Whole Lobster

Whole Lobster is a luxurious seafood treat that’s beloved for its sweet, tender meat and rich flavor. Whether boiled, steamed, grilled, or baked, preparing and eating a whole lobster can be a fun and rewarding experience. It’s often served during special occasions, like holiday feasts or seafood boils, and can be paired with various sauces and sides to create a memorable meal.

Here’s everything you need to know about whole lobster:

How to Buy a Whole Lobster:

When buying a whole lobster, it’s important to consider the following factors to ensure you get the best quality:

• Size: Lobsters come in various sizes, from 1-pound lobsters to large 3-5 pound lobsters. Smaller lobsters are often sweeter and more tender, while larger ones offer more meat per lobster.

• Freshness: Look for lobsters that are live and active in the tank, which indicates they are fresh. The lobster should feel heavy for its size.

• Color: Lobsters are typically a dark green or brown color when alive. After cooking, they will turn a bright red.

• Shell Condition: Avoid lobsters with cracked or damaged shells. A healthy lobster should have a firm, intact shell.

• Live Lobster vs. Frozen Lobster: Live lobster is the freshest option, but frozen lobster can be a convenient alternative. Just be sure to properly thaw frozen lobster before cooking.

How to Store Whole Lobster:

• Live Lobster: If you have live lobsters, store them in a cool place (ideally around 40°F to 50°F) until you’re ready to cook them. They should be kept in a ventilated container (like a cardboard box or a breathable bag). Avoid keeping them in fresh water, as lobsters live in saltwater.

• Frozen Lobster: If your lobster is frozen, store it in the freezer until you’re ready to cook. It’s best to thaw frozen lobster slowly in the refrigerator for 24 hours before cooking.

How to Cook Whole Lobster:

There are several methods for cooking whole lobster, each resulting in delicious, tender meat. Here are the most common cooking methods:

1. Boiling Lobster (Traditional and Popular Method):

Boiling is the easiest and quickest way to cook lobster.

• Step 1: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add salt (about 2 tablespoons per liter of water) to mimic the ocean’s salinity.

• Step 2: Add the lobsters to the pot. You’ll want to use a large enough pot to fit the lobsters without overcrowding.

• Step 3: Bring the water back to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. The cooking time will depend on the size of the lobster:

  • 1-1.5 lb lobster: 8-10 minutes

  • 2 lb lobster: 12-15 minutes

  • 3 lb lobster: 15-18 minutes

• Step 4: Once the lobsters are bright red, remove them from the pot with tongs. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

2. Steaming Lobster:

Steaming can produce more tender and flavorful lobster, as it’s a gentler method than boiling.

• Step 1: Fill a large pot with about 1-2 inches of water and add about 2 tablespoons of salt.

• Step 2: Bring the water to a boil. Place a steamer rack in the pot, and make sure the lobster doesn’t touch the water.

• Step 3: Add the lobsters to the pot and cover tightly. Steam the lobsters for about:

  • 1-1.5 lb lobster: 10-12 minutes

  • 2 lb lobster: 14-16 minutes

  • 3 lb lobster: 18-20 minutes

• Step 4: The lobsters are done when their shells are bright red, and you can easily pull apart their legs.

3. Grilled Lobster:

Grilling lobster adds a smoky flavor and crispy texture to the lobster’s tender meat.

• Step 1: Preheat the grill to medium heat.

• Step 2: Split the lobster in half lengthwise using a sharp knife or kitchen shears. Remove the digestive tract and any inedible parts.

• Step 3: Brush the lobster meat with butter and season with salt and pepper.

• Step 4: Place the lobster halves meat-side down on the grill. Grill for about 5-7 minutes per side, until the lobster is opaque and the meat is tender.

• Step 5: Serve with lemon wedges, garlic butter, or your favorite dipping sauce.

4. Baked Lobster:

Baking is another easy method that works well for whole lobsters.

• Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

• Step 2: Split the lobster in half, remove any unwanted parts, and place the lobster halves on a baking sheet.

• Step 3: Brush with garlic butter and season with paprika, lemon zest, and fresh herbs.

• Step 4: Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the lobster is cooked through and the meat is opaque.

• Step 5: Serve with fresh lemon and melted butter.

5. Lobster in the Microwave:

For a quick option, you can cook lobster in the microwave, although it’s not as commonly used for large lobsters.

• Step 1: Place the lobster in a microwave-safe dish.

• Step 2: Add 2 tablespoons of water and cover the dish with microwave-safe plastic wrap.

• Step 3: Microwave for 4-6 minutes per lobster, depending on the size. Check the lobster halfway through the cooking time.

• Step 4: The lobster is done when the shell is bright red and the meat is firm and opaque.

How to Tell When Lobster is Done:

Lobster is done cooking when:

• The shell turns a bright red color.

• The meat becomes opaque and firm to the touch.

• The internal temperature of the lobster meat reaches 140-145°F (60-63°C).

• The lobster will also slightly curl up as it cooks.

How to Eat Whole Lobster:

Eating a whole lobster can be a bit tricky, but it’s part of the fun! Here’s a guide to help you get to that delicious lobster meat:

1. Crack the Claws: Use a lobster cracker or nutcracker to break open the claws. Once cracked, remove the meat from the claws.

2. Tail Meat: Hold the body of the lobster and pull the tail away. Cut the tail down the middle to remove the meat.

3. Legs: You can suck the meat out of the legs by squeezing them or using a lobster pick or fork.

4. Body: The body of the lobster contains some meat, which can be accessed by cracking open the shell. There’s also the greenish “tomalley,” which is the liver and considered a delicacy by some.

Tip: Use a small fork or seafood pick to help extract the meat from hard-to-reach places, like the legs or the tail.

Serving Suggestions:

• Dipping Sauces: Lobster pairs beautifully with melted butter, especially garlic butter, or a lemon butter sauce. For a spicy kick, try a Cajun butter or hot sauce.

• Sides: Classic sides for lobster include corn on the cob, roasted potatoes, steamed vegetables, coleslaw, and garlic bread. You can also serve with a light salad or pasta.

Health Benefits of Lobster:

Lobster is not only delicious but also a great source of lean protein and essential nutrients, including:

• Vitamins and Minerals: It’s rich in vitamin B12, zinc, iron, and selenium, which are important for immune health, energy production, and maintaining healthy cells.

• Low in Fat: Lobster is low in fat and contains only a small amount of saturated fat, making it a great choice for those watching their fat intake.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a seafood feast, cooking a whole lobster is an enjoyable and satisfying experience.