When the lobster tails are ready, remove them from the oven and place them on plates. Pour the hazelnut sauce and melted butter over the meat.
How to cook lobster tails
Grilled lobsters are a rare, but effective way in terms of taste. To prepare such a dish, prepare the ingredients:
- lobsters
- butter
- spices (to taste)
- garlic
Step-by-step cooking technology:
- Defrost the lobster tails to room temperature. Do it naturally.
- Prepare the sauce for watering the lobster tails. Mix 4 tablespoons of butter, add chopped garlic, and one tablespoon of lemon juice.
- Add water to the pot and bring to a boil.
- Place the lobster tails in boiling water for 2 minutes.
- Prepare the grill and put the lobster tails there with the bottom up.
- Cut the tails lengthwise with a kitchen knife.
- Grill the lobsters until the shells turn red, periodically pouring the sauce over them.
How to cook lobster tails on the stove
Another effective method of cooking lobsters on the stove is frying in a frying pan. Prepare the necessary ingredients:
- lobster tail – 2 pcs
- salt – 1 pinch
- freshly ground black pepper – 1 pinch
- melted butter – 60 g
- lemon slices
- additional seasonings
Step-by-step cooking technology:
- Preheat the oven to 260-270 °C.
- Place the lobster tails on a baking sheet. Cut the shells lengthwise. Separate the meat from the shell, but leave it inside.
- Pour 1 tablespoon of melted butter over each tail. Add salt and pepper. Keep the lobsters in the oven for a few minutes.
- Transfer the lobsters to the pan. The frying time is 15 minutes.
- Serve the lobster with lemon slices and spices.
How to cook frozen lobster tails
If you bought frozen lobsters, don’t worry. There is an effective recipe that will help make the dish as delicious as if you cooked fresh seafood. Prepare the necessary ingredients:
- unsalted butter
- frozen lobster
- spices
Step-by-step cooking technology:
- Defrost the lobster tails. To do this, place the seafood in a container and cover it with cling film. Place in the refrigerator overnight.
- Remove the lobsters from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking.
- Cut the shells lengthwise when the lobsters reach room temperature.
- Separate the lobster meat from the shell, and then remove it.
- Rinse the lobster tails under cold water.
- Prepare an oil bath – boil two tablespoons of water in a saucepan. Add one tablespoon of oil there.
- Place the lobster tails in an oil bath. Leave them in the oil for 8 minutes.
Salad with lobster, grapefruit, and avocado recipe
You can add lobsters to salads, stews, and soups. Professional chefs recommend beginners prepare a light salad of lobster, grapefruit, and avocado. Prepare all the necessary ingredients:
- lobster – 4 pieces
- grapefruit – 2 pieces
- shallots — 1 tablespoon
- mustard – 1 1/4 teaspoons
- white wine vinegar – 2 tablespoons
- basil – 1 tablespoon
- salt and ground pepper – to taste
- avocado – 2 pieces
- Boston salad – 240 grams
Step-by-step cooking technology:
- Fill a bowl with ice and water.
- Bring the water to a boil. Place the lobsters there and cook for 10 minutes. Peel the lobsters and cut them into small pieces.
- Peel the grapefruit and divide it into slices. Squeeze half a cup of juice into a bowl.
- Put the onion, mustard, vinegar, grapefruit juice, and basil in a bowl, season with salt and pepper. Mix it up. Gradually add the olive oil.
- Cut the avocado into slices. Add a little grapefruit juice to prevent discoloration. In a large bowl, mix the avocado, lobster, grapefruit, and palmetto.
- Put the salad leaves in the salad bowls. Chop the remaining leaves and add to the lobster mixture.
- Pour onion sauce over the mixture and stir. Put the mixture on lettuce leaves, garnish with basil.
Final Verdict
Lobsters are a unique seafood delicacy. People all over the world have been preparing it for many centuries. To make the dish perfect – carefully choose fresh lobsters, monitor the cooking temperature and the flavor of spices.
Also, a significant step is the proper cleaning of the product. Choose a convenient recipe and cook the most delicious lobsters for yourself and your loved ones!