Fresh Lobster is a beloved seafood delicacy enjoyed by many across the world. There’s nothing quite like cracking open a lobster shell to reveal the succulent meat inside. Lobsters are widely available in most markets and can be purchased either live or cooked. But which is better? And how do you cook them? In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the world of live and cooked lobster, providing you with everything you need to know.
Live Lobsters
Live lobsters are considered by many to be the freshest and tastiest way to enjoy this seafood delicacy. The reason for this is simple: live lobsters are still very much alive, meaning that their meat is as fresh as it can be. When you purchase live lobsters, it’s important to keep them alive until you’re ready to cook them. This means storing them in a cool, moist place until you’re ready to start cooking.
How to Cook Live Lobster Humanely?
Cooking live lobster can be a controversial topic, as some people feel uncomfortable about boiling them alive. However, there are humane ways to cook live lobster that can minimize their suffering.
- One way is to use a knife to quickly sever the spinal cord, which will instantly kill the lobster. This method is also known as “pithing” and can be done before or after boiling the lobster.
- Another method is to place the live lobster in the freezer for 15-20 minutes before cooking. This will render the lobster unconscious and minimize its pain during the boiling process.
It’s important to note that lobsters should never be cooked alive on a grill, as this method can cause them to suffer greatly.
How to Cook a Whole Live Lobster?
To cook live lobsters, you’ll need to first kill them. Once your live lobster is ready to be cooked, there are several ways to prepare it. If you’re looking to cook a whole live lobster, you can use any of the following processes: boiling, steaming, and baking.
Boiling is the most common method, as it’s quick and easy. You just need to bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil and add the live lobsters to the pot, making sure that they are fully submerged in the water. After this, you just need to wait until the shells turn bright red and the meat is fully cooked.
If you’re looking for an alternative to boiling, you can also cook live lobster in the oven. Baking is a less common method for cooking live lobsters, but it can be a delicious option. All you need to do is preheat the oven, prepare the lobster by cutting a small slit in the shell, brush the lobster with butter and season it with garlic and lemon and place it in the oven until the meat is fully cooked.
Steaming is another great option for cooking whole live lobsters. To steam lobsters, bring a large pot of water to a boil, place a steaming rack in it and add the live lobsters. Cover the pot and steam the lobsters for 8-10 minutes per pound, or until the shells turn bright red and the meat is fully cooked.
How to Cook Lobster Tails?
Lobster tails are a popular option for those who want to enjoy lobster meat without the hassle of dealing with the whole lobster. They are a delicious and versatile part of the lobster that can be cooked using a variety of methods.
Here are four popular ways to cook lobster tails:
- Boiling: To boil lobster tails, start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lobster tails and let them cook for about 8-12 minutes, or until the shells are bright red and the meat is opaque. Once cooked, remove the tails from the water and serve with melted butter, lemon wedges, and your favorite side dishes.
- Grilling: Grilling lobster tails is a great way to infuse them with smoky flavor. Start by cutting the top of the shell lengthwise with a knife or kitchen shears. Next, use your fingers to gently pry the shell apart, exposing the meat. Brush the meat with garlic butter or olive oil, and grill the tails flesh-side down for about 5-7 minutes. Flip the tails over and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the meat is fully cooked. Serve with grilled vegetables and a crisp white wine.
- Baking: Baking lobster tails is an easy and foolproof method that produces succulent, flavorful meat. Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a knife or kitchen shears to cut the top of the shell lengthwise, and gently pry the shell apart to expose the meat. Brush the meat with melted butter, and bake the tails in a baking dish for about 12-15 minutes. Remove the tails from the oven, and let them rest for a few minutes before serving with your favorite sides.
- Broiling: Broiling is a quick and easy way to cook lobster tails that produces a slightly crispy texture on the surface of the meat. Start by cutting the top of the shell lengthwise with a knife or kitchen shears. Next, use your fingers to gently pry the shell apart, exposing the meat. Brush the meat with garlic butter or olive oil, and broil the tails for about 5-7 minutes, or until the meat is fully cooked. Serve with roasted vegetables and a light salad.
No matter which method you choose, lobster tails are a delicious and impressive dish that is sure to impress your dinner guests.
So go ahead and experiment with different cooking techniques to find your perfect recipe!
Some Other FAQs Regarding Cooking Live Lobster
1) What is the Cooking Time for a Lobster?
Cooking time for lobsters will vary depending on the size of the lobster and the method of cooking. Generally, a 1-1.5 lb lobster takes about 10-12 minutes to cook when boiled, and 15-20 minutes to cook when roasted in the oven.
2) How Long to Boil Multiple Lobsters?
If you’re cooking multiple live lobsters at once, it’s important to adjust the cooking time accordingly. As a general rule, you should add 2-3 minutes of cooking time for each additional pound of lobster that you are cooking.
For example, if you are cooking four 1.5-pound lobsters, you should boil them for about 10-12 minutes. It’s also important to ensure that your pot is large enough to accommodate all of the lobsters. A pot that is too small will result in uneven cooking and can also be dangerous if the lobsters are overcrowded.
3) Which Side Dishes Can be Served with a Lobster?
Once your lobsters are cooked, you can serve them with a variety of side dishes. Some popular options include garlic butter, lemon wedges, and a fresh salad. Lobster is a healthy food choice as it is low in calories and high in protein. It’s also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids and other essential nutrients.
4) Which is the Best Part of a Lobster & How to Eat it?
In terms of lobster meat, the tail is the most sought-after part. However, the claws and other parts of the lobster can also be delicious. If you’re unsure how to eat a lobster, don’t worry – it’s easy! Simply crack open the shell with a knife or rolling pin, and use a lobster fork or your fingers to extract the meat.
Don’t want to Cook? Go for Cooked Lobster
If you’re still uncomfortable with the idea of cooking live lobsters, you can also purchase cooked lobsters from our company – The Fresh Lobster Company.
When you purchase cooked lobsters, it’s important to check the quality of the meat. Look for lobsters that are bright in color and have a firm, meaty texture. This will ensure that you get the best possible taste and texture.
The quality of both our live and cooked lobster is amazing. Our cooked lobsters are prepared using the same high-quality standards as our live lobsters, ensuring that both the live and cooked lobster delivered to you are fresh and delicious.
The Fresh Lobster Company – Get the Best Quality Lobsters and Seafood
In summary, live and cooked lobster are both popular and delicious options for seafood lovers.
If you choose to cook live lobsters, it’s important to do so humanely and follow the proper cooking instructions to ensure a delicious and safe meal. Alternatively, you can opt to purchase pre-cooked lobsters for a quick and easy meal.
If you don’t have the time or inclination to cook live lobsters, you can always purchase cooked lobsters from us. Contact Us and order your favourite seafood today!
We provide a great option for those who want to enjoy fresh live and cooked lobster without having to go through the cooking process themselves. Our company offers fresh, live and cooked lobster perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice cook, there are plenty of recipes and options available to suit your tastes.
So go ahead and indulge in some fresh lobster – your taste buds will thank you!