To boil lobster tails, the general rule is to cook them for about 1 minute per ounce of tail weight once the water returns to a boil after adding the tails

. For example:

• A 3-ounce lobster tail should be boiled for about 3 minutes.
• A 4-ounce tail for 4 minutes.
• A 6-ounce tail for 6 minutes.

If you have larger tails, boiling times increase accordingly, typically:

• 6-7 oz tails: 5-6 minutes
• 8-10 oz tails: 6-8 minutes
• 16-20 oz tails: around 10 minutes
• 20-24 oz tails: 10-12 minutes

Steps for boiling lobster tails:

1. Thaw lobster tails completely.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil (about 1 tsp salt per quart of water).
3. Cut the top of the lobster shell lengthwise to help cook evenly and for easier meat removal.
4. Place the lobster tails in the boiling water.
5. Once the water returns to a boil, reduce heat slightly and boil for the time based on tail size (1 minute per ounce).
6. Remove tails when the shells turn bright red and the meat is opaque.
7. Optionally, cool immediately in ice water to prevent overcooking

Boiling lobster tails is a straightforward method that results in tender, flavorful meat if you avoid overcooking by following the timing guidelines above