How To Cook Frozen Maine Lobster Tails

How to Cook Frozen Maine Lobster Here at Cape Porpoise Lobster Co. our fresh frozen Maine lobster tails are some of the most popular items ordered. Available in five different sizes and shipped overnight, they are a delicious dinner option whether you plan to boil them, cook them in a pan or prepare them on the grill.

The first step to take is thawing your fresh frozen lobster tails, a process we’ve outlined below.

Thawing Maine Lobster Tails

Regardless of which way you plan to prepare your lobster feast, the first step is thawing the shellfish. To ensure the best flavor and texture, it is important that your lobster reach room temperature before cooking begins.

  • Start your meal preparation by placing your frozen lobster tails in a covered bowl, leaving them in the refrigerator overnight.
  • It will take between 12 and 24 hours for them to thaw completely, and once thawed you will want to take them out of the refrigerator 30 minutes to an hour before cooking. This will allow your lobster tails to reach room temperature, perfect for cooking.

Now that you’re ready to start cooking, here are a few of our favorite ways to prepare your meal!

Boiling Maine Lobster Tails

In a pot large enough to hold all of your tails, bring water to boil, including salt and any other seasoning you prefer. Once the water has reached a rolling boil, use tongs to add your tails in one at a time.

When all of the tails (or as many as can fit) are inside the pot, let the water boil again, then reduce heat and simmer for three to four minutes. Meat should be white throughout, and can continue to boil – checking every minute or so – until it is ready.

Grilling Maine Lobster Tails

The perfect way to cook your lobster tails on a hot summer day, head outside and fire up the grill for a smoky treat. While you are waiting for your tails to reach room temperature, take a few minutes to prepare your basting sauce, made from minced garlic, lemon juice, butter and spices of your choice.

Heat up the grill – basting your lobsters while you wait for it to get hot – then toss them on shell side up over medium-high heat. Give the meaty side about five minutes to sear, then flip the tails over and allow the shell side to cook.

Keep an eye on the color of your meat as the tails continue to cook, leaving them on the grill until they are white in color and firm to the touch.

View the complete instructions here.

Pan Frying Maine Lobster Tails

Once your lobster tails have reached room temperature, there is a bit more work required before it’s time to start cooking you lobster in a pan. For this step, all you will need is a pair of kitchen shears and a steady hand.

With the thickest part of the shell facing up, take your kitchen shears and cut the shell lengthwise down the middle, starting at the base of the tail and working towards the fin.

After the shell has been cut, work to loosen the lobster meat inside and carefully remove it from the shell. Also remove any gelatin from the meat and rinse with cold water.

As you are working, you can begin boiling water in your pan, adding small pads until you have enough butter boiling to cover your lobster tails. The lobster tails will need to cook for five to eight minutes, submerged in butter until they are firm to the touch and white in color.


Whichever way you choose to cook your lobster meal, start by ordering your tails fresh from coastal Maine waters!

Cape Porpoise lobster tails are caught fresh, cut and immediately frozen. Available in small, medium, large, jumbo and giant sizes, there are options available for every family and gathering. Order with us online or by phone at 1-800-967-4268.