What You Will Need
- Live lobsters
- Large pot with a lid
- Water
- Salt
- Lemon (optional)
- Melted butter (for serving)
Step 1: Prepare Your Cooking Environment
Ensure you have a clean and uncluttered workspace. Lobster cooking can be messy, so it’s best to protect your surfaces to make cleaning up easier. Place your pot on the stove and fill it about two-thirds of the way with water. Add salt to the water, approximately 2 tablespoons per quart. If desired, you can squeeze a lemon into the water for added flavor.
Step 2: Preparing the Lobsters
Before cooking, it is important to handle your live lobsters properly. Keep them refrigerated until you are ready to cook. To prepare each lobster, hold it firmly by the back of the carapace (shell) and immerse it headfirst into the pot of water. Make sure the water covers the lobsters completely. Be cautious of any splashing or sudden movements from the lobsters.
Step 3: Cooking Time
Allow the water in the pot to come to a boil again after adding the lobsters. From this point, the cooking time will depend on the size of the lobsters. For reference, plan on cooking each pound of lobster for about 9-12 minutes. For instance, if you have a 1.5-pound lobster, it will need to cook for approximately 14-18 minutes. Keep a close eye on the lobsters and start your timer accordingly.
Step 4: Testing for Doneness
To ensure the lobsters are fully cooked, you can perform a simple test. Carefully remove one lobster from the pot using tongs or a slotted spoon. Grab the lobster’s antennae and try to gently pull one out. If the antennae come out with little resistance, the lobster is done. If there is some resistance, return it to the pot for a few more minutes of cooking.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the lobsters are cooked to perfection, remove them from the pot and place them on a platter. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve with melted butter on the side for dipping and garnish with lemon wedges if desired. Your delicious lobsters are now ready to be enjoyed!
Now that you have mastered the art of cooking lobster, you can impress your loved ones with a delectable lobster feast. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t hesitate to experiment with different techniques and flavors to find your signature lobster dish. Happy cooking!
Sources:
- https://www.ediblefingerlakes.com/2019/07/15/lobster-seafood-safety-cooking-tips/
- https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a28510724/how-to-boil-lobster/