The lobster tail that is steamed is soft, juicy, and delicious. It is cooked in a basket set over boiling water with spices until it is just right.
Steamed lobster tail is one of the easiest ways to cook lobster tail. It’s slowly steamed in a pot, which makes it moist, tender, and just right—not rubbery or overcooked.
This recipe is a great way to serve lobster tail and is great for holidays like Valentine’s Day, Christmas, Thanksgiving, and anniversary or date night dinners. If you prefer using the oven, try our Broiled Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter!Fork and knife icon.
Steaming lobster tails in a rice cooker is an easy and convenient cooking method that results in tender, juicy, restaurant-quality lobster tails every time. With just a few ingredients and tools you likely already have on hand, you can make this delicious seafood dish right in your own kitchen.
As someone who loves lobster but doesn’t want to spend a fortune getting it at restaurants, I was thrilled when I discovered I could steam lobster tails to perfection using just my trusty rice cooker. The rice cooker creates the ideal gentle, moist heat needed for steaming lobster. Follow my easy step-by-step instructions below, and you’ll be enjoying sweet, succulent lobster tails in no time!
Benefits of Steaming Lobster Tails in a Rice Cooker
Steaming lobster tails in a rice cooker has several advantages over other cooking methods:
-
It’s simple and easy – no special equipment needed besides a rice cooker which many people already own. All you need is the lobster tails, lemons, butter, and seasonings.
-
Steaming keeps the lobster tails incredibly moist and tender. The rice cooker provides a gentle heat perfect for steaming.
-
It infuses the lobster with flavor from lemon juice, garlic, and other seasonings.
-
The lobster cooks evenly throughout, No over or undercooked spots!
-
Clean up is a breeze since you cook and serve right in the rice cooker pot Minimal dishes to wash.
-
It’s budget-friendly. Cooking lobster yourself costs a fraction of restaurant prices.
-
You can customize the flavor. Adjust seasonings to suit your tastes.
Tips for Selecting Lobster Tails
When buying lobster tails for steaming, keep these tips in mind:
-
Choose tails labeled “raw” not “cooked.” Raw tails will steam up best.
-
Opt for wild-caught tails over farmed for better texture and flavor.
-
Pick tails 6-8 ounces in size for best results. Larger or smaller tails may require time adjustments.
-
Make sure shells are hard and tails smell fresh, not fishy. Discard any with black spots.
-
Buy thawed tails, not frozen. Frozen tails work but thawing beforehand helps prevent overcooking.
I like buying raw, wild-caught lobster tails at local fish markets or the seafood counter at higher-end grocery stores. The quality is top-notch.
Ingredients Needed
Steaming lobster tails in a rice cooker is simple because you need so few ingredients:
-
Raw lobster tails – Go for 2 tails per person. More if the tails are on the smaller side.
-
Lemons – 1 lemon per 2 tails for juice. Plus wedges for serving.
-
Butter – 2 tbsp butter per tail for dunking. Salted or unsalted.
-
Seasonings – Garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, parsley, etc.
-
Water – 1 cup for a 6-8 cup rice cooker. Adjust water for larger cookers.
That’s really all you need for deliciously flavored steamed lobster tails!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for perfectly steamed lobster tails every time:
-
Rinse lobster tails under cold water and pat completely dry with paper towels. Place tails shell-side down in rice cooker.
-
Cut lemons in half and squeeze juice from one half over each tail. Sprinkle seasonings over top.
-
Pour water into cooker until it reaches just below the wire rack. About 1 cup for a 6 cup cooker.
-
Place lid securely on cooker and press “Cook” to start. Cook 6-8 ounce tails 20-22 minutes. Adjust time as needed.
-
While lobster cooks, melt butter in a small bowl or mug. Cut remaining lemon halves into wedges for serving.
-
When timer goes off, test doneness by twisting tails. Meat should slide right out. Place back in cooker if needed.
-
Transfer lobster tails to a plate or bowl. Snip shells with kitchen shears to access meat. Serve with melted lemon butter for dipping!
It really is that easy. The rice cooker does all the work while infusing the lobster with incredible flavor. Enjoy your restaurant-worthy lobster tails!
Common FAQs and Tips
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about steaming lobster tails in a rice cooker:
How many lobster tails can I cook at once?
- The number of tails depends on the size of your rice cooker. A 6-8 cup cooker can hold 2-4 average 6-8oz tails. For larger cookers, you can steam up to 6-8 tails.
Should I add seasonings to the water or directly on the tails?
- Season the tails directly before steaming for the best flavor infusion. The water is just used to create steam.
Do I need to flip the tails during steaming?
- No flipping required! The circulating steam will cook the tails evenly without moving them.
Can I steam frozen lobster tails?
- Yes, but thaw first in the fridge overnight. Starting with fully frozen tails may result in overcooked exteriors.
Can I overcook the lobster in the rice cooker?
- It’s possible if steaming for a very long time. Test doneness around the 20 minute mark by twisting shells.
How can I tell when the lobster tails are done?
- Carefully twist the end of the shell. It should twist right off when fully cooked, revealing the meat.
Can I reuse leftover steaming liquid for rice?
- Yes! The lobster-infused liquid adds delicious flavor to rice or other grains.
Steaming lobster tails in a rice cooker really couldn’t be easier. Adjust cook times as needed based on tail size and your preferences. Soon this will be your go-to method for cooking lobster at home. Enjoy!
Why steam lobster tails?
- When you steam lobster tails, they cook slowly in a moist environment, which makes them tender and juicy.
- Its easy to regulate the temperature by adjusting the burner.
- You can easily tell when the lobster is fully cooked. Just feel for firm flesh and look for a color that doesn’t show through.
- Lobster tails – Choose ones with firm, uniformly colored flesh. Avoid ones that have a fishy smell or cracked shells.
- Optional flavorings – Lemon, garlic, butter, parsley, Old Bay seasoning.