Finding and Buying the Best Lobster Meat – My Tips and Favorite Sources

As a New Englander who loves indulging in freshly cooked lobster whenever I can, I’m always on the hunt for the absolute best lobster meat. That sweet, succulent texture that’s so rich and briny – it’s one of the finest culinary pleasures there is! But not all lobster meat is created equal. Finding premium quality lobster meat to enjoy at home does require a bit of insider knowledge.

Through lots of tasty “research”, I’ve discovered the top sources for purchasing incredible lobster meat. The key is knowing where to find chunks of tender, juicy claw, knuckle, and tail meat from freshly cooked Maine and Canadian lobsters. In this article, I’ll share my tips on what to look for when buying lobster meat, along with my go-to favorite places to order it online or locally in New England.

What to Look for in Quality Lobster Meat

Before diving into where to buy it, here are some signs of fantastic lobster meat to guide your purchase or order:

• Color Opt for translucent white meat tinged with red/coral. Avoid yellowing

• Texture: Should feel firm yet tender. No mushiness or rubbery bits.

• Scent: Sweet, briny aroma is key. Detecting ammonia or sulfur odors means spoiled meat.

• Chunks: Big solid pieces are best. Avoid shredded stringy meat or tiny fragments.

• Minimal Additives: The ingredients should just list “lobster meat” with no fillers or preservatives.

Keeping these standards in mind will help you source the finest lobster meat for your recipes and enjoyment. Now let’s get to my top recommended places to buy!

Online Sources for Premium Lobster Meat

To save time and hassle, I often order lobster meat online. My go-to e-tailers for exceptional quality lobster sourced from Maine and Canada are:

Lobster Anywhere

This website lives up to its name – you can get incredible lobster meat shipped anywhere. I’m consistently impressed with the huge chunks of firm, sweet claw, knuckle and tail meat in each vacuum-sealed pack.

Lobster Anywhere has sustainable sourcing practices as well. Their 1 lb and 2 lb packs of cooked lobster meat are perfect for lobster rolls, salad, mac and cheese, and more. Quick shipping right to your door!

The Lobster Guy

For over 25 years, The Lobster Guy has been a leader in live lobster and seafood delivery. I order their “premium” lobster meat packs when I want particularly exceptional quality. Their meat seems to come from only the choicest hard-shell lobsters, as the texture and flavor is unbeatable.

The Lobster Guy also makes awesome lobster roll kits with the buns, meat and seasonings included. They even ship cooked crab meat, smoked salmon, and other seafood products too.

Luke’s Lobster

This rapidly expanding brand operates restaurants up and down the East Coast focusing on fresh seafood. Luke’s now offers lobster meat for online ordering as well. The claw and knuckle meat in their 1 lb packs is wild-caught right off the Maine coast.

I appreciate that you can trace exactly what wharf your Luke’s lobster meat came from. The meat packs ship with frozen gel ice packs to ensure optimal freshness.

Buying Lobster Meat Locally in New England

When it comes to the freshest lobster meat, nothing quite beats visiting an iconic old seafood market or pound along the New England shoreline. Two of my go-to spots are:

James Hook + Co – Boston, MA

This family-run Boston institution has been selling quality lobster and seafood since 1925. I love checking out their expansive lobster tank and selecting the choicest hard-shell beauties.

James Hook’s team of skilled fish cutters will then prepare and pick out the meat to your order. You can also buy their pre-packed containers of claw, knuckle and tail meat by the pound.

Browne Trading Market – Portland, ME

Located right on the wharf, this Portland seafood purveyor is like heaven for lobster lovers. You’ll find tanks brimming with live lobsters as well as home-style lobster preparations to go like creamy bisque and famous lobster rolls.

Their lobster meat counter sells containers of freshly picked meat from their own shells, including the sweet knuckles. Top quality and service!

How to Use that Luscious Lobster Meat

Once you’ve got your claws on some spectacular lobster meat, the fun is deciding how to eat it! Here are some of my favorite ways to savor and serve:

• Generous stuffed lobster rolls

• Lobster mac and cheese casserole

• Simple lobster salad with lemon and herbs

• Showstopping lobster ravioli in vodka sauce

• Indulgent lobster risotto or linguine

• Baked stuffed lobster tails

• Quick weeknight lobster quesadillas

From casual to elegant, the meaty flavor of lobster elevates any dish. I like to keep a few pounds stocked in my freezer for whenever that lobster craving strikes!

Don’t Skimp on Quality

One final tip when buying lobster meat – always opt for the best quality you can find and afford. Paying a little more for premium meat sourced from leading seafood purveyors is worth every penny in terms of rich flavor and texture.

The top-notch meat feels and tastes noticeably different than cheaper shredded bits. Take it from this New England gal who has consumed her fair share of lobster over the years – go for the good stuff and your tastebuds will thank you!

Cracking Open Luscious Lobster Meat