How to Prepare Lobster Tails

Tips, video and photography provided by Heinen’s partner, Chef Billy Parisi.

Lobster tails are one of my favorite foods, and they’re incredibly easy to make!

Lobster tails are always available in Heinen’s Seafood Department. They range from 4-6 oz. all the way up to 12-14 oz. and they can be purchased fresh or frozen.

There are many different ways to prepare lobster tails, but to keep things simple, I’ve included my two favorite cooking methods below.

How to Prep Lobster Tails

1. Hold the lobster tail with one hand and, using a pair of kitchen shears, cut down through the top part of the lobster tail all the way to the bottom, being careful not to cut all the way through.
2. Pull all of the lobster meat inside the shell up above where the cut ends and lay it gently on top of the shell.

How to Bake Lobster Tails in the Oven

1. Transfer the prepared lobster tails to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
2. Top with melted butter and season with salt, pepper and paprika.
3. Bake the lobster tails in the oven at 400˚F for 90 seconds per ounce. My lobster tails were 6 oz., so they baked for about 8 minutes.
4. Remove from the oven and serve as is or with a side of melted butter.

How to Cook Lobster Tails in a Court Bouillon

Court Bouillon is an incredibly flavorful liquid that can be used to braise the lobster tails in just 4-5 minutes!

1. Add water to a pot on the stove.
2. Add Chardonnay wine and the juice of 1/2 lemon. Feel free to toss the lemon half into the pot once it has been juiced.
3. Add onions, celery, peppercorns and bay leaves. Season very well with salt.
4. Turn the heat to medium and, once the liquid is simmering, add the lobster tails (do not cut them.)
5. Allow the tails to cook in the liquid for 4-5 minutes. The shell will begin to turn bright red.
6. Once cooked, remove the lobster tails from the liquid and transfer to a cutting board.
7. Slice the lobster completely in half starting at the tail.
8. Spread herb butter on top, if desired.

There you have it! Two easy, simple and incredibly fast methods for preparing restaurant-style lobster tails in your own home. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays or just looking for an upscale dinner at your own table, you cannot go wrong with home-cooked lobster.