I'd always been a bit nervous about trying to cook lobster tails. You too? They seem so fancy, so delicate, right? But that all changed when I discovered the Instant Pot Lobster Tails recipe.
Now, I'm here to share the magic with you, proving that cooking lobster tails can be simple, quick, and absolutely delicious!
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity and speed. Instant Pot has revolutionized the way we cook, and with lobster tails, it's no different. These pressure cookers lock in flavor, keep the lobster moist, and deliver a perfectly cooked tail every time. It's a foolproof method, which means even if you're a novice in the kitchen, you can impress your guests with a restaurant-grade lobster dish.
Moreover, this recipe doesn't require a ton of preparation or fancy ingredients. We're working with the lobster's natural richness, highlighting its fresh, sweet taste. Not to mention, the speedy cook time means you'll spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the meal.
Ingredients
Lobster Tails - The star of the dish, lobster tails are full of rich, sweet meat. Try to find fresh ones if you can, though frozen tails can also work. Just remember to thaw them properly before cooking.
Butter - We'll use it to baste the lobster tails. It not only gives an amazing flavor but also contributes to the tenderness. If you're dairy-free, you could use a good-quality olive oil instead.
Garlic Powder - Adding a bit of zing and depth to the dish. You can use fresh garlic cloves instead.
Lemon Juice - This is essential for its fresh, tangy taste, which cuts through the richness of the lobster. No lemons? Lime juice can be a good substitute.
Tips
- If using frozen lobster tails, ensure they're completely thawed for even cooking.
- You can use kitchen shears to cut through the shell for easier eating.
- Don’t discard the cooking liquid. It's packed with flavor and can be used as a base for soups or sauces.
- If needed, feel free to add 1-2 more minutes to the cooking time (after checking).
How to Serve
Lobster tails are an elegant addition to any dinner table, and serving them couldn't be simpler. They are often presented in their shells for a beautiful presentation. Pair the tails with a side of melted butter for dipping, a slice of fresh lemon, and perhaps a sprig of fresh parsley for an added touch.
Three specific serving ideas include a fancy surf and turf combo with a juicy steak, a lighter option alongside a crisp, green salad, or as a decadent addition to a creamy pasta dish. Whatever you choose, the succulent lobster tails are sure to shine!
Need more ideas? Check out What To Serve With Lobster Tails for 15 delicious side dishes.
Seafood recipes
Instant Pot Lobster Tails
Ingredients
- 6 lobster tails
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup water
- 2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Pour water in the Instant Pot and place the trivet.
- Place the lobster tails onto the trivet (shell down).
- Close the lid and cook at high pressure for 1 minute.
- In the meantime, melt butter in a saucepan and add garlic, lemon juice, salt and pepper to obtain a sauce.
- When cooking time is complete, do a quick pressure release.
- Pour the butter sauce over the lobster tails and serve with lemon wedges.
Nutrition
Notes
- If your Instant Pot is not big enough, you can cook in batches.
- If using frozen lobster tails, ensure they're completely thawed for even cooking.
- You can use kitchen shears to cut through the shell for easier eating.
- Don’t discard the cooking liquid. It's packed with flavor and can be used as a base for soups or sauces.
- If needed, feel free to add 1-2 more minutes to the cooking time (after checking).
Aloha!
I had a pretty large lobster that was still partially frozen. I stuck a skewer through the underside from the tail so that it doesn’t curl and placed on a trivet in my 8 qt DUO. 2 minutes was perfect and it was much easier cutting the top shell after it was cooked. Thanks for sharing!
I tried this method tonight and it was fantastic. I snow did crab legs separately but next time I am going to do them all in the same pot. Thanks for the tips!
Hi Corrie,
How much time if I’m only cooking one lobster tail?
I would still do 1 minute. The heat from the time it comes to pressure will be cooked perfectly!
Are the tails put in whole and not split across the shell?
I can't find anywhere on internet the answer to this question.
What is the recommended cooking time for one 12 to 14 ounce lobster tail in instant pot?
Can this be done on stove top and if so for how long
Sure-- you can place them in boiling water for about the same amount of time. Usually about 3-5 minutes depending on their size.
You say, cut the lobster tails in half, if needed. Do you mean split the tops? Or do you split the tops after cooking?
Split the tops before cooking if needed.
Can I do this in a crockpot
You could cook this in a crock pot/ slow cooker, but it would take a lot longer.
I am excited to try this, Corrie. Thanks for sharing.
Of course! Let me know how it turns out 🙂
I am surprised you don't address splitting the shell before cooking