Do You Boil Lobster? A Complete Guide to Boiling Lobsters

Lobster is one of the most decadent and delicious seafood out there. With its sweet, tender meat and iconic claws it’s no wonder why lobster is considered a luxury ingredient. While there are many ways to prepare lobster, boiling is one of the simplest and most traditional cooking methods. But how exactly do you properly boil a lobster at home?

In this complete guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about boiling lobster, from choosing the right lobster to cook times. You’ll learn the step-by-step process for boiling lobster perfectly every time. After reading this, you’ll be ready to host your own lobster boil feast!

Why Boil Lobster?

Boiling is one of the quickest and easiest ways to cook lobster at home. It’s a straightforward, foolproof cooking method that requires minimal equipment and effort. Here are some of the benefits of boiling lobster:

• Cooks lobster evenly throughout The rolling boil cooks the lobster meat all the way through

• Brings out the natural sweetness. The hot water draws out the sweetness from the meat.

• Infuses flavor into the meat The shell and water create a tasty broth that seasons the meat

• Allows for easy shelling. The high heat helps loosen the meat from the shell for easier removal.

• Best for cooking multiple lobsters. You can boil several lobsters at once in a large pot.

• Minimal equipment needed. All you need is a pot, water, and heat source to boil lobsters.

So if you’re cooking lobster for a crowd or just want an easy weeknight dinner, boiling is a great choice!

Choosing Lobsters for Boiling

Not all lobsters are created equal when it comes to boiling. Here are a few tips for picking lobsters that will yield the best results:

• Choose lively, active lobsters. Avoid lobsters that are lethargic or lifeless.

• Pick hard-shell or firm-shell lobsters. They’ll have more meat compared to soft-shell.

• Go for 1-1.5 pound lobsters. Larger lobsters may be tougher while smaller ones cook too quickly.

• Make sure claws are intact. Missing claws means missing meat.

• Look for bright color. Lobsters fade as they age so pick brightly colored ones.

Starting with high-quality, fresh lobsters ensures you’ll end up with tender, delicious meat after boiling. Store lobsters in a damp paper bag in the fridge until ready to cook.

Boiling Lobster Step-By-Step

Follow these simple steps for perfect boiled lobster every time:

1. Choose a large pot and fill with water. Pick a pot that will fit all your lobsters with room to spare. Fill with enough water to cover the lobsters fully.

2. Salt the water. Add 2 tablespoons salt for every 4 quarts of water. The salt seasons the broth.

3. Bring water to a rolling boil. Heat on high until the water is furiously boiling. This intense heat will cook the lobsters evenly.

4. Add lobsters headfirst into the pot. Keep the rubber bands on the claws. Cover pot immediately.

5. Start timing based on size. Reference the guide below and set a timer for each lobster’s cook time.

6. When done, remove lobsters and soak in an ice bath to stop cooking.

It’s that simple! Now let’s go over proper cook times so your lobsters come out perfectly cooked.

Lobster Boiling Times

You should boil lobsters according to their individual size and weight. Here are the recommended boiling times:

• 1 pound lobster: 6-7 minutes
• 1 1⁄4 pound lobster: 7-8 minutes
• 1 1⁄2 pound lobster: 8-9 minutes
• 1 3⁄4 pound lobster: 9-11 minutes
• 2 pound lobster: 10-12 minutes

For larger lobsters:

• Add 3 minutes for each additional pound

These times will ensure your lobster is cooked through without becoming overdone and rubbery. Boil multiple lobsters in the same pot using their individual cook times.

How to Tell When Lobster is Done

Checking for doneness protects against under or overcooking. Here are easy ways to test if your lobster is ready:

• Shell turns bright red all over
• Meat is opaque and white, not translucent
  -Juices run clear, not milky
• Tail meat feels firm yet still tender
• Antennae pull out easily

An instant-read thermometer should register 140°F-145°F in the thickest part of tail meat.

Resting & Serving Boiled Lobster

After boiling, always rest the lobster for 5-10 minutes before serving. Resting allows the meat to reabsorb any excess moisture for a tender texture.

Serve lobster with melted butter, lemon wedges, and shell crackers. Provide small dishes for empty shells. Dig into the sweet lobster meat in shells, tails, claws, and legs!

Boiling Lobster FAQs

Here are answers to some common questions about boiling lobsters:

What size pot do you use? Choose a pot that can fit all your lobsters with 4-6 inches of extra room. A 5 gallon pot fits 5-6 lobsters.

How much water do you need? Fill pot with enough water to cover lobsters completely, about 3 quarts per 1.5 pounds of lobster.

Can you boil frozen lobster? Only boil live or thawed lobsters, not frozen. Defrost frozen lobster in the fridge overnight before boiling.

Should you boil multiple lobsters together? Yes, you can boil several lobsters in the same pot using each one’s individual cook time.

What if I undercook or overcook? Undercooked lobster can be fixed by simmering in butter. Overcooked lobster may be dry but still edible.

More Ideas for Boiled Lobsters

Once you’ve mastered the basics, try these fun ways to change up your boiled lobsters:

• Add aromatics to the pot like garlic, onions, or herbs.

• Use seafood seasoning instead of just salt for more flavor.

• Throw in halved lemons, corn cobs, or potatoes for a mini lobster boil.

• Serve with a flavored butter like chive, lemon, or chipotle.

• For special occasions, serve lobster with champagne!

Boiling lobster yourself is simple yet impressive. Follow this guide for tender, juicy lobster boiled to perfection. Let the lobster feast commence!