A traditional New England lobster bake is the ultimate summer entertaining event. Steam-cooked lobster, corn, potatoes and other foods are infused with flavors from the seaweed and spices Sharing this laid-back feast with family and friends leaves everyone feeling satisfied and happy
Lobster bakes look elaborate, but they are surprisingly easy to host at home. With some planning and prep, you can create this fun experience in your own backyard or kitchen. Here is a guide to hosting your own authentic Maine-style lobster bake that will impress your guests.
Picking the Menu
The first step is deciding what to serve alongside the fresh lobster. Traditional lump lobster meat and seaweed are must-haves. Beyond that, you can pick your favorite summer produce and seafood. Corn on the cob and small red potatoes are classic additions. Clams, mussels and shrimp also complement the lobster perfectly.
Keep side dishes simple since the lobster and fixings will be the star of the show A crisp green salad, some bakery bread and lemon wedges for squeezing are easy accompaniments. For dessert, Maine blueberry buckle or cobbler are crowd-pleasing options
If this is your first lobster bake, pick a simple seafood recipe to follow so you understand the basic process Then you can start customizing with your own spice blends and produce in future bakes
Sourcing Fresh Seafood
The key is finding high-quality, fresh seafood, especially if you don’t live in New England. Ordering live lobster overnight from a seafood company like Maine Lobster Now ensures your lobster will arrive lively and ready for steaming. Locally sourced clams, mussels and corn are also ideal.
If you can only find frozen lobster tails at your grocery store, make sure they are thawed before cooking. Place them in the refrigerator 1-2 days before your event.
Prep Work is Key
To make the event as relaxed as possible, do all your chopping, seasoning, marinating and par-cooking in advance. Cut vegetables, prepare sauces, make salad dressings and desserts ahead of time.
Assemble the ingredients for steaming in a large stockpot, colander or tray, but don’t start cooking until your guests arrive. This allows everyone to enjoy the feast hot and fresh from the pot.
Setting the Scene
While classic lobster bakes happen outdoors, you can create this experience anywhere. Set up picnic tables in the backyard, or decorate your kitchen table with red-checkered tablecloths and nautical elements. Have seaside games like cornhole ready for guests to enjoy while socializing before dinner.
Play upbeat acoustic music to match the laid-back vibe. Offer simple appetizers like chips and dip, vegetables and hummus or chilled seafood like oysters and shrimp cocktail. Supply beer, wine and festive cocktails to sip like margaritas or Moscow mules.
Cooking and Serving
Once all the prep work is done, the actual cooking is simple. Bring a few inches of salted water to a boil in a large covered pot. Add seaweed, potatoes, corn and lobsters, cover and steam everything together for 15-20 minutes until the shellfish turn bright red.
Carefully remove the cooked food to serving platters, then invite guests to dig in! Provide small plates, napkins, lobster picks, wet naps and plenty of melted butter for dunking. Supply empty buckets or bowls for discarding shells.
Let everyone crack open their own lobster for that hands-on experience. The joy of a lobster bake is enjoying the food and fun without fuss. Friends and family will be talking about your feast for years to come!
Lobster Bake Tips
Here are some extra pointers for first-time hosts:
- Cook 1.5 pound lobsters for the most tender, flavorful meat
- Use disposable roasting pans and paper products for easy clean-up
- Boil lemon halves in the pot to infuse flavor
- Allow 15-20 minutes steaming time for maximum juiciness
- Have extra lobster on hand in case of miscounts
- Provide wet wipes and napkins for messy hands and faces
- Take photos of the spread to remember this special event
End with Something Sweet
After savoring the savory lobster bake, cap off the evening with something sweet. New England classics like blueberry pie, Whoopie pies or cookies fit the bill. Offer coffee, after-dinner cocktails or champagne as nightcaps.
Most importantly, relax and soak up time with your nearest and dearest. The laid-back setting of a lobster bake brings people together in the best way. Savor the magical memories you’ll make hosting this special tradition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about hosting a lobster bake:
Is it better to boil or steam lobster?
Steaming is recommended, as it prevents excess water from permeating the meat, keeping it tender. Boiling can work for large groups since you can cook more lobsters at once.
What size lobster should you use?
1.5 pound lobsters are ideal. The meat is tender and flavorful without being tricky to cook through. Much larger and the meat gets tough.
How do you clean up easily?
Use disposable roasting pans and paper products so clean-up is tossing everything after. Lay down a disposable tablecloth too.
How long does it take to cook lobster?
Figure 15-20 minutes steaming time for 1.5 pound lobsters to turn bright red and reach perfect doneness.
What are good side dishes?
Corn on the cob, small red potatoes, clams, mussels, shrimp. Keep it simple with salad, bread and lemons too.
What are good drinks to serve?
Beer, wine, sangria, margaritas, Moscow mules, iced tea, lemonade. Offer non-alcoholic options too.
What makes a good dessert?
Stick with classic New England sweets like blueberry buckle, pie, cobbler or whoopie pies. Ice cream is always welcome!
The Takeaway
Hosting an authentic New England lobster bake is easier than you think with the right preparations. Source fresh seafood, make some savory sides, set the scene, steam up the feast and enjoy time with loved ones. The rewarding, laid-back experience and incredible flavors will keep everyone talking about your lobster bake for years to come.
Is it Better to Boil or Steam Lobster
I have tried to cook lobster both ways and personally I think lobster that is steamed tends to make the lobster meat more tender. However if you are have a lobster bake for a big number of people it is easier and more convenient to boil as you can cook quite a few lobsters at a time.
What Size Lobsters Should you Use For a Bake
I like to buy 1 1/2 pound lobsters. I think that they are a perfect size. Smaller – and you are still hungry. Larger – I think that the meat is tougher and harder to cook. I steam my lobsters in a big canning pot with just about 2 inches of water, salt (a lot of salt so that it is like sea water), and a few lemons that I’ve halved. I squeeze out the juice and throw them into the pot. I set a timer for 18 minutes. When the knuckles and the head are bright red, you can take them out. If you’re looking for more lobster recipes, be sure to check out our Classic Lobster Roll recipe or our guide on How to Make a Perfect Grilled Lobster.
