What Temperature Do You Cook Lobster Tails?
The ideal internal temperature for perfectly cooked lobster tails is 140°F to 145°F (60°C to 63°C). This range ensures the meat turns opaque white, firm, and juicy without becoming tough or rubbery.

Why This Temperature Matters

Cooking lobster tails beyond 145°F causes the proteins to tighten, resulting in chewy texture that no one enjoys. Pull them off the heat at around 135°F-140°F to account for carryover cooking, which raises the temp another 3-5°F during resting.

Always use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat for accuracy—visual cues like pearly white flesh and clear juices confirm doneness.

Cooking Methods and Oven/Burner Temps

Different methods use specific external temperatures, but the internal target stays 140-145°F. Here's a breakdown:

Tail Size| Method| External Temp| Time (Approx.)| Internal Pull Temp
---|---|---|---|---
4 oz| Broil| 500°F| 6-7 min| 140-145°F 1
6-8 oz| Bake| 425°F| 8-12 min| 140-145°F 15
8 oz| Steam| Boiling water| 7-9 min| 140°F 13
10 oz| Grill| Medium-High| 8-10 min| 140-145°F 1
Any| Boil| Rolling boil| Varies by size| 135°F (rest to 140°F) 3

Pro Tip : Butterfly the tails (cut top shell lengthwise, lift meat over shell), brush with butter, and season simply with salt.

Chef Tips for Success

  • Thaw first : Refrigerate frozen tails 24 hours or quick-thaw in cold water.
  • Rest and baste : Let sit 1-3 minutes post-cook, then brush with garlic butter for extra flavor.
  • Avoid overcooking : Ovens vary, so check early—better slightly under than tough.

Trending Takes from Forums and Chefs

Recent 2025 guides emphasize lower pulls (135°F) for tenderness over the FDA's 145°F safe minimum, with sous vide at 135°F praised on Reddit for foolproof results. One chef notes: > "Pull at 135°F, rest to 140°F—tender every time." As of February 2026, butter-poached baked tails remain a viral home favorite.

TL;DR : Aim for 140-145°F internal across methods; use a thermometer.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.