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How to cook whole lobster?

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How do I cook a whole lobster?

Hey everyone! I’m new to cooking, and I’ve just gotten the hang of making red snapper. Now, I’m thinking about trying my hand at cooking a lobster from my local fishmonger, but I have no clue where to start! Can someone break it down for me as if I’m 12?

For starters, if I buy a frozen lobster, how long should I thaw it in the fridge? And when it comes to prep, I know I need to cut the body, but what else do I need to do? I’m sorry for all the questions—I’m still learning, but I’m excited to try this dish!

Any tips would be super helpful. Thanks! x

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One response to “How to cook whole lobster?”

  1. BRAdmin Avatar
    BRAdmin

    No worries, happy to help you cook a whole lobster! Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:

    1. Thawing the Lobster:

    If you buy a frozen lobster, you’ll need to thaw it in the fridge. This usually takes about 8-12 hours for a whole lobster, so it’s best to stick it in the fridge the night before you plan to cook it.

    2. Preparation:

    Before cooking, you’ll want to have a pot of water ready. Here’s what you do:

    • Fill a large pot with water: Use enough water to cover the lobster completely.
    • Add salt: A good rule of thumb is about 1-2 tablespoons of sea salt per quart of water. This helps enhance the flavor.
    • Bring the water to a boil: Turn the heat to high and let it boil.

    3. Cooking the Lobster:

    Now it’s time to cook your lobster:

    • Add the lobster: Once the water is boiling, grab the lobster (be careful if it’s alive!) and gently place it headfirst into the boiling water.
    • Cover and start the timer: Bring the water back to a boil, then cover the pot. A whole lobster usually takes about 8-12 minutes depending on its size. You’ll know it’s done when the shell turns bright red and the meat is opaque.
    • Check for doneness: For a 1-1.5 pound lobster, about 10 minutes should be perfect. If it’s larger, add a couple of minutes.

    4. Removing the Lobster:

    Once your lobster is done cooking:

    • Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove it from the pot and place it in a bowl or on a plate.
    • Let it cool for a few minutes.

    5. Cutting the Lobster:

    To eat your lobster, you’ll need to cut it open:

    • Use kitchen shears or a knife: Start by cutting down the middle of the shell (from the head to the tail) to open it. This can be a bit tricky, so go slow and be careful.
    • You can also twist off the claws and the tail to make it easier to crack them open.

    6. Serving:

    Serve it with melted butter for dipping, lemon wedges, and enjoy!

    Tips:

    • If you’re nervous about handling a live lobster, it’s perfectly fine to ask your fishmonger to cook it for you. They can even help you cut it if you request.
    • Once you get the hang of it, you can explore different recipes and flavors!

    Cooking lobster can seem intimidating, but once you follow these steps, you’ll be amazed at how delicious it can be. Good luck, and enjoy your cooking adventure! 🍽️🦞

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