Cooking a Lobster

Steaming a Lobster


This is the traditional Maine way to cook a lobster. Just boil about two inches of water in a large pot. When it reaches a hard boil, drop in the lobster and cover. Reduce the heat if it begins to boil over. Serve with melted butter. Cooking times are listed below. In the colder months cook on the high end of the range, in warmer months cook for less time. For larger lobster, a general rule is 10 minutes for the first pound and 5 minutes for each additional pound.

  • 1 pound — 8 to 10 minutes
  • 1-1/4 pounds — 10 to 12 minutes
  • 1-1/2 pounds — 12 to 15 minutes
  • 2 pounds — 14 to 18 minutes

Broiling a Lobster


This is easiest if you first steam the lobster for about two minutes. That way you do not have to worry about it moving when you try to split it. Take a knife and split the lobster down the middle and put it in the broiler. Brush with melted butter and broil for about 10 minutes.