How to Cook a Live Lobster

Lobster has long been known as a delectable indulgence for seafood lovers across the world. Many seafood lovers seek out fine dining restaurants in areas such as Pawleys Island just so that they can savor the taste of a fresh lobster, accompanied by a drawn lemon butter. Though oceanfront restaurants and beach bars are some of the best places to enjoy a lobster, did you know that you can cook a lobster at home? Never tried it? Read on to learn more about how to cook a lobster.

4 Tips for Cooking a Live Lobster at home

You need to know that you need to cook the lobster when it is alive. Cooking the lobster when it is alive ensures a fresher taste and ensures that you do not consume bacteria that start to grow in a lobster as soon as it has died. When cooking a lobster at home, be sure to always work with a live lobster or one that has been frozen by a reputable grocer or seafood supply company.

Whether you steam or boil a lobster, however, there are four tips to help you cook the best possible lobster at home.

Freeze your live lobster for about 20 minutes before you plan to cook it.
Leave the bands on the claws until after the lobster has fully cooked.
Select a lobster that is active with long antennas.
If boiling a lobster, use a small knife to poke holes in the body and tail of the lobster so that excess water can drain out.

Also, note that lobsters do not scream when you cook them, even though you might have heard the contrary. Lobsters do not have vocal cords. So, any sounds that you hear during the cooking process are just the sound of steam releasing from the lobster’s shell.

Boiling a Lobster

Start with a large pot of salted water, and place it over high heat until it comes to a boil. Once the water is boiling, place the live lobster headfirst into the water. A one-pound lobster will need to be boiled for about six minutes, whereas a three-pound lobster will need to be boiled for about 13 minutes. Once the lobster has turned bright red, please remove it from the water. Allow the lobster to cool slightly, then serve with a side of melted butter.

Steaming a Lobster

Though boiling a lobster tends to be the preferred method by lobster connoisseurs, some lobster lovers prefer to steam their lobster. If you decide to try steaming a lobster, add three to four inches of water to the bottom of a large pot and heat until boiling. Add the lobsters to the pot, and then cover with a tight-fitting lid. A one-pound lobster will need to be steamed for about eight minutes, whereas a three-pound lobster will need to be steamed for about 15 minutes.

Don’t Want to Cook a Lobster at Home? Enjoy a Lobster Dinner at a Litchfield Beach Restaurant

If cooking a lobster at home doesn’t seem to be your thing or you are vacationing and looking to end the perfect day in Pawleys Island, why not enjoy a tasty lobster dinner, such as Pan-Fried Lobster Milanese, or a lobster tail, at Austin’s Ocean One Restaurant. Austin’s Ocean One is great for local and vacationers seeking outside dining as we offer a delightful panoramic ocean view.

During your meal, you may be treated to dolphin sightings, beautiful evening views, full moons, and even a surfer! What better way to enjoy your lobster than with a beautiful view and delicious accompaniments such as Pan-Seared Brussels Sprouts, Country Fingerling Potatoes, or Vegetable Du Jour!

We hope to see you soon.