Basic Lobster Cooking Directions

• No preparation is needed for boiling live lobsters! All lobster tails will turn bright red when cooked.

Boiling

• For up to 5 pounds of live lobsters or thawed frozen lobster tails, pour enough water into a large pan to generously cover.
• Add 2 teaspoons of salt, if desired, for each quart of water; bring to a boil over high heat.
• Add lobster tails or plunge live lobsters head first into water, tucking tails under to prevent splashing. Cover pan.
• When water resumes boiling, reduce heat and simmer until meat is opaque when cut.

Cooking Time

• For American Lobsters, allow 10 to 15 minutes if small (3/4 to 1 1/4 pounds), and 15 to 20 minutes if large (1 1/2 to 2 1/2 pounds).
• For whole spiny lobsters, allow 12 to 15 minutes if small (1 to 1 1/4 pounds), and 15 to 18 minutes if large (1 1/2 to 2 pounds).
• For lobster tails, allow 3 to 4 minutes of 2-4 ounce size, 5 to 7 minutes for 4-6 ounce size, and 7-9 minutes for 6-8 ounce size.