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Seafood chef reveals the biggest mistake you make when cooking lobster
If you’re a lobster lover, you know that passion comes at a price. Ironic, considering that just 300 years or so ago, lobsters were so cheap they were used as prison food. Times change, however, and so do prices. And in this century, if you want to indulge in your favorite crustacean, you’re going to have to shell out some big bucks (and undoubtedly feel the pinch in your pocketbook). Once you’ve spent the big bucks on tonight’s dinner, you want to make sure you cook it right. After all, it would be terrible to mess up with half a week’s pay on the line. Okay, maybe just half a day’s pay. But still. Times are tough, but your lobster shouldn’t be.
To help you make the most of your investment, we consulted-no, not a financial advisor (they’d tell you to buy hot dogs), but a seafood expert. Louie Bowab, the executive chef at LobsterAnywhere, shared his top tips for cooking flawless lobster.
How to steam lobster
If you are cooking a single whole lobster, or perhaps just two or three, Bowab recommends steaming. He says that steaming cooks lobsters more slowly than boiling, so there’s less chance of overcooking. He also recommends this method because it “tends to give you a more tender lobster meat with less chance of it being diluted with water.”
To steam lobsters the LobsterAnywhere way, find a pot large enough to hold the lobsters, then add just two inches of water plus two tablespoons of salt (preferably sea salt) for each quart of water used. Bring the water to a rolling boil, then add the lobsters. You can either place them on a rack or just add them to the pot; they will still be steamed rather than boiled because there isn’t enough water to submerge them. It takes 7 minutes to steam a one-pound lobster, and an additional 3 minutes for each additional pound. You can also steam clams with your lobsters if you’re going for a seafood extravaganza. Just place the netted bag of clams on top of the lobsters and they should be done at the same time.
How to cook lobster
Bowab recommends boiling lobsters if you are cooking four or more at a time. However, he says that the boiling method can cook lobsters more evenly than steaming. He also explains that “it’s a high, intense heat, so it cooks the meat quickly, making it easier to remove the shell.”
According to the LobsterAnywhere website, you need to fill a pot large enough to hold your lobsters anywhere from one-half to two-thirds full of water, add two tablespoons of salt for each quart of water (or use seawater if you happen to have an ocean in your backyard), then bring the water to a boil. When it boils, add your lobsters (be careful! They’ll probably be angry, which is understandable considering what’s about to happen). Then cover the pot, bring it back to a boil, and start timing the cooking as soon as it starts to boil. A one-pound lobster will cook in 5 to 6 minutes, a one-and-a-half-pound lobster will take 8 to 9 minutes, and a three-pound lobster should cook in 12 to 14 minutes.
You can also microwave lobsters
If you have lobsters to cook, but don’t have a pot large enough to cook them in, you can always microwave them. The LobsterAnywhere website notes that nuking your lobsters actually steams them in their juices, and the shell adds extra flavor. The only downside is that you must “humanely dispose” of them before zapping them – LobsterAnywhere recommends doing this by inserting the tip of a sharp chef’s knife just below the lobster’s eyes.
Once your lobster is asleep with the fish, place it in a one-gallon ziplock bag along with half a lemon (which you should “spear on the rostrum above the eyes,” assuming you know what that means) and either some rockweed – if you have some on hand – or a quarter cup of water. A one-pound lobster should be microwaved for 6 minutes, with each additional quarter-pound adding another minute to the cooking time.
How to avoid overcooking lobster
Bowab says the most important part of cooking a lobster is getting the timing right, as an overcooked lobster is a sad waste of delicious potential. One piece of advice that may be new to many of us is the fact that, as Bowab warns, “When you take your lobsters out of the pot, they will continue to cook and the internal temperature will rise a few degrees.” This means that you should undercook your lobster by a few degrees to ensure that it doesn’t become overcooked and tough.
