How To Cook Live Lobster

The complete guide on how to cook lobster at home, including different cooking methods, availability, and identification of parts.

5 from 13 votes

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 11

Total Time 21

Course Entree

Cuisine American, Canadian

Servings 4 Cooked Lobsters

Calories 420.1 kcal

Boil a large pot of water, large enough to cover the live lobsters with at least two inches of water. Heavily season the water with salt, it should taste salty like seawater.
Drop the live lobsters into the boiling water and return the water to a boil as fast as possible. Boil the lobster for 7 to 8 minutes per pound .
Remove the lobsters from the pot once cooked, and serve immediately, or cool, then shell the meat for later use.

Blanch the lobster in boiling salted water for 2 minutes to kill them, then shock the lobsters in an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
Once cooled, cut the lobster in half with a large chefs knife.
Brush the exposed meat with butter or oil, and place flesh side down on a hot grill.
The tail may be removed and grilled separately from the claws or the lobster may be grilled whole. Grill for about 5 minutes or until the lobster meat is completely opaque, with nice grill marks.

Prepare a steamer by simmering a cup or two of water in a large pot fitted with a wire rack or perforated steamer insert.
Place the lobster in the steamer, and steam for 7 to 8 minutes per pound.
Remove the lobster from the steamer with tongs, and serve immediately or cool and shell the meat for later use.

Start by creating a flavorful poaching liquid to cook the lobster meat in.
Bring the poaching liquid to a simmer, and then place the raw lobster tails, claws, and knuckles in the liquid.
Poach the lobster for about 10 -14 minutes, again depending on the size of the lobster itself. Same as when boiling lobster, you should poach lobsters for about 7-8 minutes per pound.
Remove the lobster with heat proof tongs and serve immediately or cool in an ice bath for later use.

Blanch the lobster in boiling salted water for 2 minutes to kill them, then shock the lobsters in an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
Cut the lobster completely in half, or remove the tail and use kitchen shears to cut open the top of the tail shell.
Place the lobster on a baking sheet, and top with various flavorings and garnishes such as flavored butter, cheese, salsa, or other appropriate sauces.
Bake or broil the lobster as appropriate for 5 to 8 minutes or until the meat is fully opaque.

Calories: 420.1kcal

Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.

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