You’ve just placed your order with LobsterAnywhere, and as the anticipation fills you with excitement, you also might be thinking, how do I cook these tasty treats of the sea? If you’re wondering about the best way to steam lobster or how long to steam lobster, we’ve got you covered with all of your steamed lobster needs.
What method does Julia Child prefer when cooking lobster? You guessed it: Steaming! Steaming lobster at home is much easier than you think, and we’ll show you exactly how to give yourself a true lobster shack experience right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re a first-time lobster cook or looking to perfect your technique, our complete guide covers everything from timing to temperature.
Hot steam is not the only way to cook crustaceans. While New England is known for boiling lobster, other methods include grilling, butter poaching, baking, and, yes, even microwaving. Learn how easy it is to steam lobsters at home and give yourself a true lobster shack experience.
What Methods Are Used to Cook Lobsters?
In the vast sea of ways to cook lobster, two similar methods reign supreme: boiling and steaming. Here at LobsterAnywhere, our favorite way to cook whole, live lobsters is to steam. All you need is a good-sized pot, water, salt (preferably sea salt), unsalted butter, and the Maine ingredient-fresh lobsters.
You know what they say, personality matters. Make sure you pick out a mad lobster. It’s easy to find one; it’s the lobster that will raise its claws and flap its tail. The mad, feisty lobster will be the freshest! Just look for the lobsters with claws up and tail flapping. While our live lobsters don’t win any Miss Congeniality awards, they do get rave reviews in quality, flavor, and freshness.
Steaming vs Boiling Lobster: Which Method is Better?
Is steaming lobster better than boiling? Not necessarily – it all comes down to how you like to cook. Steaming cooks whole lobsters more slowly than boiling, reducing the chance of overcooking and offering more control. It also makes less of a mess! Go with steaming if you plan on serving whole lobster at a sit-down dinner.
6 Reasons to Steam Live Lobsters:
- Yields a more tender lobster than boiling.
- Yields a more tender lobster than boiling.
- Makes less of a mess.
- Timing is more accurate since the water returns to a boil faster.
- Preserves the ocean-fresh taste of lobster.
- Cooks lobster a little slower, reducing the chance of overcooking.
LobsterAnywhere prefers steaming lobster because it makes less of a mess and cooks a more tender lobster than boiling. Steaming preserves the ocean-fresh taste of lobster. Since steaming cooks lobster a little slower, there is less of a chance of overcooking. It’s a good choice if you’re cooking lobster for the first time.
Not only does steaming lobster result in a pure, undiluted lobster flavor, but the lobsters also don’t absorb water like boiling does. In addition to being a gentler method of cooking, you also don’t need any special equipment.
If you are cooking a couple of lobsters, a 3-4 gallon stockpot will work perfectly. Cooking multiple lobsters? You can always use a larger pot or steam them in batches. You want to ensure the lid fits tightly to retain the steam and maintain a consistent temperature.
It’s important to understand how to handle live lobsters before steaming. Be sure to check out our comprehensive guide.
Tools for Steaming Lobster
You don’t need much to steam whole lobsters. If you cannot find what you need, you can make simple substitutions.
- Large pot with a steaming basket
- Tongs
- Large platters or sheet pans
Don’t have a Steaming Pot?
No steamer rack? No problem! A steamer rack is not necessary; it just keeps the lobsters from getting charred on the bottom of the pot. No one likes a charred lobster when it’s not cooked on the grill. Furthermore, you could also use a vegetable steamer or even turn a colander upside down. This will elevate the lobsters above the boiling water.
For more tools of the trade, be sure to check out our lobster cooking equipment essentials.
How Long to Steam Lobsters?
Now for the all-important steaming times. See the chart to avoid over- or under-cooking. For steaming time, use the weight of your individual lobsters, not the total weight of all lobsters being cooked. Start your timer when the steaming water returns to a boil.
A common mistake is adding to the cooking time just because you are cooking more than one or two lobsters in the pot.
Lobster Steam Time Chart
When you’re in doubt about whether or not your lobster is done, there are several methods you can use to check. First, their shells will turn bright red. Second, the most dependable method is to check their internal temperature. Take your digital thermometer and insert it at the thickest part of the tail, facing the body. It should be between 135 and 140 degrees. Your lobsters will continue to cook once you remove them from the pot for about 5 minutes, so keep that in mind.
Whether you decide to steam your lobster or go another cooking route, always start with the freshest dock-to-door live lobsters.
| Lobster Weight | Steaming Time |
| 1 1/4 lbs. Live Lobster | 7-8 minutes |
| 1-1/2 LB Live Maine Lobster | 10-11 minutes |
| 2 lbs. Live Lobster | 11-12 minutes |
| 2 1/2-3 lbs. | 12-14 minutes |
| 5 lb. Live Lobster | 22-24 minutes |
Pro Tip: Cooking clams with your lobsters? Place the netted bag of clams on top of the lobsters and steam both at the same time.
A common mistake is adding to the cooking time just because you are cooking more than one or two lobsters in the pot.
Complete Step-by-Step Steaming Instructions
How to Steam Lobster – Detailed Method:
- Fill a pot with 2 inches of water, and toss in some sea salt if you’re using fresh water.
- Crank up the heat until the water is really boiling.