To avoid overcooking lobster, it’s important to keep an eye on the cooking time and use a reliable timer. Follow the recommended cooking times based on the size of your lobsters and be sure to remove them from the heat as soon as the time is up. Remember that cooking time will vary depending on the cooking method you choose, whether it’s steaming, boiling or microwaving.
Once you remove the lobsters from the heat, it’s a good idea to let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and the meat to become more tender. During the resting period, the residual heat will continue to cook the lobster slightly, so keep this in mind when determining the ideal cooking time.
Tips on serving and enjoying lobster
Now that you’ve successfully cooked your lobster, it’s time to serve and enjoy. Here are a few additional tips to enhance your lobster dining experience:
- Serve with melted butter: Lobster and melted butter go hand-in-hand. Melt some butter and serve it on the side as a dipping sauce. You can also add some lemon juice or garlic to the melted butter for extra flavor.
- Use the right tools: Invest in a good set of lobster crackers and picks to easily remove the meat from the shell. This will make the eating process much more enjoyable and efficient.
- Pair with complementary garnishes: Lobster is often served with side dishes that complement its flavors. Consider serving it with roasted potatoes, grilled vegetables or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal.
- Get creative with your lobster recipes: While plain steamed or boiled lobster is delicious on its own, you can also explore different recipes to elevate your lobster dishes. Try making lobster rolls, lobster bisque, or lobster macaroni and cheese for a unique and flavorful twist.
- Don’t forget the lobster tail: The lobster tail is often considered the most prized part of the lobster. Be sure to savor every bite of the succulent, sweet meat found in the tail.
By following these tips and techniques, you can avoid the biggest mistake many people make when cooking lobster and ensure that your investment in this delicacy pays off with a perfectly cooked and delicious meal. So go ahead, indulge in the flavors of the sea and enjoy the rich and buttery goodness of a well-prepared lobster feast.
FAQS
To avoid overcooking lobsters, it’s important to keep an eye on the cooking time and use a reliable timer. Follow the recommended cooking times based on the size of your lobsters and be sure to remove them from the heat as soon as the time is up. Remember that cooking time will vary depending on the cooking method you choose, whether it’s steaming, boiling or microwaving.
Should I steam or boil my lobster?
Both steaming and boiling are popular ways to cook lobster. Steaming tends to result in more tender lobster meat and less dilution with water. It’s recommended for cooking a single whole lobster or a small number of lobsters. Boiling, on the other hand, can cook lobsters more evenly and is suitable for larger quantities. Choose the method that suits your preferences and the number of lobsters you’re cooking.
How do I know when a lobster is cooked to perfection?
The cooking time for lobster varies depending on the size and cooking method. As a general guideline, a one-pound lobster will take about 7 minutes to steam or 5-6 minutes to boil, but the best way to tell if the lobster is perfectly cooked is to check the internal temperature. It should reach 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part of the tail. The shell should be bright red and the meat should be opaque, firm, and white.
Can I cook lobster in the microwave?
Yes, you can cook lobster in the microwave. It’s a convenient method if you don’t have a large pot for boiling or steaming. Before microwaving, be sure to “humanely dispatch” the lobster by inserting a sharp knife below the eyes. Place the lobster in a microwave-safe bag with some lemon, water, and optional rockweed. Cook a one-pound lobster for about 6 minutes, adjusting the cooking time for larger lobsters.
What should I serve with lobster?
Lobster pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with melted butter as a classic dipping sauce. You can also add lemon juice or garlic to the melted butter for extra flavor. Complementary side dishes such as roasted potatoes, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad can enhance the meal. Get creative with lobster recipes like lobster rolls, lobster bisque, or lobster macaroni and cheese for a unique and delicious dining experience.
What tools do I need to gather lobster meat?
Invest in a good set of lobster crackers and picks to easily extract the meat from the shell. These tools will help you crack open the claws and tail and remove the meat with ease. They will ensure a pleasant dining experience and allow you to enjoy every morsel of succulent lobster meat.