Steamed lobster is a classic and delicious way to enjoy this tasty crustacean. When cooking lobster, timing is critical. Undercook it and the meat will be rubbery and translucent. Cook it too long and the meat becomes tough and chewy. So how long exactly should you steam a lobster for tender, flaky, perfectly cooked meat?
The steaming time can vary slightly depending on the size and quantity of lobsters, but there are general guidelines to follow for perfect steamed lobster every time. In this article we’ll cover everything you need to know about steaming times for different lobster sizes checking doneness, steaming multiple lobsters, and tips for flawless steamed lobster.
Steaming Times for Different Lobster Sizes
Here are the approximate steaming times needed for different lobster sizes:
- 1 pound lobster – steam for 7-9 minutes
- 1.25 pound lobster – steam for 9-11 minutes
- 1.5 pound lobster – steam for 10-12 minutes
- 1.75 pound lobster – steam for 12-14 minutes
- 2 pound lobster – steam for 14-16 minutes
- 2.5 pound lobster – steam for 18-20 minutes
- 3 pound lobster – steam for 20-22 minutes
As a general guideline, steam 1 pound lobsters for about 8 minutes, and add 2-3 minutes of steaming time for each additional 1/2 pound. For example, a 1.5 pound lobster should steam for about 12 minutes. A 2.5 pound lobster should steam for around 20 minutes.
Checking Doneness
Checking for doneness is an important step in determining exactly how long to steam lobsters. Here are some tips for checking when lobster is done steaming:
- Use a meat thermometer and check for an internal temperature of 140°F in the thickest part of the meat.
- Check the shell color. It should be bright orange-red when fully cooked.
- Pull back the tail meat slightly. It should be opaque and white, not translucent.
- Twist off a small tail section. The meat should come out easily when fully cooked, not stuck to the shell.
If after checking doneness, you find the lobster needs a bit more time, simply re-cover and steam for 2-3 more minutes It’s easy to continue cooking without overdoing it.
Steaming Multiple Lobsters
If steaming more than one lobster at a time, add 2-3 minutes to the total cooking time. Here are approximate steaming times when cooking multiple lobsters:
- 2 one-pound lobsters – steam for 10-12 minutes
- 3 one-pound lobsters – steam for 12-14 minutes
- 4 one-pound lobsters – steam for 14-16 minutes
- 2 two-pound lobsters – steam for 18-20 minutes
Place lobsters in a single layer in the steamer, not piled on top of each other to allow steam to circulate evenly. Check each lobster for doneness as the minimum cooking time passes.
Tips for Perfectly Steamed Lobster
Follow these tips for tender, juicy steamed lobster every time:
- Use live lobsters whenever possible for the best results.
- Steam over rapidly boiling water in a covered pot, not simmering water.
- Use a tight-fitting lid and avoid peeking to keep steam circulating.
- Use a steaming rack to keep lobsters above boiling water, not immersed.
- Add 2 tablespoons salt per quart of water to season the lobster.
- Rinse any debris from lobsters before steaming but don’t scrub them.
- Twist and pull off rubber bands from claws before steaming.
- Transfer steamed lobsters immediately to a bowl to stop cooking.
Serving Hot or Cold
Steamed lobster is delicious served hot right out of the steamer, brushed with melted butter.
For cold lobster salad or rolls, chill the steamed lobster for about 1 hour before serving. Put lobster meat in an airtight container and place in the fridge until cool.
You can also cool lobster down quickly by submerging the cooked lobster in ice water for 15 minutes before refrigerating. This stops the cooking process for tender meat.
Storing Leftover Lobster
You can store leftover steamed lobster in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap lobster meat in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. You can also freeze lobster for 2-3 months for longer storage.
Reheating steamed lobster is easy – simply steam the chilled lobster for 2-3 minutes until warmed through. Avoid overcooking reheated lobster.
Steaming Lobster Safely
Take care when steaming live lobsters at home:
- Use tongs or sturdy gloves when handling live lobsters.
- Bring the steaming liquid to a boil before adding lobsters.
- Cover the pot when adding lobsters to prevent splashing.
- Steam on a back burner out of children’s reach.
Steaming lobsters requires attention to timing to get it just right. But following these guidelines will help you achieve tender, perfectly cooked lobster every time. Now it’s time to get steaming!
