Boiled Lobster
A quintessential New England summer feast! Live lobsters are boiled to tender perfection in a simple, aromatic broth. Served with rich melted butter and fresh lemon wedges, this dish is a true celebration of coastal flavors.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Aromatic Broth
- b.Select a very large stockpot (at least 20 quarts) to ensure the lobsters are not crowded.
- c.Fill the pot about two-thirds full with water. Add the sea salt, quartered onion, smashed garlic cloves, and one halved lemon. Squeeze the lemon juice into the water before dropping the halves in.
- d.Cover the pot and bring the water to a strong, rolling boil over high heat. This should take about 10-15 minutes.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Cook the Lobsters
- b.Once the water is at a rolling boil, carefully remove the rubber bands from the lobster claws.
- c.Grasp each lobster firmly from behind the head and plunge it headfirst into the boiling water. Do this one at a time to prevent the water temperature from dropping too much.
- d.Cover the pot tightly and return the water to a full boil as quickly as possible.
- e.Once the water is boiling again, reduce the heat slightly to maintain a steady, gentle boil. Start your timer.
- f.Boil 1.5 lb lobsters for 12-15 minutes. The lobsters are cooked when their shells turn a vibrant, bright red and their antennae can be pulled out with little resistance. For precision, the internal temperature in the thickest part of the tail should be 135-140°F (57-60°C).
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare for Serving
- b.While the lobsters are boiling, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Keep it warm.
- c.Cut the remaining lemon into wedges for serving.
- d.Chop the fresh parsley for garnish.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Drain and Serve
- b.Using long, sturdy tongs, carefully remove the cooked lobsters from the pot. Be cautious of hot water trapped inside the shells.
- c.Place the lobsters in a large colander or on a baking sheet to drain for a few minutes.
- d.Arrange the lobsters on a large platter. Serve immediately with individual bowls of melted butter, lemon wedges, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Provide lobster crackers and picks for easy eating.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For more humane handling, place the live lobsters in the freezer for 15-20 minutes before cooking to render them docile.
- 2Do not overcrowd the pot. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
- 3Start timing the cooking process only after the water has returned to a full boil after adding the lobsters.
- 4Avoid overcooking, which results in tough, rubbery meat. Watch for the bright red color change as your primary indicator.
- 5Save the lobster shells! They make an incredibly flavorful stock for seafood bisques, chowders, or risottos.
- 6Serve with classic New England sides like corn on the cob, steamed potatoes, and coleslaw for a complete feast.
Adapt it for your goals.
Aromatics
Add other aromatics to the boiling water, such as a few bay leaves, a teaspoon of black peppercorns, or a splash of white wine for a more complex flavor profile.
Cooking MethodCooking Method
Instead of boiling, try steaming the lobsters. Place a rack in the pot with 2-3 inches of salted water. Steam for a slightly longer time (about 15-18 minutes for 1.5 lb lobsters). Many chefs believe this method yields more tender meat.
Serving ButterServing Butter
Create a garlic-herb butter for dipping by stirring minced garlic and chopped fresh herbs (like chives or tarragon) into the melted butter.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Lean Protein Powerhouse
Lobster is packed with high-quality, lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles, supporting metabolic function, and promoting satiety.
Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Contains beneficial omega-3s, which are known to support heart health by reducing inflammation and improving cholesterol levels, as well as boosting brain function.
Excellent Source of Minerals
Provides significant amounts of essential minerals like zinc for immune support, copper for forming red blood cells, and selenium, a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from damage.
Supports Bone Health
Lobster is a good source of phosphorus and calcium, minerals that are crucial for maintaining strong and healthy bones and teeth.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of boiled lobster meat (about 150g) without butter has approximately 130-150 calories. The total calorie count will increase depending on the amount of melted butter used for dipping.