Where Can I Buy a Live Lobster Near Me? Your Guide to Purchasing Fresh Live Lobsters

Looking for live lobsters to cook up a delicious seafood feast? You may be wondering, where can I buy a live lobster near me? Getting your hands on fresh, quality live lobsters without traveling all the way to the coast can be challenging. However, with a bit of research, you can find retailers that ship live lobsters overnight right to your doorstep. This guide covers everything you need to know about buying live lobsters online or in-person so you can enjoy delicious, fresh seafood no matter where you live.

Purchasing Live Lobsters Online

One of the easiest ways to buy live lobsters if you don’t live near the coast is to order them online. There are several retailers that specialize in overnight shipping of live lobsters packed in insulated containers Ordering live lobsters online offers several benefits

• Convenience No need to drive to the coast you can order lobsters on your computer or phone and have them delivered to your door.

• High-quality options: Online seafood retailers source their lobsters from trusted fishermen and can ship hard-shell lobsters that were caught fresh that day.

• Variety of sizes: Order exactly the size lobster you need from 1-2 pound lobsters up to 10+ pound behemoths.

• Order extras: Many online fish markets allow you to order cooked lobster meat, lobster rolls, or lobster bisque along with your live lobsters.

I’ve ordered from Maine Lobster Now several times and have been impressed with the quality. Their live lobsters arrive lively and healthy after overnight shipping and they have a great selection of sizes from 1 pound up to 15+ pounds. They even offer free overnight shipping on orders over $150.

Finding Live Lobsters Locally

If you want same day fresh lobsters, buying them locally is your best option. Depending on where you live, you may be able to find retailers or seafood markets that sell live lobsters. Here are some places to look:

• Independent fish markets: Many local fish markets or seafood shops will have live lobster tanks where you can personally select the lobsters you want.

• Asian supermarkets: Markets specializing in Asian delicacies often sell live seafood like lobsters, crabs, clams, etc. Check the tanks!

• Restaurant suppliers: Restaurant supply stores that cater to food service businesses may be open to the public and carry live lobsters. Call ahead to ask.

• Local fishermen: If you live near a coastal region where lobster is fished, look for lobstermen selling freshly caught lobsters from their docks or trucks.

• Grocery store fish counters: Some high-end grocers will have live lobster tanks, but selection is limited.

I’ve had the best luck finding quality live lobsters from independent fish markets near me. The lobsters are friskier and healthier than some grocery store options. Seek out well-reviewed seafood markets in your area.

What To Look For When Buying Live Lobster

Whether ordering online or buying local, keep these tips in mind when selecting live lobsters:

• Look for lively lobsters: Pick active lobsters that crawl around energetically and have strong tail flips. Avoid lethargic or weak lobsters.

• Check the shell: Opt for lobsters with shiny, hard shells without any cracks or damage. Soft shells indicate an old lobster.

• Go for heft: Pick lobsters that feel heavy for their size, indicating they are packed with meat. Light lobsters may be watery.

• Size it up: Heavier lobsters generally have more meat. Choose 1-1.5 pound lobsters for single servings. Bigger lobsters work well for multiple people or lobster bakes.

• No odor: Give lobsters a sniff – you want no fishy or ammonia smells. A healthy lobster has a salty ocean scent.

Following these guidelines will help ensure you get the tastiest, freshest lobsters for boiling, grilling, or any preparation.

How To Store Live Lobster After Purchase

Once you get your live lobsters home, proper storage is key to keeping them lively, happy, and tasty. Here are some tips:

• Keep cold: Store lobsters in the coldest part of your fridge in a container with damp paper towels. Ideal temperature is between 36-42°F.

• Don’t freeze: Live lobsters should never be frozen or placed directly on ice. This can kill them.

• Use quickly: Cook live lobsters within 24 hours of purchase for best quality and flavor. Their health declines after 48 hours.

• Avoid tank storage: Don’t try to keep them long term in a home lobster tank, which lacks proper water filtering.

Storing live lobsters properly ensures they stay energetic and don’t spoil before you cook them. Only buy what you will use within 1-2 days.

Preparing Your Live Lobster

Once ready to cook, it’s time to prep your snappy lobster. Here are some tips for handling live lobsters:

• Chill out: Place lobsters in freezer for 5-10 minutes before cooking to dull their senses and slow movement.

• Hold from behind: Pick up lobsters from the back of the shell behind the claws to avoid getting pinched.

• Bands optional: You can use rubber bands to restrain claw movement for safety during prep.

• Separate claws: Twist and detach claws from the body before cooking to make eating easier later.

• Cut or crush: Use a heavy knife to split or crush the head down the middle to instantly kill the lobster before dropping into boiling water or grill.

Take care when handling live lobsters and prep them properly for the cooking method you plan to use. This ensures they are dispatched humanely while also giving you the safest and easiest dining experience.

How To Cook Your Live Lobster At Home

Once prepped, you get to cook these tasty crustaceans! Here are some popular cooking methods:

Boiling: This is the classic preparation. Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Add prepped lobsters and cook for 7 minutes for 1 pound lobsters. Add 3 minutes per pound for larger sizes.

Grilling: Slice lobsters in half lengthwise and brush with butter/oil. Grill meat-side down for 5-6 minutes until opaque. Turn over and cook shell-side for another 2-3 minutes.

Baking: Place halved lobsters meat-side up on a baking sheet. Brush with butter and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes until cooked through. Broil last 2 minutes if needed.

Steaming: Use a metal steamer basket in a large pot with 2 inches boiling water. Add lobsters and steam 8-10 minutes until bright red.

Microwaving: Split smaller lobsters in half. Microwave 4-5 minutes on high, flipping halfway. Check for doneness.

Try experimenting with different seasonings and sauces to customize your lobsters. Melted garlic-lemon butter never disappoints!

Eating and Serving Your Cooked Lobster

Now for the best part – feasting on tender, sweet lobster meat! Here are some serving tips:

• Crack the shell: Use lobster crackers, small hammers, or even your hands to break open the shell and access the meat.

• Try the green: The green liver-like tomalley is considered a delicacy – stir it into rice or spread on bread.

• Go low: The meat in the lower small legs and claws is very tender and sweet. Don’t forget about it!

• Use the meat: Refrigerate any leftover lobster meat to add to salads, pasta, omelets, or lobster rolls in the days ahead.

• Make a meal: Pair your lobster with drawn butter, corn on the cob, baked potatoes, and some white wine or sparkling cider.

Lobster is delicious all on its own, but can also be incorporated into everything from seafood stews to lobster mac and cheese. Get creative with this coveted crustacean!

Frequently Asked Questions About Buying Live Lobster

If you’re new to purchasing live lobsters, chances are you have a few questions about the process. Here are answers to some of the most common queries:

How long will a live lobster last after delivery? Properly packed live lobsters will survive 24-48 hours in transit. Use them ASAP once they arrive.

Is it safe to order live seafood online? Reputable online seafood retailers like Maine Lobster Now use proven overnight shipping methods to deliver lobsters safely.

Should I order cooked or live lobsters? Live lobsters are more flavorful, but for convenience, ordering pre-cooked lobster meat can be easier for recipes or dipping.

Can live lobsters be returned if any die during transit?