Is it better to steam or boil lobster?
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!
Do you cut the lobster tail before you steam it?
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.
How do you cook lobster tails in the Instant Pot?
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.
What size Instant Pot do you need to cook lobster tails?
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.
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
- Sour Cream and Chive Mashed Potatoes
- Steakhouse Onions and Mushrooms in Red Wine Sauce
- Garlic Steak with Mushrooms and Onion-Roasted Potatoes
Instant Pot Lobster Tails
Ingredients
- 4 oz. Lobster Tails
- 1 cup of water
- Melted Butter & Lemon for Serving
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 meat with a little bit of melted butter. Serve with lemon wedges and melted butter. Enjoy immediately.
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!!!
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!
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.
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!
See my prior comment
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.
Elizabeth, Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. I’m so happy to read you loved this recipe!
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 .
Hi Ed, I’m so happy to hear that you enjoyed this recipe. Make sure you check out my other Instant Pot recipes!
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!
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!
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!
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.