Instant Pot Lobster Tail

It's easy to make succulent lobster tail in Instant Pot.

Course Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine American, Western

Diet Gluten Free

Prep Time 3

Cook Time 2

Total Time 5

Servings

Calories 139kcal

Use sharp kitchen shears to butterfly the lobster tail by cutting down the middle of the top shell. Pry open the shell, lift out the meat, and place it on top. The meat will still be connected at the fan shaped end of the tail.
Mix together olive oil, melted butter, smoked paprika, lemon juice, and minced garlic in a small bowl, then brush the garlic butter mixture onto the lobster tail meat. Season with salt and pepper.
Place a trivet into the bottom of the Instant Pot, add the water, set lobster tails directly onto the trivet.
Put the lid on the Instant Pot, and turn the valve to the sealing position. Set to manual pressure / high pressure for 2 minutes. When done, perform a quick pressure release and carefully remove the lobster tails.
Top with chopped parsley or thyme and serve with melted butter.

Sharp kitchen shears are easier to use than a knife for cutting lobster shells.
Only cut the top shell when butterflying the tail and not into the meat.
Thaw frozen lobster tails completely before cooking.
Be sure to remove any tomalley (the green stuff) left on the end of the tail.
Depending on the size of the lobster tail, you may need to adjust the cooking time so it doesn't overcook.
The cooked lobster meat should be opaque and firm. If it is not, attach the lid and allow the lobster tails to sit in the Instant Pot for an additional 5 minutes on the “Keep Warm” setting.
The cooking time listed does not include time for the instant pot to come up to pressure or for the pressure to release.
Don’t skimp on the butter! Serve plenty of melted garlic butter for dipping.
For smaller lobster tails, if you are worried about overcooking, adjust your instant pot to low pressure and use the same cooking times.
This cooking method works well for a lobster tail size of 4 - 12 ounces without making any adjustments.
Serve with lemon wedges to add a bright, fresh flavor.
No Instant Pot? No problem! Check out my Air Fryer Lobster Tail post.
Serve with lemon wedges to add a bright, fresh flavor.
Storage - remove leftover cooked lobster meat from the shell and keep in an airtight container inside the fridge for 2-3 days.
There are 5 WW Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this.