Cooking lobster tails can be scary. With my no-fail recipe for Instant Pot Lobster Tails you’ll never be scared to cook them again! This recipe takes just 10 minutes from start to finish.
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. Do you typically stay in and cook? Or go out– battle the crowds and pay for overpriced food? Since having kids we have opted to stay in. We have found that we not only save a lot of money, we aren’t battling crowds, and we have just as good if not better of a Valentine’s Day dinner in the comforts of our own home! Plus we get to spend the holiday with our children and share the love with them. My kids are already quite the “foodie’s”. They have extremely refined pallets for such young ages! My almost 2-year-old absolutely loves lobster! In fact, when I was testing this recipe multiple times she ate an entire lobster tail all by herself! She would rather have lobster over steak. I mean I can’t blame her. I love lobster too.
If you’ve ever been intimidated to cook lobster this is the recipe for you. This is the most fool proof way to cook lobster tail all thanks to the all mighty Instant Pot.
How do you cook lobster tails in the Instant Pot?
First, you will want to rinse the lobster tails off using cold water. Then, cut the tails to expose the meat. Follow the steps above on how to cut your lobster tails! Once your tails are cut place them in the Instant Pot on top of the trivet.
Make sure to not overcrowd the Instant Pot! You do not want to stack them on top of one another. Instead, place them side-by-side. If you have a steamer basket for the Instant Pot you could use this as well. You just don’t want the lobster tails sitting on the bottom of the Instant Pot.
Make sure to fill the Instant Pot with at least one cup of water. You want to make sure that there’s enough water to create steam; however, you don’t want the lobster tails boiling in the water that is sitting inside the Instant Pot.
I’ve tested this recipe multiple ways. I have placed garlic and herbs in the water. I’ve also just steamed the lobster tail with just water. I’ll be honest, I did not taste much of a difference. If you want to go fancy add a few cloves of garlic (5-7) and fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary into the water. But if you don’t have any of that on hand don’t worry! Your lobster tails will still steam perfectly.
Next, close the lid, placing the steam valve in the locking position. Set your Instant Pot on “steam” mode for 2 minutes. If your lobster tails are frozen you can set it to 4 minutes (3-minutes if partially thawed).
As soon as the lobster tails are done cooking. Carefully, force pressure out of the Instant Pot. This will take about one minute. Once all of this steam has released you can carefully unlock the lid. As soon as you remove the lid you’ll see perfectly cooked lobster tails. You can brush on a little melted butter onto each piece of lobster and then serve immediately. I like to serve our lobster with lemon wedges and melted butter. Everyone else loves the melted butter I just prefer lemon to keep the calories down.
How do you cook frozen lobster tails in Instant Pot?
I have tested both fresh and frozen lobster tails. You can cook frozen lobster tails in an Instant Pot; however, I will be honest that I wasn’t a fan of the texture. At least that’s how I felt. My husband thought they were absolutely fine as did my mother in-law and father in-law.
You can cook frozen lobster tails for 4 minutes on “steam” or partially thawed lobster tails for 3 minutes on “steam” setting. Also, if your tails are partially thawed you can still cut the tails to release the meat; however, they are going to look like the above picture (not that pretty). If you cook from frozen you will not be able to cut the shell. So keep that in mind. You’ll have to do it after the lobster has cooked which will make it hot and hard to cut and handle.
FAQs
Here are all the frequently asked questions when making lobster in the Instant Pot.
I have a 6-quart Instant Pot and I can fit 4 tails in comfortably. Maybe 6 if I used a steamer basket (I just got one–so I’ll try it out and see if I can fit more). I would imagine if you have an 8-quart Instant Pot you could cook 6-8 easily because it’s a larger Instant Pot–but I’m only speculating here.
Yes! I like to cut them prior to steaming to ensure that the meat has room to expand and cook and ultimately the meat keeps its shape. I’ve yet to fully master the cutting part. To cut the shells: Place the tip of kitchen shears into the middle of the hard rounded side of each lobster shell. Then, cut down all the way to the tail fan (be careful not to cut the meat or your hand). Place your hands on each side of shell and push down until tail pops about halfway out of shell. Rinse each tail under cold water to remove any grit or shell fragments. Repeat until all the lobster tails have been cut.
Technically, steaming is the better method of cooking a lobster tail. I only started steaming my lobster tails this year and I will say it is definitely the most forgiving method (and honestly, the easiest)! It’s definitely a little harder to over cook a steamed lobster. Especially since you are using the Instant Pot that has it timed perfectly. Even if you forget to do a quick pressure release and leave them in for a few minutes you should be fine!
If your Instant Pot does not have a “steam” button you can use “pressure cook” setting on your Instant Pot.
Yes, according to a reader who tried this method they had 5 pounds of claws that they cooked in two batches using the same settings and time and they came out perfect.
It only takes 2-3 minutes to cook a 4 ounce lobster tail if you are using the Instant Pot. See my recipe card below for the exact directions.
Tips & Tricks
Here are a few of my favorite tips and tricks when making lobster tails.
- Digestive Track – A reader recently shared with me to make sure to remove the lobster’s digestive tract. It is a long black vein that’s visible on the underside of the meat after cutting it open. Some suppliers will do this before selling, but most won’t, so make sure to check when your are cutting and washing it.
- Serving Sides – You can serve the lobster as is or add drawn butter and lemon wedges on the side.
- Cut Shells – Either ask your seafood counter to cut the tails for you or cut prior to cooking.
Lobster Dinner Ideas
If your looking to wow your Valentine–or maybe you are looking for a quick fancy dinner (thanks to a sale on lobster tails). Then this recipe for Instant Pot Lobster Tails is the recipes for you!
