How to Prepare and Cook Lobster: A Simple Guide

Cooking lobster can feel intimidating, but with the right steps, it’s straightforward and stress-free. Here’s how to handle everything from preparation to cooking multiple lobsters at once.

Preparing Live Lobsters for Cooking

• Do You Need to Clean Them?
  No, live lobsters don’t require cleaning. Rinsing them under cold water is optional to remove any surface debris, but there’s no need to scrub or remove anything beforehand.
• Should They Be Doused in Alcohol?
  Dousing lobsters in alcohol (like brandy) before cooking is unnecessary and doesn’t impact the flavor significantly. It’s purely a personal preference if you want to experiment, but traditional methods skip this step.

Cooking Lobsters: The Basics

1. Boiling (Best for Simplicity):

• Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Fill a large pot with enough water to cover the lobsters (about 3 quarts per lobster).
2. Add 2 tablespoons of sea salt per quart of water.
3. Bring the water to a rolling boil.
4. Place the lobsters headfirst into the pot (this is the quickest, most humane way).
5. Cover the pot and cook for 8–10 minutes for a 1.5-pound lobster, adding 2–3 minutes for each additional pound.  Undercooking slightly is better than overcooking so that you get the best experience. 
   

• How Many Lobsters Per Pot?
  Ideally, no more than 2–3 lobsters per pot, depending on size. Overcrowding reduces the water’s boil and affects even cooking.

To Cook 10 or 11, Deuce or 2 Pound Lobsters:

• Use multiple pots or a lobster boiler (an oversized pot designed for large quantities). If using one pot, make sure it’s 5 gallons or larger, and rotate the lobsters during cooking to ensure they’re evenly submerged.

2. Steaming (Best for Flavor Retention):

• Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Add 2 inches of salted water to a pot with a steaming rack.
2. Bring the water to a boil.
3. Place lobsters on the rack, cover, and steam for 10 minutes for the first pound, adding 2 minutes per additional pound.
• How Many Lobsters Per Pot?
  Up to 6 lobsters, as long as they’re not overcrowded and the steam can circulate.

Pot Size for a “Deuce” (2-Pound Lobster)

For a single 2-pound lobster, a 12-quart pot is ideal. If cooking multiples, use a larger pot or cook in batches.

Tips for Perfect Lobster Every Time

• Don’t Overcook: Lobster meat is done when the shell turns bright red, and the meat is opaque white. Use the cooking times as a guide, but always check!
• Let Them Rest: After cooking, let the lobsters rest for a minute or two before cracking into them—this allows the juices to settle.
• No Guesswork: For the most even cooking, stick to one cooking method and follow these steps—boiling for simplicity or steaming for a little more flavor.

With these easy instructions, you’re set to enjoy perfectly cooked, restaurant-quality lobster at home, whether it’s for one or ten.