Cooking lobster can be simple and delicious. There are a few popular methods, each bringing out different flavors and textures. Here’s how you can prepare lobster:

1. Boiling Lobster

This is the most traditional method and perfect if you’re cooking several lobsters at once.

Ingredients:

  • 1 live lobster (1–2 lbs.)
  • Salt (about 1/4 cup per gallon of water)
  • Butter, for serving
  • Lemon wedges, for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Bring water to a boil: Fill a large pot with water, leaving enough space for the lobsters. Add salt to the water (about 1/4 cup per gallon).
  2. Add the lobster: Place the live lobster into the pot head first. Cover with a lid and return the water to a boil.
  3. Cook the lobster: Boil the lobster for 8–12 minutes, depending on its size. The shell will turn bright red when it’s done, and the meat should be opaque and firm.
  4. Drain and serve: Remove the lobster with tongs and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve with melted butter and lemon wedges.

2. Steaming Lobster

Steaming is another popular method that is great if you want to keep the lobster tender and slightly less waterlogged than boiling.

Ingredients:

  • 1 live lobster
  • 2–3 inches of water
  • Salt
  • Butter, for serving
  • Lemon wedges, for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Boil water: Bring 2–3 inches of salted water to a boil in a large pot.
  2. Add the lobster: Place the lobster in a steaming rack or basket over the boiling water. Cover the pot with a lid.
  3. Steam: Steam the lobster for 10–20 minutes, depending on its size.
  4. Check for doneness: The lobster will turn bright red, and the tail meat should be firm and opaque.
  5. Serve: Take the lobster out, let it cool for a few minutes, and serve with melted butter and lemon.

3. Grilling Lobster

Grilling adds a smoky flavor and is a great method if you’re hosting a BBQ or looking for something a bit more special.

Ingredients:

  • 1 live lobster
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper
  • Garlic butter (optional)
  • Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the lobster: Parboil the lobster in boiling water for 5–6 minutes (it won’t be fully cooked). Remove and let cool.
  2. Cut the lobster in half: Use a sharp knife to split the lobster lengthwise down the middle.
  3. Grill: Brush the meat with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place the lobster on a preheated grill (medium-high heat) flesh side down. Grill for 4–5 minutes, then flip and grill for another 4–5 minutes, brushing with garlic butter if desired.
  4. Serve: Remove from the grill and serve with more garlic butter and lemon wedges.

4. Baking or Broiling Lobster

This method works well for lobster tails and gives a rich flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lobster tail
  • Butter, melted
  • Paprika
  • Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven: Set the oven to broil.
  2. Prepare the lobster tail: Use kitchen scissors to cut down the top of the lobster shell and pull the meat up so it rests on top of the shell.
  3. Brush with butter: Drizzle melted butter over the lobster meat and sprinkle with paprika for color and flavor.
  4. Broil: Place the lobster tail in the oven about 4–6 inches from the broiler. Cook for 8–10 minutes until the meat is opaque and slightly browned.
  5. Serve: Garnish with lemon wedges and more butter.

Tips for Cooking Lobster:

  • Choosing lobster: Fresh, live lobster is the best for cooking. Look for active lobsters with hard shells.
  • Doneness: You can tell lobster is done when its internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C), the shell is bright red, and the meat is opaque.
  • Serving: Lobster is often served with clarified or melted butter, lemon, and sometimes garlic.

Which method are you thinking of trying?

Image from Simply Recipes