Looking for other recipes to go with your lobster tails?
- Oven-Roasted Asparagus
- Sour Cream and Chive Mashed Potatoes
- Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes with Cauliflower
- Steakhouse Onions and Mushrooms in Red Wine Sauce
- Garlic Steak with Mushrooms and Onion-Roasted Potatoes
If you make this Instant Pot Lobster Tails recipe, I would be honored and love for you to take the time to leave a star rating and comment! I spend hours developing and testing these recipes, and always love to hear feedback and user experience!
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Instant Pot Lobster Tails
Equipment
- Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 4- 4 oz. Lobster Tails
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Cut the lobster tails on the rounded side down to the fan of the tail. Carefully, pop meat out of the tail. Rinse under cold water to remove any grit or shell. Repeat until all the lobster tails have been cut.
- Using a steamer basket or trivet place in the Instant Pot. Place the tails on top, then pour in 1 cup of water.
- Close lid and place steam valve to "sealed". Cook on "steam" for 2 minutes. *See notes on cooking frozen below. It will take 2-3 minutes to come to pressure then 2 minutes to cook.
- Once the tails are done cooking and the timer beeps, carefully force pressure from the valve *this will take about 1 minutes.
- Carefully, unlock the lid and remove the lobster tails. Brush each piece of lobster meat with a little bit of melted butter if desired. Serve with lemon wedges and melted butter. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Digestive Track – A reader recently shared with me to make sure to remove the lobster’s digestive tract. It is a long black vein that’s visible on the underside of the meat after cutting it open. Some suppliers will do this before selling, but most won’t, so make sure to check when your are cutting and washing it.
- Serving Sides – You can serve the lobster as is or add drawn butter and lemon wedges on the side.
Nutrition
Disclosure: There are affiliate links present in this post. That means if you click on a link and purchase something. I will receive a small percentage of the sale at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your continuous support of Katie’s Cucina!
Bob Vitale
I have made tails before in my Instant Pot ultra with an identical recipe and they turned out Great. I’ll be making some this Valentine’s Day but the tails are smaller, 3-4 oz size. I’m thawing out the tails and will follow your recipe; I already have a steamer basket for the Pot. I’m sure they’ll turn out awesome. One thing I do is make a fresh garlic-butter paste and put it on the top of the tail before cooking. This year I even bought my wife a dozen long stem roses. Happy Valentine’s Day to you and your family.
Katie
Thanks Bob and Happy Valentine’s Day to you, too! Hope your lobster tails turned out great!
Bob
Have yet to try this, but in reading it I’m sure you nailed it so you get 5 stars for the great writeup. Your posts are among the best out there, your passion for it shows.
Just as a note, you should make sure to remove the lobster’s digestive tract, a long black vein that’s visible on the underside of the meat after cutting it open. Many suppliers will do this before selling, but most won’t, so do this when washing it, you might want to add that step to your lovely instructions. 😉 Cheers!
Katie
Hi Bob, yes, this recipe has been tested dozens of times and is my go-to method. Thank you so much for taking the time to share about the digestive tract I’ll be sure to add it in the notes!
Chaemins
Wow!! This recipe was spot on!!! My while fam loved this Valentine’s Day dinner! Even my eleven year old said, “I’m just a regular home meal gal but even though this was expensive and fancy, I really loved it!” Hubby had 3 tails! I did mine in two batches as we had 5 tails. Thank you so much for you hard work in perfecting this recipe, so I could surprise my fam with a lovely ‘fancy’ meal while stuck at home!!!
Katie
Chaemins, thank you so so much for leaving a 5-star comment. This totally made my day! It’s the only way I cook lobster tails!
Nana
My IP has many buttons, but does not have a “steam” button. Do you have any idea what else I should use? I have an Instant Pot Duo Gourmet.
Katie
Hi Nana, I have an Instant Pot Lux and mine has the steam function. I just looked up your version and see what you are talking about. I honestly don’t know what setting would be the equivalent. I know that if you use the “pressure cook” setting it will pressure cook whereas the steam setting doesn’t consist of as high of pressure. So maybe “pressure cook” setting on low and 1 minute less? But that is honestly, my guess at this point. I’m so sorry I can’t be of more assistance!
Elizabeth Bumford
See my prior comment
Elizabeth Bumford
Thank you! I had to search for a Lobster Tail recipe that used the steam setting. Our lobster tails last night were perfect! Prior recipes had promoted using frozen lobster tails, pressure cooked Manual for 3-4 minutes and those tails were dry and tough. Using your simple recipe the tails were moist and tender.
Katie
Elizabeth, Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. I’m so happy to read you loved this recipe!
Ed
Just received a 10-1 pot . Your recipe crushed it . 2 tails about 5 inches off bottom. Split the tails . 1-2 cups of water , shell up , 2 min steam on high . Perfect 5 stars ⭐️ thank you .
Katie
Hi Ed, I’m so happy to hear that you enjoyed this recipe. Make sure you check out my other Instant Pot recipes!
Karren A
Thank you, i finally found the one that cooks the best! i have tried 3 or 4 other methods and i find that your way was the best way doing it. I did it on steam 3 mins and they came out perfect!
Katie
Karen, thank you for taking the time to leave a comment. This is great to know! This is the only way we make lobster now!
Ann M.
This worked perfectly. Just as an fyi, I had 5 lbs of claws I did in 2 batches. I couldn’t ask for a better result. Thank you!
Katie
Hi Ann, thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment. I’m glad it worked out for you. If I ever steam claws I’l definitely cook them in the Instant Pot.