Preparing lobster tails

Lobster, once the food of poor farmers, is now considered a special treat for many. Although some people prefer the meaty claws, I think that lobster tails are the best tasting part of this delicious creature. A great meal of lobster tails might seem like a gourmet feast to your guests, but they are actually quite easy to prepare. Add a little sprig of garnish and a fancy dish and you're sure to impress even your mother in law. 

Your lobster tails might start to be fresh or frozen, in New England, fresh lobster is easy to find but frozen might be all you can get in some parts of the country and out of season. If your lobster tails are frozen, you need to defrost (can be cooked frozen but not be as tender). Put them in the fridge for 10 hours or so or thaw them in the microwave for defrosting - Be careful if you choose this method as you do not want to start cooking in the microwave.

 After they are thawed, remove the meat from the shell to open the back of the housing cut - cut it in half and open it up to reveal the meat. Lift the meat - you can leave the fan part of the tail to show or not. Remove the vein. 

Boiling lobster tails 
 Boil a pot of water large enough for all the tails to float in, add 1 teaspoon of salt per liter of water. Tail drop into boiling water and cook for about 1 minute per oz thawed (up to 10 0z of tails needs to cook for 10 minutes). If you are cooking a lot of tails, add a minute or two in the total time. 

Lobster tails cooking in the oven
 Lobster tails can be baked or broiled in the oven. To cook thawed lobster in the oven, set the oven to 400 degrees F.. Brush the tails with butter and bake for 8-10 minutes. If broiling, place the tails 4 or 5 inches from heat and broil for 2-5 minutes. When broiling keep a very close eye on them so they do not burn on the tops.

 Lobster tails cooking grate
 Oil the grill for lobsters from sticking. Put the grill on medium heat. Brush the lobster tails with butter and place on the grill. Make sure that the tails do not burn - if there is any flame grilled lobster move away. On each side of the grill for 4-5 minutes.Be careful not to overcook your lobster or it will be rubbery and tasteless. Lobster is cooked when it is no longer transparent.