How Long to Boil Lobster

Lobster meat is sweet and succulent, not to mention highly nutritious. Cold water lobster, in particular, is meaty and considered to be of the highest quality. Lobster can be prepared by boiling, steaming or baking. While it is relatively easy to cook, many are still unclear about how long to boil lobster. Here are some tips on how long to boil lobster and eat it without the mess.

Health Benefits of Lobster

Although lobster can be costly, it makes up for it in taste and nutrients. The meat in lobster is protein-rich, which means you’re likely to feel satisfied after a serving. Lobsters also have enough magnesium and potassium. When these minerals combine with protein, they can help repair and add strength to muscle and bone.

In addition to muscle building nutrients, lobster also contains amounts of zinc and vitamins B and C. these nutrients are charged with making sure your body is protected from diseases.

Find the Best Lobster

When buying lobster, you should avoid going for the cheapest. If it seems to be too good of a deal, chances are you’re getting low-quality, warm water lobster. The best kind is cold water lobster. Cold water lobster is expensive because it is imported from countries like New Zealand and South Africa. Female cold water lobsters are believed to be larger, therefore providing more meat.

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How Long to Boil Lobster

Boiling is an easy, fast cooking technique for cooking whole lobsters. To boil, you will need:

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 12 minutes

Total Time 17 minutes

Servings 1

Author Vanjo Merano

Ingredients

• Fresh lobsters preferably cold water (one per person)
• Salt
• Garlic butter

Instructions

• Fill a large pot with about three quarters full with cold water. Add a teaspoon or two of salt and boil.
• Add lobster to boiling water so it dives head first.
• This step is the most important. Knowing how long to boil lobster depends on its weight. Cook lobsters for 12 minutes at first. From there, add 1 minute of cooking time for every ¼ pound. When done, lobster meat should be opaque.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g

How to Eat Lobster

To eat lobster with minimal mess, you will need:

• Nut cracker
• Bowl
• Kitchen sears (optional)

Step 1:

Cut off claws by twisting them at the joints. Crack open the main claw with a nut cracker. Discard shells and pry inside to take out the meat.

Step 2:

Gently break the jaw by pulling it back. Do the same with legs.

Step 3:

The lobster tail is full of meat and should be handled with care. With both hands, hold the tail in one hand and the body in another. Gently pull the lobster tail back until it breaks away from the body. Pluck out flippers from the tail and insert a finger into the gaps left by flippers. Push meat out and cut out any meat lying on the underside too.

Knowing how long to boil lobster is the secret to well-cooked, tender lobster meat. Calculate the cooking time prior to cooking using the method on step 3. When meat is opaque and soft, cut shell open and serve with garlic butter, tartar sauce, salsa verde and other delicious sauces.