Whole lobster, cooked
Taking a lobster tail out of its shell is not hard when you know the simple steps required. This method works whether the lobster tail has been cooked and needs removal for eating or is uncooked and needs removal for cooking.
Instructions
1. Take the lobster tail and lay it shell side up. Cut down the length of the shell with a sharp pair of scissors, stopping when you reach the fan tail end.
2. Gently pry the shell apart, working it away side to side to reveal the meat inside.
3. Using your thumbs, push down the sides of the tail, lengthwise, to release the tail meat. Leave it attached at the fan tail end. It may take a few minutes to scrape the tail free of the shell.
4. When you have gotten the meat free of the shell, pull the entire piece of tail meat clear and lay it on top of the shell. If it is a cooked tail, you can easily eat it now. If it is an uncooked tail, broil or grill it with the shell still attached for an elegant presentation. Otherwise, detach the tail at the fan tail end.
Tags: lobster tail, free shell, needs removal, tail meat, tail shell