Cast Iron Lobster (Wild Caught)

Cooking lobster in a cast iron skillet is easier than it is made out to be. 

It may be an intimidating dish to prepare because of how delicate the lobster meat is, but this lobster tail recipe will show you how basic it is to cook lobster.

Using only 6 simple ingredients and a cast iron skillet, this dish will surely be a go to protein on your seafood menu.

Different Types of Lobster Tails and the Best Lobster Tails for Cast Iron Lobster

Essentially there is a variation to lobster tail in any seafood market or grocery store.

Whether it be:

1. Fresh or Frozen Lobster
2. Big or Small Lobster
3. Raw or Cooked Lobster
4. Wild or Farm Raised Lobster
5. Freshwater or Saltwater Lobster
6. Warm Water or Cold Water Lobster

The ultimate best is the warm water wild caught lobster, whether fresh or flash frozen. Warm water wild caught lobster tail is best for searing on a hot service like the cast iron skillet. This is because the flesh is meatier than the average lobster known to America.

How to Cook Lobster Tail on the Stove?

The instant pot has been the rave for quite some time and it may be so tempting to pressure cook every meal but DO NOT PRESSURE COOK LOBSTER TAILS.

Any of the following methods listed below is an ideal way to prepare lobster tails on the stove top:

1. Poaching - cooking the lobster meat with or without the shell, usually in a flavored simmering liquid.
2. Searing - charring or scorching the flesh of the lobster meat on both sides.
3. Saute - lightly frying in a little oil or butter
4. Steaming - technique of cooking the lobster tail by heating it in steam from boiling water, steaming is a good way to cook lobster tails as it helps preserve the nutritional value.
5. Boiling - just like any seafood boil, with a flavored liquid. 

How to Boil Lobster Tail on the Stove? Cast Iron Lobster is Much Tastier

Boiling whole lobster or lobster tail should be a quick process. If you plan to cook whole lobster, ensure that they are still alive.

1. Add enough water to a stock pot and salt ( and other herbs and spices). 

Ensure there is enough water to cover the whole lobster or lobster tails.

2. Bring the water to a boil, then carefully add the whole lobster or lobster tails to the stock pot of boiling water.
3. Cook about 4 minutes for every pound of lobster. The lobsters will be cooked once fully pink.
4. Blanch the lobster and serve with melted butter.
5. Learn more about blanching in this Home Fries with Peppers and Onions Recipe.

How to Butterfly a Lobster Tail with a Pair of Scissors, for Cast Iron Lobster?

Usually, a pair of kitchen shears would be ideal for this job but a regular sharp pair of scissors would do just the trick.

1. Hold the lobster tail in the palm of your hand with the tail facing downwards.
2. Locate the center line of the lobster tail and position the tip of the scissors there.
3. Using the tip of the scissors, gently snip the shell all the way from the head to the tail until the meat is exposed.
4. Again, using the tip of the scissors, gently snip the flesh of the lobster , down the same line where you snipped the shell.
5. Use both hands to pry the shell open to create the butterfly lobster tail.

How to Butterfly a Lobster Tail with a Knife?

Making a butterfly lobster tail, for the cast iron lobster tail, with a knife is the easiest way. All you would need is a sturdy and sharp knife, along with a cutting board.

1. Place the lobster tail on the cutting board with the fin facing down.
2. Staring at the head of the lobster tail, use the heel of the knife to crack the shell.
3. Put your other hand, flat on top of the knife and carefully add force to cut all the way through the flesh and not cracking the bottom half of the shell.
4. Use both hands to pry the lobster tail open to create the butterfly lobster tail.

Butter Spread for Cast Iron Lobster! Why?

Adding softened butter to the lobster tail, then freezing it, process are more evenly seared cast iron lobster. The butter acts as flavor as well as the cooking grease for searing the lobster tail.

Ingredients for a Simple Lobster Meal

For this lobster dish, the ingredients are pretty simple and can be altered to suit any tastebuds.

The ingredients for the cast iron lobster tail are:

1. Wild Caught Warm Water Caribbean Lobster Tail
2. Chopped Garlic
3. Unsalted Butter
4. Fish Spice with Salt or Old Bay
5. Cherry Tomatoes (just because they are in season)
6. Fresh Lemon Juice

Have you tried the delicious Coconut Curry Shrimp?

Perfect with Instant Pot Coconut Rice!

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