I teach you how to have a lobster bake at home. This is an ideal meal for entertaining. Make ahead, easy clean up, and LOBSTER!.
Here in New England, summer only means one thing: LOBSTER! From June to September, a lot of family and friends come to visit. It’s funny, we’ve lived all over the country and no one ever really wanted to visit us before. Now that we live on Cape Cod, everyone all of the sudden wants to see us. Hmmm…. interesting…. If you’re going to be there, don’t forget to check out the places we list in our guide to 5 Things to Do in Falmouth, MA.
It’s very likely that you will have a traditional lobster dinner if you come to my house. I love making this for people because it is a. ) SO New England b. ) it is all prep, very little hands on and c. ) super easy to clean up. This is fun and unique every time I make it, even though I’ve done it a lot. Everyone hangs out, drinks something before dinner, and plays corn hole or ring toss. It’s very chill and easygoing. And if you’re curious about pairing sides with your lobster bake, why not try our Val’s Corn Pudding?.
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:
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Cook 1.5 pound lobsters for the most tender, flavorful meat
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Use disposable roasting pans and paper products for easy clean-up
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Boil lemon halves in the pot to infuse flavor
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Allow 15-20 minutes steaming time for maximum juiciness
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Have extra lobster on hand in case of miscounts
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Provide wet wipes and napkins for messy hands and faces
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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.
Is it Better to Boil or Steam Lobster
I’ve tried both ways to cook lobster, and I think that steamed lobster makes the meat more tender. If you’re having a lobster bake for a lot of people, boiling is easier and more convenient because you can cook a lot of lobsters at once.
Tips and Tricks for a Perfect Lobster Bake
Steaming the lobster: Using a steamer to cook the lobster keeps the meat tender by keeping extra water from getting into the meat.
Cleaning up: The key to an easy clean up is to serve it in disposable foil pans. In New England, we have Ocean State Job Lots and Christmas Tree Shop. They sell these pans, and are less than a dollar apiece. I stock up and buy 50 at the beginning of the season. (They are also my pan of choice for making marshmallows which I make about 100 times a summer. ) I put down a disposable table cloth, and a few rolls of paper towels.
Tips for pulling off a successful Labor Day lobster bake
How do you cook a live lobster?
The recommended way to cook live lobsters is to steam them. You’ll need a large pot, a steamer basket, and some salt. It is best to use sea salt harvested from the ocean, but regular table salt will work fine. Fill the large pot with approximately one and ½ inches of water. Add one tablespoon of salt for every quart of water.
How do you cook potatoes in a lobster pot?
Pour one gallon of sea water into a large lobster pot. Place half of the seaweed over the water and add the potatoes, they take the longest to cook so give them a head start. Put the lid on the pot and heat over high heat bringing the water to a boil. Reduce to a steady simmer, set a timer and let the potatoes cook for 5 minutes.
How long do you cook a 1 pound lobster?
Bring the water to a boil, and then place the lobster and the steamer basket inside the pot. A one-pounder lobster should be cooked for approximately 12 minutes. A pound and a half lobster should be cooked for around 15 minutes. Check the pot periodically to ensure the water has not boiled off. Add more water while the lobster is cooking if needed.
What is a Maine lobster bake in a pot?
Step by step instructions for preparing a traditional Maine Lobster Bake in a pot. This is a complete meal of lobster, clams, corn, and potatoes.