How to Eat a Lobster

One of the greatest pleasures of summer is eating sweet, succulent Maine lobster. Freshly boiled lobster, smothered in drawn butter is an experience that should not be missed! However, if you have never eaten a lobster fresh from the shell, it can be a bit daunting. There are some simple steps to follow for getting the most out of your lobster dinner.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Put on the plastic bib--you'll need it!
2. Break each lobster claw off, using a gentle twisting motion.
3. Twist the pinchers off the claws.
4. Insert your index finger or lobster pick into the hole at the at the tip of the lobster claw, and push the claw meat out through the hole at the base. Using a lobster pick will not keep your hands clean!
5. Grasp both the body of the lobster and the lobster tail firmly and twist in opposite directions. This part is messy,as it releases the tamale (green goo that is considered a delicacy by some lobster lovers) from the lobster's body.
6. Remove the tail fins and insert your index finger or lobster pick into the base of the tail. Push the lobster tail out of the shell. It should pop out in one luscious piece.
7. Use the lobster pick to remove bits of meat from the legs, tail fins and knuckles.

Tips & Warnings

• If you can't get the lobster tail out with your finger, use a pair of kitchen shears to cut away the underside of the tail shell. Then peel the shell away from the tail meat.