How to Boil a Lobster
Discover the ultimate guide to preparing a restaurant-worthy lobster with this step-by-step recipe on "How to Boil a Lobster." Perfect for seafood enthusiasts, this method ensures a tender, succulent lobster cooked to perfection in just 15 minutes. By mimicking the ocean's salinity with a salt-infused boil and infusing a hint of citrus with fresh lemon, this easy technique enhances the natural sweetness of the lobster meat. Learn the proper way to handle and cook a live lobster with confidence, and serve it alongside melted butter and lemon wedges for an elegant, crowd-pleasing meal. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned lobster lover, this recipe makes mastering this classic seafood preparation stress-free and delicious.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 whole Live lobster
- 16 cups Water
- 1 cup Salt
- 1 whole Lemon
- 4 tablespoons Butter (optional)
Instructions
Start by selecting a live lobster from a trusted source. Ensure the lobster is active and its shell is intact.
Fill a large stockpot with 16 cups of water—enough to fully submerge the lobster. Add 1 cup of salt to the water to mimic seawater. Optionally, squeeze the juice of one whole lemon into the water for added aroma.
Place the pot on the stove over high heat and bring the water to a rolling boil.
Using tongs, carefully place the live lobster into the boiling water head-first to minimize stress. Be cautious to avoid splashing the hot water.
Cover the pot with a lid and adjust the heat to maintain a steady boil. Cook the lobster for 10–12 minutes for a one-pound lobster. Add 1–2 minutes of cooking time for each additional pound.
You will know the lobster is done when its shell turns a bright red color and the antennae can be easily pulled off. Alternatively, test doneness by checking the internal temperature (it should reach 135–140°F/57–60°C).
Using tongs, carefully remove the lobster from the pot and transfer it to a large serving platter or cutting board to cool for a few minutes.
Serve the lobster with melted butter and lemon wedges for dipping. Crack open the claws and tail, extract the meat, and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
948 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 52.4 g | 67% | |
| Saturated Fat | 30.5 g | 152% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 614 mg | 205% | |
| Sodium | 116281 mg | 5056% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 5.4 g | 2% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.6 g | 6% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.5 g | ||
| Protein | 113.3 g | 227% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.7 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 910 mg | 70% | |
| Iron | 2.4 mg | 13% | |
| Potassium | 1656 mg | 35% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
