She Strengthens

The Ultimate Guide to Steaming Lobster

Savoring the Flavor

When it comes to enjoying lobster, there’s no better way than steaming it and dipping the tender meat in melted butter. To take your lobster game to the next level, we’ve got a step-by-step photo tutorial on how to crack and clean your lobster, plus three mouth-watering recipe ideas to impress your friends and family.

Preparation is Key

Before you start cooking, make sure you have the right equipment. Cover your table with paper or plastic lobster bibs, damp hand towels, and napkins to minimize the mess. Seafood crackers will also come in handy for cracking open those claws. If you’re cooking multiple lobsters, you can fit as many as comfortably fit in the pot.

The Humane Approach

While there’s ongoing debate about whether lobsters feel pain, you can choose to kill them before steaming if that’s your preference. Get expert advice from the Chowhound community on how to do so humanely.

Valentine’s Day Perfection

This dish was featured as part of our Valentine’s Day All-Star Recipes, making it the perfect romantic treat for you and your loved one.

Recipe Details

Yield: 1 lobster
Difficulty: Easy
Total Time: 20 minutes
Active Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 (1-1/2-pound) whole live lobster
• Melted butter, for serving

Steaming to Perfection

1. Fill a large pot with 1 inch of water and stir in the kosher salt.
2. Add a steamer rack to the pot, or create a makeshift one using foil.
3. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then add the lobster head-first.
4. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and return to a full boil.
5. Reduce the heat and cook at a gentle boil for 14 minutes, or until the lobster is bright red.
6. Check for doneness by pulling on an antenna; if it comes out with no resistance, it’s done.

Cracking and Serving

1. Remove the lobster to a rimmed baking sheet and let it cool.
2. Twist and separate the tail from the body, then remove the claws and set them aside.
3. Discard the head and torso, then remove the small flippers from the underside of the tail shell.
4. Use a fork to pierce the exposed tail meat and slowly twist and pull it out of the shell.
5. Twist the claws and separate them from the legs, then crack them open using a seafood cracker.
6. Serve the lobster meat with melted butter and enjoy!