How long should you boil a whole lobster?

Clamp the lid back on tightly and return the water to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and cook the lobsters for 12 to 18 minutes (hard-shell lobsters will take the longer time), until the shells turn bright red and the tail meat is firm and opaque when checked.

Is it better to steam or boil lobster?

Boiling is a little quicker and easier to time precisely, and the meat comes out of the shell more readily than when steamed. For recipes that call for fully cooked and picked lobster meat, boiling is the best approach. Benefits of Steaming: In contrast, steaming is more gentle, yielding slightly more tender meat.

Why is my lobster rubbery?

Tough or rubbery meat is usually the result of a lobster cooked too long. See our cooking guide for suggested cooking times for live lobster.

How long do I boil a 2 pound lobster?

Boil lobsters for 10 to 20 min, depending on size: Note the time at which the water comes to a boil again. From that point, boil the lobsters for 10-20 minutes or longer, depending on the size of the lobster. 10-13 minutes for 1 lb lobster, 12-18 minutes for a 1 1/2 pound lobster, 18-23 minutes for a 2-3 pound lobster.

How do you boil a lobster alive?

Boiling Instructions:

1. Fill a pot (large enough to hold the lobsters) anywhere from one-half to two-thirds full with water. …
2. Add 2 tablespoons of salt for each quart of water. …
3. Place the live lobsters in one at a time, headfirst, completely submerging them. …
4. Cover the pot tightly and return to a boil as quickly as possible.

What part of lobster can’t you eat?

The shell of a lobster cannot be eaten. It is to hard and difficult for the human mouth to chew, and swallowing it would be impossible. Claws are just as hard, but also pointy. If claws were to poke the tongue or cheeks or be swallowed into the esophagus, they would be quite painful.

How long do I cook lobster in oven?

Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). In a small bowl, combine the butter, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, lemon juice, and parsley, then brush the mixture evenly over the lobster meat. Place the tails onto a baking sheet, then bake for approximately 12-15 minutes, until the lobster is fully cooked but not rubbery.

Can you over steam lobster?

Steaming is more gentle cooking technique that yields slightly more tender meat. It preserves a little more flavor and it’s more forgiving on the timing front. It’s harder to overcook a steamed lobster.