How Much Lobster Meat is in a Lobster Tail? A Detailed Breakdown

Lobster tails are considered one of the greatest culinary treats from the sea With their tender, succulent meat and elegant presentation, lobster tail is a luxurious highlight of many special meals But with the high price tag lobster tails command, it’s natural to wonder – how much meat is actually in one of those lobster tails?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide a detailed breakdown of exactly how much lobster meat you can expect to enjoy from lobster tails of various sizes and types. You’ll also learn how factors like lobster species, quality grade, and time of year impact the quantity of tail meat.

Average Meat Content in a Lobster Tail

As a general rule an average sized lobster tail in the 8-12 oz range will contain approximately 4-6 oz of edible lobster meat. This equates to roughly 1⁄4 to 1⁄3 pound of meat per tail.

The remaining weight is accounted for by the inedible shell and body parts like legs and fins. Since the shell makes up about 80% of the total weight, expect 20% or less to be usable meat.

Meat Yield by Lobster Tail Size

Lobster tail sizes are categorized as follows:

• Small tails: 6-8 oz total weight
• Medium tails: 8-12 oz total weight
• Jumbo tails: 12-16 oz total weight

Here’s how much meat you can expect based on tail size:

• Small tails: 2-4 oz meat
• Medium tails: 4-6 oz meat
• Jumbo tails: 6-8+ oz meat

So a typical restaurant-sized lobster tail in the medium range will yield around 4-6 oz, or 1⁄4 to 1⁄3 pound of delicious lobster meat.

Factors That Impact Meat Content

While the average meat content falls around 4-6 oz per tail, there are several factors that can affect the exact amount of edible lobster meat:

Lobster Species

• Cold water lobster like Maine lobster have slightly less meat compared to warm water varieties. Their tails yield approximately 4-6 oz of meat.

• Spiny lobster and rock lobster have a higher meat-to-shell ratio. Their tails can contain up to 8 oz of meat.

Quality Grade

Lobster tails are categorized by quality grades based on their meat content:

• Grade A: Highest quality with maximum meat content of 6-8 oz per tail. Less than 10% meet this premium grade.

• Grade B: Good quality with 4-6 oz of meat per tail. Most commercially available tails are Grade B.

• Grade C: Lower quality with only 2-4 oz of meat. Often have damage or imperfections.

Time of Year

• Lobsters tend to be meatier in the colder months from late fall through early spring when metabolism slows.

• Spring and summer lobsters are more active and have slightly less meat content in the tails.

Cooking Loss

• Some moisture is lost when lobster meat is cooked, accounting for about a 5-10% loss in meat weight.

Getting the Most Meat for Your Money

Since lobster tail is a pricey delicacy, you want to maximize the meat you get for your dollar spent. Here are some tips:

• Buy whole lobster tails instead of just the meat to avoid processing costs.

• Look for multi-pack deals on frozen tails when they go on promotion at the grocery store.

• Purchase in bulk directly from local seafood suppliers or fish markets to get wholesale pricing.

• Opt for value packs of rock lobster or spiny lobster which yield more total meat per pound.

• Avoid premium lobster pricing at high-end grocers and buy from warehouse clubs or seafood discounters instead.

Making the Most of Your Lobster Tails

Once you’ve got your tails, ensure you get every last bit of meat out of them:

• Thaw frozen tails properly in the refrigerator overnight.

• Split the shell open carefully with kitchen shears before cooking.

• Baste with butter before broiling or grilling to prevent drying out.

• Don’t overcook – cook just until opaque, 3-4 mins for spiny/rock lobster and 5-7 mins for Maine.

• Allow to rest for 5 minutes after cooking so juices redistribute.

• Use pickers and crackers to extract all the meat, even from the smallest legs and crevices.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much lobster tail is one serving?

For a full lobster-focused meal, allow one 12 oz. or larger tail per person. As an appetizer or with other foods, one tail can feed 2 people.

How do you buy lobster tail meat?

Lobster tail meat is most often sold frozen by the pound or in vacuum-sealed individual packages. Live lobster tails are rarer, usually only found in upscale restaurants.

Is there a difference in cold vs. warm water lobster tails?

Yes, warm water lobsters like spiny lobster contain slightly more meat. Cold water lobsters like Maine provide a little less meat but with more rich lobster flavor.

Can you eat lobster tail shells?

Lobster shells are edible but extremely tough. They can be used to make lobster stock, but most people don’t eat the shell since it contains no meat.

How long does lobster tail last frozen or cooked?

Frozen raw tails last 4-6 months in the freezer. Cooked lobster meat will keep 2-3 months frozen. Refrigerate fresh raw tails for 2 days max or eat cooked meat within 3-4 days.

Get Cracking on Those Luscious Lobster Tails

Now that you know precisely what to expect from those elegant lobster tails, get ready to indulge in these succulent seafood treats. With the right size, grade and preparation, you can maximize the coveted amount of lobster meat you’ll enjoy in every decadent bite.