How to Properly Cook a Lobster

Planning a special dinner? One delicious and gourmet option your loved one will enjoy is lobster.

Delivered right to your door by Cape Porpoise Lobster Co, all you have to do is toss the crustaceans in a pot!


Boiling Lobster

There are so many ways to cook lobster, but boiling is one of the most straightforward – and tasty – ways when it comes to serving whole lobsters.

1. The first thing you will need is a large pot filled three quarters of the way with water. You should also include two teaspoons of salt per quart of water.

  • Depending on how many lobsters you are planning to cook, at eight or 16 quart pot can be used.
  • You can cook lobsters one at a time in an eight quart pot or two to three at a time in a 16 quart one.

2. When the water has come to a rolling boiling, it is time to drop the lobsters in, head first.

  • Remember to remove the rubber bands around their claws first and lower them into the water slowly, using a pair of tongs.

3. Once the water returns to a boil, set your timer as follows:

  • 1 lb. lobster: 12-20 minutes
  • 2 to 3 lb. lobster: 20-25 minutes

4. When fully cooked, the lobsters outside shell will be a bright red and the meat will be opaque white in color.

  • Carefully remove your crustaceans from the heat, placing them on a platter to cool down before serving.

Steaming Lobster

Another great way to cook lobster is steaming. The process is quite similar to boiling, creating a tender main course for your next big get-together.

It is also a bit more difficult to overcook a lobster when steaming, so this technique is great for first time lobster chefs!

1. Add about two inches of salted water to a 16 quart pot, set a steaming rack inside and bring the water to a boil.

2. Place your lobsters into the pot, cover with a lid and set your timer as follows:

  • 1 lb. lobster: 10 minutes
  • 2 lb. lobster: 18 minutes
  • 3 lb. lobster: 25-30 minutes

We recommend checking on dinner half-way through, moving the crustaceans around to ensure even cooking.

3. When the timer rings, take the lobsters out of the pot with a pair of tongs, checking that they are bright red in color and the meat inside is an opaque white.


How to Eat Lobster

Now that your lobster is fully cooked, it is time to dig in!

Dining on lobster can be a bit messy, so we recommend placing a couple bowls on your dinner table for shells, along with plenty of napkins and nutcrackers for prying shells apart.

Especially if you aren’t sure how your guests usually eat their lobster, provide a few dipping options. Lemon juice, mayonnaise and hot, melted butter are some traditional favorites.


Now that you’re hungry for a delicious lobster dinner, it’s time to place your order with Cape Porpoise Lobster Co. Shop with us online or give us a call at 1-800-967-4268 today!