Cooking fresh lobster at home can seem intimidating. Boiling a large pot of water or grilling outdoors are typical methods. However, you can absolutely cook lobster in a pan on your stovetop with delicious results.
Yes, Pans Work Great for Lobster
Cooking lobster in a pan is totally doable. In fact, using a pan offers several advantages:
- Convenient – Easy to cook lobster on the stovetop without any special equipment.
- Quick – Pan-cooking is faster than boiling a large pot of water.
- Flavorful – You can infuse a pan sauce with garlic, butter, herbs and more.
- Controlled – A pan makes it easier to monitor lobster doneness compared to grilling or boiling.
As long as you follow a recipe, you can achieve tender, juicy, flavor-packed lobster cooked right in a pan.
Tips for Cooking Lobster in a Pan
Follow these tips for the best results when cooking lobster in a pan:
Use the Right Pan
Choose a heavy skillet or pan that will distribute heat evenly. Cast iron or stainless steel work well. Nonstick is also fine.
Prepare the Lobster Properly
Thaw frozen lobster in the fridge overnight. Cut live lobster tails down the back and remove the digestive tract.
Sear the Lobster First
Get a nice sear on the lobster tails before cooking them through. This adds great flavor.
Don’t Overcook the Lobster
Cook just until the meat is opaque. Overcooking can make lobster tough.
Make a Pan Sauce
Deglaze the pan with wine or broth to make a buttery, flavorful pan sauce for dipping.
Delicious Pan-Cooked Lobster Recipes
Here are some delicious recipes for cooking lobster tails, claws or a whole lobster in a pan:
Lemon Garlic Butter Lobster Tails
Sear seasoned lobster tails in butter and garlic. Squeeze lemon juice on top.
Cajun Lobster Tails
Cook lobster tails in a pan with Cajun spices, garlic, Worcestershire sauce and butter.
Lobster Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta
Sauté lobster tails in a white wine garlic sauce. Toss with pasta.
Surf & Turf with Lobster Tails
Pan sear lobster tails and filet mignon steak for an indulgent surf and turf dinner.
Whole Pan-Seared Lobster
Cook a whole lobster split down the middle in a pan with lemon, garlic and herbs.
How to Cook Lobster Tails in a Pan
Pan-searing lobster tails is one of the easiest ways to cook lobster at home. Follow these simple steps:
1. Prep the Tails
Thaw, rinse and cut lobster tails lengthwise. Remove vein and meat.
2. Pat Tails Dry
Dry the tails thoroughly so they sear properly.
3. Season the Tails
Coat both sides with salt, pepper and any other seasonings.
4. Heat Butter in a Pan
Melt a few tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Sear Each Side
Place tails meat-side down. Sear 2-3 mins per side until opaque.
6. Add Garlic and Herbs
In the last minute of cooking, add minced garlic and fresh herbs. Baste the tails.
7. Finish with Lemon Juice
After removing the tails from the pan, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
PAIR WITH:
- Garlic mashed potatoes or pasta
- Steamed asparagus or broccoli
- Rice pilaf or risotto
- Caesar salad
- Fresh bread for dipping
SERVE WITH:
- Melted butter
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh parsley, chives or dill
No fancy equipment needed – just grab a pan and enjoy restaurant-quality lobster cooked conveniently on your home stove!
