How to Cook Lobster Tails and Crab Legs

Lobster tails and crab legs are two delicious seafood options that are often considered a luxury. If you’re looking to impress your guests or simply treat yourself to a fancy meal, cooking lobster tails and crab legs at home can be a great option. However, these delicacies can be intimidating to cook, especially if you’re not familiar with seafood preparation. In this article, we will guide you through the process of cooking lobster tails and crab legs, along with some interesting facts about these delectable treats.

1. Interesting Fact: Lobster Tails
Lobster tails are the most sought-after part of the lobster, known for their succulent meat. They are often sold frozen, making them readily available for cooking at any time. Lobster tails are rich in protein, low in fat, and a good source of vitamins and minerals.

2. Interesting Fact: Crab Legs
Crab legs are known for their sweet and delicate meat. They are widely available and can be purchased fresh or frozen. Crab legs are an excellent source of lean protein and are low in calories. They are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health.

Now, let’s dive into the cooking process for both lobster tails and crab legs.

Cooking Lobster Tails:
Step 1: Thaw the lobster tails placing them in the refrigerator overnight or in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat.
Step 3: Using kitchen shears, cut the top shell of the lobster tails lengthwise, stopping just before the tail fins.
Step 4: Gently pull the shell open and loosen the meat from the shell, keeping it attached at the tail end.
Step 5: Season the meat with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs or spices.
Step 6: Place the lobster tails on the grill or in the oven, meat side up, and cook for about 8-10 minutes until the meat is opaque and firm.
Step 7: Serve the lobster tails with melted butter and lemon wedges.

Cooking Crab Legs:
Step 1: Thaw the crab legs placing them in the refrigerator overnight or in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil.
Step 3: Add a generous amount of salt and any desired seasonings, such as bay leaves or lemon slices, to the boiling water.
Step 4: Carefully place the crab legs into the pot and cook for 4-5 minutes until heated through.
Step 5: Remove the crab legs from the pot and drain the excess water.
Step 6: Serve the crab legs with melted butter and lemon wedges.

Now, let’s address some common questions about cooking lobster tails and crab legs.

Q1: How can I tell if lobster tails are cooked?
A1: The meat should turn opaque and firm when cooked. The internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C).

Q2: Can I grill frozen lobster tails?
A2: It is recommended to thaw the lobster tails before grilling to ensure even cooking.

Q3: How long should I cook crab legs?
A3: Crab legs only need to be cooked for 4-5 minutes in boiling water to heat them through.

Q4: Can I steam crab legs instead of boiling them?
A4: Yes, you can steam crab legs for about 5-7 minutes instead of boiling them.

Q5: How do I crack open crab legs?
A5: Use a crab cracker or nutcracker to gently crack open the shell and extract the meat.

Q6: What sauces pair well with lobster tails and crab legs?
A6: Classic choices include melted butter, garlic butter, lemon butter, or cocktail sauce.

Q7: Can I freeze leftover cooked lobster tails and crab legs?
A7: Yes, you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to three months.

Q8: Is it safe to eat the green stuff inside lobster tails?
A8: The green stuff is the tomalley, which is the lobster’s liver and is safe to eat in moderation.

Q9: Can I reheat cooked lobster tails and crab legs?
A9: Yes, you can reheat them placing them in boiling water for a few minutes or in the oven at a low temperature.