Butterfly your lobster tail. You just need the right tools, the steps explained in simple terms, and the best quality lobster tail available. Yet this preference extends from households to eating establishments, where you may see specials on lobster tails that are more expensive than whole lobsters! Restaurants often choose this presentation to make it seem like you are getting more lobster. Spread the shell to separate the meat and gently pull the meat out and on top, then pinch the shell to close. How to butterfly a lobster tail. 2. For my baked lobster tail recipe, the lobsters are butterflied. Pull Out the MeatNow you're going to separate the meat. Thaw frozen tails by placing them in a bowl with warm water (about 15 minutes). No matter what occasion the lobster is for, it's important to purchase it from a reputable business. Using kitchen shears, cut down the center of the shell lengthwise, starting … 4. In order for us to get it to you in time for your delivery or Click+Collect slot, please check out by 11.45pm on 14 December. Feb 20, 2018 - Broiled lobster tails are easier to make than you think - only 10 min in the oven! To make them less complicated for visitors to figure out, spread the shell open a little more so they can easily access the meat. As you might imagine, butterflying lobster tails simplifies this even more! Heat the grill to high, then grill the lobster tails for 10 mins until cooked through. Monitoring the meat in a butterflied lobster tail is no trouble at all. You'll need to be gentle when doing so, because you want to pry away the shell so it's loose, but keep the back of the meat connected to the under-shell. Pull the meat upward, lay it on top of the shell, and squeeze the shell halves close together beneath it. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. This method isn't just reserved for restaurants, you can do it in your own home! The best way to get fresh fish is to buy it from an online fishmonger. You don’t have to butterfly a lobster tail to cook it, but it makes for a much more elegant presentation and is easier to eat that way, so I highly recommend it! Butterfly the lobster tails with a pair of sharp scissors. Butterfly them using kitchen shears, cut down the center of the back of the lobster to the base of the tail. Lobster tails are meaty sections filled with tender pieces of incredible meat. Video tutorial on how to butterfly lobster tails. Basically, it involves cracking open the hard top shell so the meat underneath can come through. There is just one thing you need to ensure right from the beginning is to process this high-quality ingredient properly. You also need to thaw it before you do anything with it. Though many people prefer purchasing a live lobster when they're cooking for themselves, each type has its pros and cons. After all, the entire lobster has tasty meat you could enjoy. Just like baking or putting together kabobs, butterflying lobster tails is something enjoyable to try with your family members or significant other. Even if you’re able to overcome that hurdle for the allure of a more substantial meal, you’ll just be disappointed. 2. Seeking out live lobster gives you a better chance of knowing where and how it was raised. Moreover, butterfly style offers you flexibility, since you can bake, broil, roast or grill your own lobster tail. Cut Open the ShellPlace the lobster tail shell side up on the table. Hold the tail with one hand while you slowly cut down the center of the shell with the other. Dessert shouldn't be too heavy, after the rich lobster you just polished off. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. The meat will retain its own juices, yet fully absorb your marinade, and it will also soak in the smoke from grilling or complementary flavors from broiling, roasting, or baking. High … Though you've probably eaten lobster before, you may not know what it means to butterfly a lobster tail. Use kitchen scissors to cut through the top shell of the lobster tail, stopping at the base of the tail … Comments will be approved before showing up. Use a pair of scissors and cut lobster tail top shell down to the tail. Pour drippings from the … As we mentioned, before you begin the process of butterflying or cooking, the lobster tail should be at the right temperature. Don’t fall for prices that are unbelievably low, because as the saying goes “you get what you pay for.” Avoid lobster tails that have turned gray, have yellowing meat or discoloration such as black spots. Not to mention, with frozen lobster tails you are more than likely unsure of their origin. It's a chance to bond over a shared experience, and you'll be learning a new kitchen trick in the process. Do not touch the tail fan or under-shell, they should be left attached and intact. We hope that these tips on how to butterfly a lobster tail have made this cooking idea feel a little more approachable. Our fish and seafood goes from being caught to delivery within 24 hrs. You could sprinkle Cajun spices on top, give the tail a fresh flavor with lemon juice or wedges or brush it with herbs and butter. As soon as lobster tails come out of the oven, transfer to a serving platter. Just because restaurants are known for it doesn't mean it can't be done at home! Nothing quite compares to a skillfully prepared steak, or a lobster cooked the day it’s caught. Do not touch the tail fan or under-shell, they should be left attached and intact. Gently drop the lobster tails into the water and turn the heat down to medium. The next step is opening the shell. FREE 1-DAY SHIPPING & NO SATURDAY FEE | *$100 min. There are easy ways to switch it up a little, however. Though many people say fresh lobster tastes superior to frozen, lobsters are frequently frozen right after they're caught, so it may still taste fresh when thawed and cooked. Continue cutting the upper-shell all the way to the base of the tail. Many restaurants often completely cut the lobster tail in half and place the halves side by side. There are a few ways to present lobster tails. Unfortunately, many sellers out there will try to rip you off, so you need to find a trustworthy source. Butterflying a lobster tail is the process of relocating the lobster’s meat from inside its shell and resting it on top. Monitoring the meat in a butterflied lobster tail is no trouble at all. On top of that, ordering a fresh, live lobster is often cheaper than buying frozen tails. Marinade and Skewer the TailProfessionals recommend broiling your lobster tail after you butterfly it, but as we said above, baking, roasting, or grilling are solid choices as well. The heat from the stove or barbecue grill will cause the meat to puff up even further over the shell halves. A New England favorite, they are best served with a shrimp appetizer or coleslaw on the side. 3. Then carefully tug the meat so it comes off the bottom shell, still keeping the back attached near the tail fan. Simmer the lobster for 1 minute for each ounce it weighed before cooking. Put them on plates and drizzle with the butter from the pan, or pour the butter into a ramekin and put it in the middle of the table for dipping the lobster … Use your finger to separate meat from the shell but leave tail meat attached. Through this lobster tail guide, you'll learn how to properly store lobster, the step-by-step instructions for butterflying lobster tails, and the benefits of this practice. They also pair nicely with a menu that includes a surf-and-turf entrée. If you want to cut a few extra slits in the meat for presentation, go ahead. If you're grilling the tail, the internal temperature of the meat should reach 135°F, while baked tails should be between 140 and 145°F. Butterfly lobster tails make it easy to marinade in advance, and baste while cooking. On top of that, while other parts of a lobster are hard to deconstruct, you can easily pull the meat out of the tail with a fork. Whether you’re a barbecue master or you’re more comfortable cooking with the oven, your lobster tail will come out beautiful and thoroughly heated. 2. Maybe your lobster is going to function as a side dish instead of the main course, or you're hosting a party and you want a little bit of lobster for everyone. Look no further, Bradley's fish is here with a wide variety of products at the best prices and get them home delivered. Wild rice, pesto linguine, cheddar biscuits, and Italian bread also make for delicious but understated sides. Otherwise, the lobster tail is ready to be brushed with butter and seasoned. Now you're going to separate the meat. Lobster tails in the butterfly style can be baked, broiled, roasted, or grilled, which offers flexibility. After you have butterflied it, you can also add seasonings such as paprika, garlic, and parsley for variation. Is there a fishmonger near me? First we will tackle the age-old question: which is better, frozen lobster or fresh? The process of butterflying lobster tails is easy, as long as you follow the directions closely, and preparing the tail this way has numerous advantages. Press down with your thumbs and push the lobster meat apart with the shell halves. Try to cut only the shell and not the meat. Frozen, it will keep for up to 6 months. If you have sensitive taste buds, you want to use every piece of a lobster rather than just the tail, or you want to save a little money, go with a live lobster instead of frozen. This product is part of the Tesco Festive Food to Order range. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. 3. Stop at the tail, do not cut through it. Lobster tails in the butterfly style can be baked, broiled, roasted, or grilled, which offers flexibility. Here are the step-by-step: Start at the opposite end of the tail, cut a vertical lengthwise slit through the middle of the lobster shell, until you reach the tail. Why Butterfly Lobster Tails?The process of butterflying lobster tails is easy, as long as you follow the directions closely, and preparing the tail this way has numerous advantages. However, if you want to save it for a special occasion in the future, you can place the tail in a heavy-duty freezer bag or airtight plastic container and put it in your freezer. First, you’ll want to butterfly your thawed lobster tails. Learn how to cut lobster tails for grilling, broiling, steaming, baking, and other cooking methods and you can add some major gourmet fare to your dining room menu, too. Make a small slit in the top of the meat so you can continue to fold it over the shell. This is a technique you’ll often see at restaurants: lobster tails and the flesh inside split into two pieces. While the delicious taste speaks for itself, these foods deserve a little extra effort spent on presentation. Maine Lobster Now also sells whole lobsters, but many of our regular and first-time customers want the convenience of only purchasing the lobster tail. In preparing to butterfly a lobster tail, make sure it is fresh and raw. Cut through the shell from the open end down to the tail. Grab each side of the lobster shell with your thumbs and fingers to further spread the halves apart. 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