MOVE TO KNUCKLES: Twist “arms” to remove both claws and attached “knuckles” (2 small jointed sections) from body. Twist knuckles to remove them from claw. Break knuckles into 2 pieces at joint using back of chef’s knife or lobster-cracking tool. Use handle of teaspoon or skewer to push meat out of shell.
Why does the lobster meat stick to the shell after cooking?
The hard red “meat” you see in some lobsters is actually roe, and tells you it’s a female lobster. … It can take up to a year for the shell to harden, and the meat will often remain slightly stuck to the new shell until then. Also, tails are usually frozen, and freezing can cause them to stick as well.
How do you keep lobster shells from sticking?
First, you’ll need to briefly steam the lobsters. This will keep the flesh from sticking to the shell when the tails are grilled. Cover the bottom of a large stockpot about one inch deep with water, and add a couple tablespoons of salt. Bring to a vigourous boil, then add the whole live lobsters and cover the pot.
How do you open lobster tails after cooking?
START WITH TAIL: Once cooked lobster is cool enough to handle, set it on a cutting board. Grasp tail with 1 hand and grab body with your other hand and twist to separate. 2. TAKE OUT TAIL MEAT: Many sources recommend using knife to cut down center of tail; we prefer to keep it in 1 piece.
Why is my lobster meat mushy?
Mushy Lobster
Some chefs suspect that freezing, thawing, then refreezing could be a big factor in why meat becomes mushy. Another reason could be the lobster was recently dead or almost dead and released enzymes that start the decomposition process prior to being cooked.
Do you remove shell lobster tail before cooking?
Take a sharp pair of kitchen shears and cut straight down the middle of the shell all the way to the fin. Using your thumbs, pry open the shell to reveal the meat. After you’re prepped the lobster tails, you’re ready to cook them!
Is it better to steam or boil lobster tails?
Boiling is a little quicker and easier to time precisely, and the meat comes out of the shell more readily than when steamed. For recipes that call for fully cooked and picked lobster meat boiling is the best approach. In contrast, steaming is more gentle, yielding slightly more tender meat.
How long should you boil lobster tails?
Carefully place the lobster tails in the boiling water, and boil for 1 minute per ounce of tail. For 4 ounce tails, boil for 4 minutes.