Cooking lobster can seem intimidating, but it’s simpler than you think. The key is knowing how long to boil your lobster to achieve the ideal texture – tender, flaky and succulent. Undercook it and the meat stays chewy and lacking flavor. Overcook it and it becomes unpleasantly rubbery.
So how long should you boil a lobster? It depends on the size and weight but there is a reliable method to determine the perfect cook time. Follow this complete guide to deliciously cooked lobster every time.
Choosing Your Lobster
When selecting a live lobster, look for an active one with bright color and strong claw movements. Avoid any with damage, missing limbs or lethargy. Check the weight, as heavier lobsters need longer cook times. Sizes include:
- Chicken (1 to 1.25 lbs)
- Quarter (1.25 to 1.5 lbs)
- Half (1.5 to 1.75 lbs)
- Three Quarter (1.75 to 2 lbs)
- Jumbo (2 to 2.5 lbs)
- Grande (2.5 to 3 lbs)
The most common size is around 1.5 pounds Lobsters over 3 pounds are rare
Preparing the Lobster for Boiling
Before cooking. prepare your live lobster
- Place in freezer for 30 minutes to sedate
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Use at least 4 quarts water per 1.5 lbs lobster.
- Grab the lobster firmly behind the claws and lower it into the pot head first.
- Cover pot with a tight fitting lid to cook evenly.
Boil Times per Lobster Weight
Once the lobster is in the boiling water, start timing immediately.
- 1 pound lobster: Boil for 5 minutes
- 1.25 pound lobster: Boil for 7 minutes
- 1.5 pound lobster: Boil for 8 minutes
- 1.75 pound lobster: Boil for 9 minutes
- 2 pound lobster: Boil for 10 minutes
- 2.5 pound lobster: Boil for 12 minutes
- 3 pound lobster: Boil for 15 minutes
These times are just a baseline. Confirm doneness by checking the internal temperature of the thickest part of the tail reaches 135°F. You can also peek inside the tail to ensure the meat is opaque throughout.
If needed, continue boiling in 1 minute increments until cooked through. But be careful not to overcook and make the meat rubbery.
Tips for Perfect Boiled Lobster
Follow these tips for tender, flavorful boiled lobster:
- Use plenty of water in a large pot to boil rapidly
- Add 2 tablespoons salt per quart of water to season
- Cook multiple lobsters in batches to avoid crowding
- Stir halfway through for even cooking
- Let rest for 5 minutes after boiling so meat absorbs moisture
Serving Your Cooked Lobster
Once boiled, you can serve lobster whole and crack it at the table. Or use the meat in other recipes like pasta and tacos.
To serve whole boiled lobster:
- Provide small forks, picks and nutcrackers
- Twist off claws and tail then crack them open
- Remove legs one by one by squeezing joints
- Split open body lengthwise to access meaty knuckles
- Serve with melted butter, lemon wedges and sides
Knowing exactly how long to boil your lobster is the key to perfect results every time. Follow this complete guide according to weight and you’ll achieve tender, juicy meat with amazing flavor. Let us know how your expertly cooked lobster turns out!
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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 Humanely Kill Lobster
This age-old debate is ever-changing and ongoing as more research is done about lobsters and their ability to feel pain. Chefs and home cooks favor different methods, from stroking them on the head to using a knife to freezing.
Americas Test Kitchen performed some tests and, while we cant currently be 100% certain what approach is the most humane, they found that freezing lobsters for about 30 minutes before boiling sedates them, basically putting them to sleep. This caused the lobsters to move less upon hitting the boiling water.
We tested freezing lobsters for 20 to 30 minutes before boiling and can confirm that the lobsters were sedated and moved far less. As a bonus, its easier (and less risky) to remove the rubber bands while theyre sedated. Be quick getting them from the freezer to the pot for the best results.
How To Boil Lobster | Maine Lobster Now
FAQ
How long does it take to boil lobster?
Par-boil lobsters in boiling water for 5 minutes. Remove the lobsters and immediately put into a large pot/bowl of cold water to stop the cooking.
How do you know a lobster is done boiling?
Helpful Reminder. To check if your lobster is done, crack open where the body (carapace) meets the tail. If it’s done, the meat will have changed from translucent to white. If it is not, continue to boil it until it is.
Can you over boil lobster?
Don’t Overdo It.
The lobster is ready when it turns bright red and the meat is opaque. Too much boiling or steaming can cause the meat to become tough.
Do you add anything to the water when boiling lobster?
However, when boiling lobsters, it’s common to add salt to the water, which can enhance the flavor of the lobster meat. The amount of salt added can vary, but it should complement the natural sweetness of the lobster rather than overpower it.
Do you drop lobster in boiling water?
Boiling is easier. Boil water, salt it, and drop lobsters in. It takes about 6 – 8 minutes for a 1lb lobster. They die almost instantly, so its not so painful for them.
How long to steam a 2 lb lobster?
… pot occasionally, until cooked through, about 8 minutes for 3/4 to 1 pound lobsters, about 10 minutes for 1 to 1 1/4 pound lobsters, and about 11 minutes …
How long to boil whole lobster?
Before diving into the details, let’s address the burning question of how long to boil whole lobster. As a general rule of thumb, a 1 to 1 1/2 pound lobster should be boiled for 8-10 minutes, while larger lobsters may require 12-15 minutes of boiling time.
How do you cook live 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.
How do you boil lobsters in a crock pot?
Choose a pot to boil lobsters in and fill it 2/3 with water. You want to choose a pot that will allow you to fill it halfway to two-thirds full of water while safely accommodating your lobsters without the water spilling over. Boil the water and add salt. Bring the water to a rapid boil over medium-high heat.
How do you cook a 1 lb lobster?
Fill a large pot 2/3 full with salted water (1⁄4 cup salt per gallon). Use 3 quarts water per 1-1 1/2 pounds lobster. Bring water to a rolling boil over high heat. Grasp lobsters from behind their head and place into pot headfirst. Avoid splashing by keeping tail curled under. Once all lobsters are submerged, put lid on pot and return to boil.
How do you cook lobster in a pot?
To cook lobster in a pot, fill a 4- to 5-gallon pot 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.
How do you boil lobster tails?
To boil lobster tails: Fill a large pot with enough water to fully submerge the tails. Bring to a rolling boil. Add 2 tablespoons salt to the boiling water to season. Gently lower each lobster tail into the pot. Crowding will lower the temp. Cover and adjust heat to maintain a steady boil. Start checking doneness at 6 minutes. Ideal boil times are: