How to Cook Lobster

Lobster is fleshy, nutritious and delicious. These sea critters are a meal on their own and contain nutrients that are great for your brain and heart. Many people assume that learning how to cook lobster is complicated, especially because they are usually cooked live. This is not true at all. Anyone can learn how to cook lobster, regardless of cooking experience and budget.

Types of Lobster Meat

There are cold water lobsters and those that originate from warmer waters. Cold water lobsters are often pricey but offer a higher quality of meat. Warm water lobsters are very affordable and can be obtained easily from your local vendor. You can cook and serve lobster whole. However, if your budget is limited, lobster tails and claws are economical choices that are equally filling.

How to Cook Lobster Whole

Cooking whole lobster is incredibly easy. Make sure you buy live lobsters without dark marks or spots on their shells. Only purchase lobsters that are still moving. If they are too still, they might not be fresh.

Step 1: Take a very large pot and fill it up with water until it is about three quarters full. Add 2 tablespoons of salt and bring to the boil.

Step 2: Add whole lobsters headfirst into the boiling water and cover with a lid.

Step 3: Cook each pound of lobster for 15 minutes and add 10 minutes to every additional pound. If the lobster weight 2 pounds, for instance, you should cook it for 25 minutes.

Step 4: Remove lobsters from heat and set aside to cool. Serve preferably with flavored butter. Include a nutcracker to remove claws before eating.

How to Cook Lobster Tails

Lobster tails can be boiled, grilled and baked. They are an excellent alternative to whole lobsters, allowing you to enjoy lobster meat at almost half the price.

Boiling

Lobster tails can be boiled the same way as whole lobsters. Because they weigh much less, cooking time should be estimated by the ounce. The best way to learn how to cook lobster tails is to cook every ounce of lobster for 1 minute. In other words, 5-ounce lobster tails should be cooked for 5 minutes. Drain and serve with melted butter.

Grilling

Start by boiling lobster tails first in salt water, inserting a skewer to ensure that they don’t curl up. Once boiled, cut through the soft shell lengthwise and season meat with butter and preferred spices. Set the grill to medium heat and cook until the flesh turns opaque. Grilling should take about 5-8 minutes.

Baking

Preheat oven to 200 degrees or 400F. Using a sharp knife, slice the soft shell until meat is exposed. Season the meat with salt, pepper, herbs, butter, garlic and your preferred spices. Bake lobster tails with the shell down on a baking tray for 8-10 minutes.

Whether you like them whole or enjoy tails, learning how to cook lobster is beneficial for both your taste buds and your health. While boiling is the simplest method, baking and grilling allows you to season meat to your liking. For best results, always pick the freshest lobster for maximum nutrients.