A Guide to Cooking Live Lobster: 3 Different Cooking Methods

Lobster always makes a memorable meal. Unfortunately, we normally order it in a restaurant with noisy patrons, bad service, and prices that make us cringe, knowing the whole time that it would be more enjoyable - and romantic - to have stayed in and enjoyed an intimate dinner for two.

Many people avoid cooking live lobster as they feel it is more complicated than it really is. There are three main ways to cook whole lobster: all of which are easy enough for a novice cook. With Valentine's Day coming up, why not use this guide to make your Valentine a special, romantic dinner?

Before starting, let's clear up two myths:
1. The lobster's nervous system does not sense pain and therefore, the lobster does not feel pain when placed into the water.

2. Lobsters do not have vocal cords. They are not capable of making noise, let alone screaming. If you do hear anything, it is whistling sound as steam that has been built up under the lobsters shell escapes.

Whole lobsters should be purchased live and as close to cooking as possible. If you can't bring them home and cook immediately, store them in the refrigerator. Choose them yourself and pick the most active ones in the tank. Try to find two that weigh close to the same amount since the cooking time is based on the weight of the heaviest lobster, not the total.

For the best flavor, be careful not to overcook. When the lobster is done the tails will be curled and an antennae (or small walking leg) will come off easily.

Preparing a Live Lobster by Boiling
Boiling is the most common way to prepare whole lobster. If you can boil water, you can boil a lobster.

You will need to use a large stockpot as you will need around 3 quarts of water per 2 pounds of lobster. This doesn't have to be exact but the lobsters do have to be completely submerged. Add 1/4 cup of sea salt per gallon of water and some lemon juice. You can add other ingredients (such as wine, onions, seasonings etc.) but it isn't necessary.

Cooking timing is never an exact thing but should average 10 minutes for the first pound and 3 minutes for each additional pound. Use the antennae test to double check.

1. Bring the water to a hard boil.