Lobster remains one of the most popular seafood dishes across the entire world. The most common way to cook lobster is to steam it. Steaming is a gentle method of cooking lobster which not only easy on the skin, but it provides for more tender meat on the inside. In addition, steaming lobster is much harder to overcook than other methods.
Prior to cooking the lobster, you must place the lobsters in the freezer. You can freeze it for 20 minutes if you are cooking it immediately, but it is recommended that you complete this process overnight. This prevents meat from potentially sticking to the shell.
The next thing to consider when steaming lobster is what size pot you plan to use. If you are cooking multiple lobsters, an adequately-sized pot is needed to give each lobster enough space to cook thoroughly. It is highly recommended to use a 4-5 gallon pot if you plan cooking lobsters of around 6 to 8 pounds.
After you have selected an appropriate pot, the next step is saturating the lobster. You will need 2 inches of either seawater or saltwater. Once you place the water at the bottom of a kettle, make sure to bring the water to a boil over high heat. Add the live lobsters, place them into the kettle one at a time, and begin to log the time elapsed.
About halfway through the process, you should lift the lid, making sure to practice caution with the intense steam. To ensure a consistent and thorough cooking of each lobster, shift the lobsters slightly while in the pot.
How long should it take to cook each lobster successfully? It all depends on the total weight of the lobsters you are cooking. Typically, it takes around 9 times the amount of pounds in minutes. For example, if you cooking approximately 2 pounds of lobster, it should take 18 minutes. If you are cooking just 1 pound, 10 minutes should suffice.
There are certain signs to look for that indicates that a lobster has been fully cooked. The primary indicator you want to look for is the consistency of the actual meat. If it’s translucent, it still needs time to cook. If the meat has turned white, then it is ready to eat. In addition, be careful to not be confused by the color of the lobster. Cooked lobster will have a bright red color to it, but that is not an indication that it is fully cooked through.
Once finished, allow the lobster to cool for a bit before serving. Lobster is commonly served with baked potatoes and vegetables. Enjoy!