While lobster may still be a mark of luxury on the dinner table, you don’t have to wait for a special occasion or a trip to your favourite restaurant to enjoy the delights it has to offer. You can just as easily buy lobster online from us and prepare a delicious meal in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Lobster has a rich flavour and a fabulous meaty texture that’s incredibly versatile. Get the cooking process right, and you’ll wow your guests. But do you really know how to set those flavours free? Today we’ll show you exactly how to take your next lobster dish to the next level, including:

• Buying lobster online from Regal Fish

• Preparing your lobster

• How to cook lobster tails

• One of the best lobster tail recipes out there

Buying Your Lobster

Whether you’re new to seafood or a shellfish aficionado, choosing the right lobster can feel overwhelming. Here are four key things to consider:

Lobster Whole or Tail

Whether you buy lobster tails online or opt for a whole lobster depends on how you plan to cook it. While whole lobsters include claws, lobster tails are often easier to prepare and cook, making them perfect for beginners.

Fresh or Frozen Lobster

Your choice between fresh or frozen lobster depends on when you plan to cook it. If you’re buying ahead, frozen lobster is a great option as many lobsters are frozen immediately after being caught, preserving freshness. If cooking within a day or two, fresh lobster is ideal.

Cooked or Uncooked Lobster

This depends on the recipe and your comfort level. If you’re short on time, cooked lobster is a convenient option.

Sustainability Matters

Choosing a sustainable source for your lobster helps preserve marine ecosystems. Make sure to buy from reputable suppliers who prioritise sustainability.

Unlike preparing a whole lobster, lobster tails are much easier to handle. Here are a few key steps:

Clean Your Lobster Tail

Most lobster tails come clean, but it’s good practice to rinse them under cold water and remove any debris before cooking.

Cut Your Lobster Tail

Use strong kitchen shears to cut through the shell if the recipe requires it. This makes it easier to extract the meat. Check out our tutorial on how to prepare your lobster tails here!

Defrosting Your Frozen Lobster Tail

To defrost, place your lobster tails in the fridge for 12-14 hours. Once thawed, cook within 24 hours and do not refreeze.

How to Cook Lobster Tail

Lobster tail is incredibly versatile, and different cooking methods bring out unique flavours. Here are some of the best ways to prepare it:

• Grilling (Broiling): Enhances flavour and keeps the meat moist.

• Barbecuing: Infuses a rich, smoky taste into the lobster.

• Baking: Intensifies flavour while keeping the texture perfect.

• Boiling: Efficiently locks in moisture and flavour.

• Steaming: Retains both moisture and flavour while avoiding direct contact with water.

Barbecuing Your Lobster Tails

Split the lobster tails lengthwise and remove the vein. Baste with your choice of butter or marinade and place flesh-side down on a preheated grill. Cook for 8-10 minutes, turning once.

Baking Lobster Tails

Preheat your oven to 200°C. Cut the lobster tail down the back, remove the vein, and baste with seasoning. Place on a baking tray and bake for 14-17 minutes until fully cooked.

Watch our resident chef prepare lobster tails with Garlic & Parmesan Butter here!

Grilling (Broiling) Lobster Tails

Cut along the back of the lobster tails, remove the vein, and slightly lift the meat out of the shell. Place flesh-side up on a lined baking tray and grill until the meat turns opaque.

Steaming Lobster Tails

Cut the lobster shell down the back and remove the vein. Bring water to a boil in a saucepan, place a steaming rack inside, and steam until the shell turns red and the meat is slightly pink.

Boiling Lobster Tails

For a hassle-free method, boil salted water and add your lobster tails whole. Cover and cook until the shells turn bright red and the meat turns white.

How to Know Your Lobster is Cooked

Cooked lobster shells turn bright red, and the meat inside turns a pinkish-white. For accuracy, use a kitchen thermometer—the meat should reach 60°C.

Lobster Recipes: The Best Lobster Tail Recipes

Lobster Thermidor is a French classic that brings together creamy, cheesy goodness. Check out our recipes here! In this video, Andrej serves up a luxurious lobster tails platter, perfectly seasoned, drenched in buttery goodness for that irresistible balance of flavour. Ideal for dinner parties, weekend feasts, or when you just want to impress your guests (or yourself). Why not try this at home? Need a dinner party Lobster tails recipe? Check this out from @andrejcooksfish. 

Now You Know How to Cook Lobster!

From classic lobster tails on the grill to indulgent Lobster Thermidor, you now have everything you need to create a gourmet seafood dish at home. Whether you buy lobster tails online from Regal Fish for a special occasion or a casual meal, the choice is yours how will you cook your next lobster tail?