How Long to Boil Lobster in Boiling Water for Perfectly Cooked Crustaceans

Cooking lobster can seem intimidating but boiling lobster is one of the easiest most foolproof ways to prepare this delicious crustacean. When boiling lobster, timing is key – boil it too long and you’ll end up with rubbery, overcooked meat. Undercook it and your lobster will be underwhelmingly chewy. So how long should you boil a lobster to achieve tender, perfectly cooked results? Read on for a complete guide on lobster boiling times.

Choosing Your Lobsters

When buying lobsters to boil, opt for lively, energetic lobsters that feel heavy for their size. Their shells should be firm and resilient when gently squeezed, not soft or flexible. Soft-shell lobsters have recently molted their shell and will be lacking ample meat. Avoid lobsters that feel light or have dull sunken eyes. The freshest, meatiest lobsters will put up a fight when handled! Also, select similar-sized lobsters when possible to ensure even cooking.

Why Boil Lobster?

Boiling is ideal for cooking multiple lobsters at once. The rolling boil cooks the lobsters quickly and evenly. The intense heat firms up the meat and makes it easy to remove from the shells. The seasoned boiling liquid imparts tons of flavor too. Boiling also allows you to cook 4+ lobsters simultaneously – perfect for feeding a crowd! For just 1-2 lobsters, steaming may work better.

Lobster Boiling Tips

• Use a large pot to avoid overcrowding Leave space for the water to circulate freely.

• Don’t bind lobster claws. Let those claws flap around – it’s safer than dealing with strong lobster pincers once cooked.

• Add lobsters headfirst into the pot. Avoid splashing by keeping their legs facing away from you.

• Bring the water back to a boil quickly after adding lobsters. A dip in temperature will increase cooking time.

• Use a thermometer to test doneness. Insert into the underside of each tail to ensure 135°F.

How Much Water Do You Need?

Your pot should be filled 2/3 full with ample water to cover the lobsters completely. Allow around 3 quarts of water per 1-1 1/2 pounds of lobster. Any less and you risk boiling over once adding the lobsters. Too little water can also lead to uneven cooking.

Salting the Water

Adding salt is optional, but it enhances flavor. Use 1/4 cup salt per gallon of water. For a true ocean essence, substitute regular water with sea water if available in your area.

Lobster Boiling Times

Here are the target boiling times according to lobster size:

• 1 pound lobster: 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

These times are for hard-shell lobsters. For new-shell (soft-shell) lobsters, reduce cooking time by 2-3 minutes.

Regardless of multiple lobsters cooking at once, the timing correlates to the individual sizes. Resist the urge to extend boiling time when cooking more than 2 lobsters. This risks overcooking.

Step-By-Step Boiling Instructions

1. 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.

2. Bring water to a rolling boil over high heat.

3. Grasp lobsters from behind their head and place into pot headfirst. Avoid splashing by keeping tail curled under.

4. Once all lobsters are submerged, put lid on pot and return to boil.

5. Start timer according to lobster sizes. Monitor temperature closely.

6. When timer goes off, use tongs to transfer lobsters to a colander.

7. Cool lobsters down immediately under running water or in an ice bath.

8. Use a sharp knife to pierce the underside of tails to drain excess water.

9. Serve with melted butter or crack and enjoy!

Checking for Doneness

The lobster shells will turn bright red when cooked, but that’s not a foolproof indicator, especially for larger lobsters. A better test is to insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the tail. It should reach 135-140°F when done.

You can also try tugging on the small antennas. If they slide out easily, your lobster is ready for eating!

What if I Undercook My Lobster?

No need to panic. You can gently reheat slightly undercooked lobsters in melted butter until they reach the ideal internal temperature. Just avoid boiling them again to prevent overcooking.

What if I Overcook My Lobster?

We won’t judge – lobster boiling mistakes happen in the most seasoned Maine kitchens too! If your lobster comes out slightly overcooked, just douse it in extra melted butter and enjoy the salty, decadent richness. The butter’s fat will moisten up any rubbery spots.

Tips to Prevent Overcooked Lobster

• Don’t cook lobsters straight from the fridge. Allow them to reach room temperature first.

• Add lobsters to already boiling water – don’t wait for it to re-heat.

• Use an accurate kitchen thermometer to test doneness.

• Err on the side of undercooking and reheat in butter if needed.

• Remember – timing should be based on individual lobster weights, not the total batch weight.

• For soft-shell lobsters, reduce standard cook times by 2-3 minutes.

Make It a Seafood Boil!

Transform your lobster boil into a showstopping seafood extravaganza by adding ingredients like:

• Potatoes – Russets, red bliss, new potatoes.

• Smoked sausage or kielbasa.

• Corn on the cob, halved.

• Shrimp, crab legs, mussels, clams.

• Onions, lemons, garlic, bay leaves, Old Bay seasoning.

• Beer or wine for the boiling liquid.

Allow harder, denser items to go in first. Add more delicate seafood during the final 2-4 minutes so it doesn’t overcook.

Boiling Lobster FAQs

Should I boil frozen lobster? Only boil thawed, fresh lobsters. Boiling frozen will create mushy, unpleasant meat.

Can I reheat already cooked lobster? You can, but avoid boiling it again. Use a lower temp method like steaming.

Can I boil lobster frozen? Never start boiling frozen lobsters. Always thaw them first in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.

Should I clean lobsters before boiling? Nope, no need to scrub or rinse them. Save cleaning until after cooking and cooling.

How do I kill a lobster humanely before boiling? You can either sever the head with a sharp knife or place them in the freezer for 30 minutes to anesthetize them before boiling.

What kind of pot do I need to boil lobsters? You’ll need a large stock pot or lobster pot big enough to fit all your lobsters without crowding and giving the water room to circulate.

Enjoy Perfectly Cooked Lobster with Proper Boiling Times

Now you’re ready to boil lobster like a tried and true Mainer! Avoid over and undercooking mishaps by following these guidelines. Don’t forget to use an instant-read thermometer to eliminate any guessing. Test out a classic lobster boil or spice it up into a mouthwatering seafood extravaganza. Just follow the boil times chart for tender, deliciously cooked lobster every time.