How to Boil a Rock Lobster

Spiny lobsters don't have large claws that are seen in other lobster species.

In the U.S., lobster is closely associated with the country's East Coast, where behemoth crustaceans sporting claws are served up with melted butter. Rock lobsters, commonly called slipper lobsters or spiny lobsters in the U.S., are a different species of crustacean. They don't have the characteristic claws and tend to be smaller in size. According to the Environmental Defense Fund, Caribbean spiny lobsters come from well-managed commercial fisheries in the western Atlantic region of the U.S., making them a sustainable seafood choice that can be boiled at home with a few simple ingredients.

Things You'll Need

• Whole rock lobsters
• 19-qt. lobster pot
• Sea salt
• Lobster boil spice (optional)
• Sink full of ice water (optional)
• Large tongs

Instructions

1. Fill your kitchen sink with cold water. Add ice if desired.

2. Fill a 19-qt. lobster pot with water, leaving 3 inches of room at the top. Add about 1/4 cup sea salt to the water. Add lobster boil spice if desired. Read the package directions to determine how much spice mix to add to the water.

3. Boil the water. Plunge whole lobsters into the water. Cover and let water come back to a boil. Boil lobsters for eight minutes for a 1/2- to 1-lb. lobster, 10 minutes for a 1.5- to 2-lb. lobster.

4. When you have cooked the lobsters for the determined time, remove them with tongs. Serve immediately. If serving later, plunge lobsters into sink filled with ice water to stop the cooking process.

References

• Environmental Defense Fund; Lobster: Caribbean Spiny Lobster (U.S.)
• Sydney Fish Market; Rocklobsters
• Australian Southern Rocklobster; Boiling and Blanching