- Carefully drop your lobsters into the pot. Place them headfirst with legs facing away from you. Cover it up tight to keep the steam in.
- Once the water returns to a serious boil, dial down the heat to a gentler, rolling boil. Now, start your timer.
- Let those lobsters steam away for 8 minutes for the first pound. If you’ve got more pounds, add 3-4 minutes for each extra pound. (Check out the Steaming Times Below for details.)
- Watch for the magic moment – when your lobsters turn that bright, beautiful red, they’re ready.
- Grab those steamed lobsters with tongs or gloves, and either cool them off in water or let them chill for 3-5 minutes.
Pro Tip: Cooking clams with your lobsters? Place the netted bag of clams on top of the lobsters and steam both at the same time.
Steaming Times for Soft Shell Lobsters
When it comes to timing, things can get a little hasty. The first rule of cooking lobsters is not to overcook them. The second rule is not to overcook your lobsters. While we only sell hard-shell grade A lobsters, for soft-shell lobsters, you might want to subtract a minute or two from the cooking times. Just remember, you can always add time, but you can’t subtract it.
Minimum Internal Temp For Lobster
The minimum internal temperature for lobster is generally considered to be 145°F (63°C). This temperature ensures that the lobster is cooked thoroughly, making it safe to eat while maintaining its texture and flavor. It’s important to use a food thermometer to check the thickest part of the lobster meat to ensure it has reached the appropriate temperature. Cooking lobster to this temperature helps reduce the risk of foodborne illness.
Make sure to check out our other recipes, like Baja Shrimp Tacos.
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Directions for How to Steam live Lobster
Nothing compares to a perfectly steamed whole live lobster. Steaming lobster is much easier than you think and only takes a few minutes. Plus, unlike boiling, there is less of a mess to clean up. In just a few easy steps you will be on your way to claw cracking and butter dipping.
- Total Time: 10
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 4 1/2 lb. Live Maine Lobster
- Fresh Lemons
- 2 sticks of salted or unsalted butter
- Kosher or sea salt
- Fresh Water
Instructions
- Pick a pot that will accommodate your whole lobsters
- Fill a pot with 2 inches of water, and toss in some sea salt if you’re using fresh water. You can also add seaweed for extra flavor.
- Cover your pot tightly and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Once your water is boiling, carefully drop your lobsters into the pot one at a time, headfirst with legs facing away from you. Cover it up tight to keep the steam in.
- Once the water returns to a serious boil, dial down the heat to a gentler, rolling boil. Now, start your timer.
- Let those lobsters steam away for 8 minutes for the first pound. If you’ve got more pounds, add 3-4 minutes for each extra pound. (Check out the Steaming Times Above for details.)
- When time is up, carefully remove the lobsters from the pot with tongs. They should be bright red. Check our complete doneness guide for temperature testing and visual cues to ensure they’re perfectly cooked.
- While your lobsters are cooling off, get that butter melting. We love adding a good squeeze of fresh lemon to lobster.
Notes
Chef Tip: Give the antennae a sharp tug and if it easily comes off, it’s done. Don’t worry if your lobster is slightly undercooked. It’s easy to warm up in a little melted butter. We always recommend airing on the side of undercooking as opposed to overcooking.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 8
- Category: Maine Course
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 128
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 705 mg
- Fat: 1.2 grams
- Saturated Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 27.6 g
What is the Red Stuff inside the Lobster?
If the roe inside a female body is blackish and appears gelatin-like instead of the customary red, it may be undercooked. Put the lobster back into the pot until the roe is red. The roe is edible but can be rinsed out. Learn more about lobster eggs, also called the coral.
Steaming Just the Lobster Tails?
Are you steaming lobster tails instead of whole live lobsters? The directions are similar, but be sure to check out our tips for steaming frozen tails.
Frequently Asked Questions about How to Steam Lobster
Why should I steam lobster?
Steaming lobster is a more gentle cooking method than boiling. It doesn’t dilute the lobster’s natural flavors, and because it is a slower method, it yields a more tender result.
What do I need to steam lobster?
You don’t need any fancy equipment to steam lobster. All you need is a pot with a tight-fitting lid large enough to accommodate your lobsters and 2″ of water. You can use a steamer if you wish, but you can also use a colander turned upside down, elevating the lobsters above the boiling water.
How long does it take to steam a lobster?
The amount of time it takes to steam a lobster varies by size. Allow 8 minutes for the first pound and then three extra minutes for each additional pound.
What temperature do I cook my lobster to?
Because your lobster will continue to cook even once it’s removed from the pot, we recommend cooking your lobster to 135-140 degrees.
What if I am cooking a large amount of lobster?
When it comes to cooking multiple lobsters, we recommend boiling lobster.
What if I undercooked my lobster?
Don’t worry if you undercooked your lobster a little. You can always warm it up in melted butter to cook through.
Looking for More Ways to Cook Lobster at Home?
Ready to cook lobster? Discover our easy-to-follow recipe for How to Cook Lobster Tails. Plus, we have helpful guides showcasing different ways to cook live lobsters, giving you plenty of options for preparing them in your own kitchen. For a quick look at the top methods for cooking Maine lobster, check out our overview.
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- How to Microwave Lobster: Yes, it really works in a pinch!
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- How to Steam Live Lobster: Full Steam Ahead!