HOW TO STEAM LOBSTER:
Choose a pot large enough to hold all the lobsters comfortably; do not crowd them. A 4- to 5-gallon pot can handle 6 to 8 pounds of lobster. Put 2 inches of seawater or salted water in the bottom of a large kettle. Set a steaming rack inside the pot and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the live lobsters one at a time, cover the pot, and start timing. Halfway through, lift the lid (careful—the steam is hot) and shift the lobsters around so they cook evenly.
| If the lobster weighs: | How Long To Steam: |
|---|---|
| 1 pound | 10 minutes |
| 1-1/4 pounds | 12 minutes |
| 1-1/2 pounds | 14 minutes |
| 1-3/4 pounds | 16 minutes |
| 2 pounds | 18 minutes |
| 2-1/2 pounds | 22 minutes |
| 3 pounds | 25-30 minutes |
| 5 pounds | 40-45 minutes |
Cooked lobsters will turn bright red, but that’s not the best indicator of doneness, especially for large lobsters. They may still be underdone when the shell turns red. Jasper White recommends cooking lobsters for the recommended time, then cracking one open where the carapece meets the tail. If it’s done, the meat will have changed from translucent to white.
HOW TO BOIL LOBSTER:
Choose a pot large enough to hold all the lobsters comfortably; do not crowd them. A 4- to 5-gallon pot can handle 6 to 8 pounds of lobster. Fill with water, allowing 3 quarts of water per 1-1/2 to 2 pounds of lobster. Add 1/4 cup sea salt for each gallon of water. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Add the live lobsters one at a time, and start timing immediately. Do not cover. Stir the lobsters halfway through cooking. Let the lobsters rest for 5 minutes or so after cooking to allow the meat to absorb some of the moisture in the shell.
| If the lobster weighs: | How Long To Boil: |
|---|---|
| 1 pound | 8 minutes |
| 1 1/4 pounds | 9-10 minutes |
| 1 1/2 pounds | 11-12 minutes |
| 1 3/4 pounds | 12-13 minutes |
| 2 pounds | 15 minutes |
| 2 1/2 pounds | 20 minutes |
| 3 pounds | 25 minutes |
| 5 pounds | 35-40 minutes |
How To Steam Lobster | Maine Lobster Now
FAQ
How long should you steam lobster?
Add lobsters to boiling water and cover with a tightly fitting lid. You can add in as many lobster as your pot will allow, just make sure the cover of the pot is sealed tightly. How long to steam a lobster: A good timing gauge for steaming lobster is to cook them for about 10 minutes per pound of lobster.
Is it better to boil or steam a lobster?
Steaming is the best way to cook lobster because the lobster meat is less waterlogged and it’s sweeter in flavor because you don’t lose a ton of the flavor in the cooking liquid.
How long to cook a 2 lb lobster?
| If the lobster weighs: | How Long To Boil: |
|---|---|
| 2 pounds | 15 minutes |
| 2 1/2 pounds | 20 minutes |
| 3 pounds | 25 minutes |
| 5 pounds | 35-40 minutes |
How do you know when steamed lobster is done?
How do you know when lobster tails are done cooking? The best way to know when your lobster meat is ready is to use a kitchen thermometer. The internal temperature should read between 135°F to 140°F /57°C to 63°C. The flesh will be pinkish-white in color and will be firm when you touch it.
How long do you steam a 2 pound lobster?
For a 2 pound live lobster, steam for 20-24 minutes total. Can you over steam a lobster? Yes, it’s possible to overcook lobster through overly long steaming times.
How long do you cook a 1 pound lobster?
It depends on the weight of the lobster. A 1 pound lobster steams for about 7 minutes, a 1.25 pound lobster for about 9 minutes, 1.5 pounds for 12 minutes, and 1.75 pounds for 14 minutes. Is it better to steam or boil lobster? For best results, many cooks recommend steaming your lobsters to ensure an even cooking time.
Should you steam lobster?
For the most tender flaky texture and to preserve the delicate seafood flavor, steaming is highly recommended. When steaming lobster, the goal is to cook the meat until just done, avoiding overcooking. Follow proper steaming times based on the lobster’s size to prevent ending up with tough, rubbery meat.
How do you cook a lobster head in a steamer?
Use a large pot with a tight fitting lid and steamer basket or rack to allow steam to circulate fully. Add enough water to fill pot 2-3 inches in the bottom. Season water with salt for extra flavor. Bring water to a rolling boil before adding lobsters. Steam with the lid on to trap steam. Add lobsters head first into the steamer basket or pot.
How long do you boil a pound of lobster?
Proceed with any additional lobsters. Cover your pot tightly with the lid and bring the water back to a rolling boil. As soon as the water returns to a boil set your timer. Steam lobster for 8 minutes per pound, and an additional 3 minutes per extra pound.
How do you steam lobsters in a crock pot?
Steaming Instructions: Choose a pot large enough to hold all the lobsters comfortably; do not crowd them. A 4- to 5- gallon pot can handle 6 to 8 pounds of lobsters. Put 2 inches of seawater or salted water in the bottom of a large kettle. Set steaming rack inside the pot and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.