How to Store & Cook Lobster at Home

Enjoy fresh lobster at home.

Fresh lobster is a treat for seafood lovers. Although the task of cooking a live lobster at home may sound overwhelming, the process of storing and preparing lobster is actually very simple. The main thing to remember, for best results: The lobster is alive and should remain as such until it is time to cook. Make your lobster comfortable, and if you need to seal it up in a container, poke a few air holes beforehand. The lobster and your dinner guests will thank you.

Things You'll Need

• Newspaper
• Water
• Large container
• Large stock pot
• Tongs

Instructions

Store Lobster

1. Cut or tear newspaper into approximately 1 inch strips.

2. Dampen the strips of newspaper in cool water, just so that they are damp not soaking wet.

3. Line the bottom of a large container with your dampened newspaper strips. Do not fill the container; use just enough paper to create bedding for your lobster.

4. Place the live lobster inside the container with the newspaper. If you must cover the container, avoid creating an airtight seal that will suffocate your lobster.

5. Refrigerate the lobster in the container until you are ready to cook it, which should be within the next 24 hours.

Cook Lobster

1. Fill a large stock pot with water. Remember that the lobster will displace some of the water and cause the water level to rise, so do not fill the pot more than 3/4 full to avoid spills and risk of injury.

2. Bring the water to a rapid boil on the stove.

3. Place the lobster into the boiling water using tongs to avoid scalding your hands.

4. Cook the lobster for approximately five to six minutes per pound. You will know when the lobster is done cooking because the shell will become bright red.

References

• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: Storing your Seafood
• Massachusetts Office of Health and Human Services: Summer is Seafood Time in Massachusetts