How to Cook Lobsters

Lobster is a simple dish, and does not require a lot of effort to cook properly.

Prior to the mid-19th century, lobster was once considered only worthy of being used for bait. Since then, lobster has gained a tremendous following and respect from the culinary world. Many fishing communities thrive on the lobster industry, and its success makes it possible to now purchase lobster all over the world. Cooking a lobster at home is a relatively simple process, and can yield a delicious product with very few ingredients and techniques.

Things You'll Need

• Large pot
• Salt
• Sharp knife
• Steamer rack
• Grill

Instructions

Boiling a Lobster

1. Place your live lobster in the freezer 5-10 minutes prior to boiling. Studies have shown that this stuns the lobster, and is a humane precursor to boiling it alive.

2. Fill a large pot with salted water. You will need a pot large enough to hold enough water to completely cover each lobster.

3. Hold the lobster behind the head and place it into the water head-first.

4. Once the boil returns, cover the pot and boil until the lobster is cooked. This is generally 7-10 minutes for the first pound, and 3 minutes each additional pound.

5. Remove and drain once the lobster is cooked. Serve immediately while hot.

Steaming a Lobster

1. Follow the directions above to freeze the lobster partially before cooking.

2. Place a large steamer rack inside an even larger pot, and pour some water into the bottom of the pot.

3. Bring the water to a boil.

4. Place the lobster right-side-up onto the steamer rack and cover the pot.

5. Cook the lobster longer when steaming, usually 15 to 20 minutes.

6. Remove and drain once the lobster is coked. Serve immediately while hot.

Grilling a Lobster

1. Follow the directions above to freeze the lobster partially before cooking.

2. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

3. Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a boil.

4. Place the lobster into the boiling water and boil for 5 minutes.

5. Remove the lobster and place it on its back on a cutting board.

6. Cut the lobster straight down the middle, with a very sharp knife.

7. Remove a black vein that you will see running the length of the lobster, and both the tomalley (pancreas) and sand sac, located behind the eyes inside the head.

8. Place the lobster shell-side-down on the hot grill and cook for 10 minutes.

9. Serve immediately while hot.

Tips & Warnings

• If you prefer using a thermometer, you should cook the lobster to 180°F.

• Never remove a lobster from the boiling water unless it has turned bright red. It will not be cooked properly.

References

• Cooking Lobster; Recipes for Cooking Lobster
• Lobster Help: How to Cook Live Lobster and Lobster Tails