How to Shell a Lobster

Although many seafood markets sell lobsters already cooked, cleaned and shelled, it is far more economical to buy a live lobster; cooking and shelling it yourself.

To remove the lobster meat after cooking:

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Carving board
• Lobster cracker or mallet
• Sharp knife
• Platter

1. Allow the lobster to rest until it can be easily handled.
   Firmly grasp each claw where it joints the body and twist it off.

2. Crack the claw shell in several places, peel away shell carefully to enable the claw meat to be removed.
   Twist and pull off the four smaller legs along each side of the lobster.

3. Turn the lobster over to its underside and cut it in half lengthwise from head to tail with a sharp knife. If a black vein is visible along the center of the tail meat, remove with a knife and discard.

4. Remove head, stomach and other soft matter from the head portion and discard. Spear the tail meat with a fork and gently pull it out of shell. If recipe requires shell for plate presentation – clean and reserve them.