Can You Microwave a Lobster? A Surprisingly Quick and Easy Method

Lobster is a decadent, indulgent seafood that most people only enjoy on special occasions. Going through the process of steaming or boiling a live lobster or grilling lobster tails can be time and labor intensive. This leads many home cooks to wonder – can you microwave a lobster for a quick and easy preparation?

While microwaving seafood is sometimes frowned upon, it turns out lobster can be perfectly cooked in the microwave with impressive results When done properly, microwaving yields tender, succulent lobster meat infused with a concentrated briny sweetness

Below we will cover the benefits of microwaving lobster, step-by-step instructions, tips to get the best results, and FAQs on this unconventional but effective cooking method. After reading this, you may never want to fuss with pots, steamers and grills to enjoy lobster again!

Why Microwave Lobster? The Benefits

Microwaving is an ideal way to prepare lobster for several reasons:

• Simplicity – It requires minimal preparation and tools – just the lobster, microwave-safe bag, water and seasonings

• Speed – Lobster can be cooked start to finish in 10 minutes or less.

• Flavor – The shell helps retain moisture and concentrate the sweet briny taste.

• Minimal cleanup – With no pots or pans, cleanup is tossing away the steaming bag.

• Efficiency – The microwave frees up stovetop space if making other dishes.

Many people, including chefs, value the microwave for its convenience and how it draws out lobster’s natural essences. For a fast and unfussy preparation that still yields impressive results, microwaving lobster is hard to beat.

Step-by-Step Guide to Microwaving Lobster

Microwaving cooked lobster is simple but there are a few key steps to follow:

Prep

• Start with fresh live lobster or thawed lobster tails. Humanely dispatch live lobsters before cooking.

• Use an individual microwave-safe plastic steaming bag for each 1-1.5 lb lobster OR a large 2 gallon bag for a 2 lb lobster. Any microwave-safe container with a lid also works.

Cooking

• Add 1⁄4 cup water (or seaweed, wine or broth) and seasonings to bag. Common options are Old Bay seasoning, lemon slices, garlic, thyme, tarragon and white wine.

• Seal bag, leaving a small air opening. Place in microwave seam-side up.

• Cook on high for 6 minutes per pound. A 1.5 lb lobster takes 9 minutes.

• Let rest 1 minute before opening. Carefully open bag away from face to avoid steam burns.

Finishing Touches

• Check internal temperature with instant thermometer – it should reach 135°F-140°F in the thickest part of the tail/body.

• For whole lobsters, give the small antennae a tug – if they come out easily, the lobster is done.

• Serve with drawn butter, lemon wedges and other favorite sauces or toppings.

And that’s it – perfectly cooked lobster using only a microwave in about 10 minutes!

Microwave Lobster Cooking Times

For the best results, follow these microwave cooking times based on the weight of your lobster:

• 1 pound lobster – 6 minutes
• 1 1⁄4 pound lobster – 7 minutes
• 1 1⁄2 pound lobster – 9 minutes
• 1 3⁄4 pound lobster – 10 minutes
• 2 pound lobster – 12 minutes

If reheating leftover lobster meat, start with just 1-2 minutes and check frequently to avoid overcooking.

Tips for Microwaving Lobster

Follow these tips from professional chefs and seafood experts for flawless microwaved lobster:

• Only microwave 1 whole lobster or 2 tails at a time – overcrowding leads to uneven cooking.

• Cut lobster tails in half lengthwise before cooking for more even heat distribution.

• Add aromatics like lemon slices, garlic and fresh herbs to the steaming bag.

• Open the cooked bag slowly and away from your face – there will be extremely hot steam.

• Use an instant-read thermometer to check doneness rather than relying on time alone.

• Let lobster sit for 2-3 minutes after cooking – the shells hold in heat and continue cooking off heat.

Get Creative With Microwaved Lobster

Beyond basic steaming, the microwave can prepare lobster in diverse ways:

• Grilled lobster – Brush tails with oil and spices. Microwave 2-3 minutes then finish on grill.

• Lobster Newburg – Make a creamy sherry sauce. Add cooked lobster meat and microwave 1-2 minutes until heated through.

• Surf and turf – Follow your favorite beef tenderloin recipe. Microwave pre-cooked lobster tails then serve together.

However you choose to prepare your lobster, the microwave is a quick cooking method that frees up time and oven/grill space for the rest of your meal.

Frequently Asked Questions About Microwaving Lobster

Can you microwave frozen lobster tails?

Yes, microwave frozen tails straight from the freezer. Add an extra 1-2 minutes to the cooking time. Check frequently and stop cooking once the meat is opaque.

How long does it take to microwave a lobster tail?

A 6-8 oz tail takes 4-5 minutes, a 10-12 oz tail takes 6-7 minutes. Cut larger tails in half. Cook in 30 second intervals and check doneness.

Can you microwave raw lobster meat?

You can microwave raw tails removed from the shells. Reduce cook times and microwave in 30 second intervals until meat is just opaque – overcooking makes the texture rubbery.

Is it safe to microwave lobster in plastic?

It’s safe as long as you use a new, BPA-free plastic bag designed for steaming and microwave use. Do not reuse bags.

What is the converted microwave wattage to conventional oven cooking temp?

700-1000W microwaves equate to roughly 250°F in an oven. So high microwave power cooks faster than a low oven temperature.

Is Microwaving Lobster Right for You?

While boiling or steaming are conventional ways to cook lobster, using the microwave is a fast, hands-off method that yields impressive results. If you are a confident home cook with experience handling live lobster, give this quick preparation a try for your next seafood feast. Just be sure to take care when removing the extremely hot, steam-filled bag from the microwave.

For many people, microwaving makes preparing fresh lobster simple enough to enjoy more frequently. In just 10-12 minutes, you can have tender, succulent lobster tails or a whole lobster cracked open and ready to dip in melted butter and savor. So next time a lobster craving strikes, consider giving this unconventional yet effective cooking method a try rather than firing up the pot or grill.