How to Cook Lobster

Fine seafood restaurants are not the only place to have delicious lobster. You can cook lobster very easily in your own home. There are several ways to cook lobster--steaming, broiling and baking--but the simplest way to cook lobster is by boiling. Whether you are planning a meal for that special someone or cooking up several lobsters for a large crowd, boiling lobster is a great option.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Lobster cracker
• Salt
• Water
• Large pot
• Cooking tongs
• Lobster
• Butter

1. Purchase several large lobsters from your local grocery store or seafood market. Cooking lobster live may seem cruel, but it is the only way to make sure the lobster meat is fresh and tender. Know the weight of the lobster you are purchasing so that you can adjust cooking times appropriately.
2. Fill a large pot three-quarters of the way full with water. Add 1 tablespoon of salt per quart of water. Make sure that the pot is big enough to cover the lobsters completely. Heat on high until the water comes to a rolling boil.
3. Put the lobsters into the boiling water, claws first. Many people are squeamish and do not like this part of cooking lobster.
4. Start timing when the water returns to a rolling boil. For 1 pound of lobster, cook 5 minutes. For each additional 1/2 pound, boil an additional 3 minutes.
5. Turn off the heat and remove the lobster from the water using kitchen tongs. Serve the lobster shortly after it finishes cooking, or the meat will get tough. Crack the lobster and remove the meat. Dip in melted butter and eat.

Tips & Warnings

• At large functions, serve 1 1/2 pounds of lobster per person.
• Do not overcrowd lobsters in the pot. It is recommended to cook only four lobsters at a time unless you have commercial-sized cooking pots.