If you're a seafood lover, you know that lobster is a delicacy that is both delicious and nutritious. However, cooking lobster can be intimidating, especially if you're not sure how long to steam it. In this article, we'll go over the basics of how to steam lobster, including how to prepare your lobster for steaming, how long to steam it, and how to serve it once it's done.
Preparing your lobster for steaming is an important step that should not be overlooked. To do this, you'll need to rinse your lobster under cold water and remove the rubber bands from its claws. This will help to prevent them from sticking together during the steaming process. You'll also want to make sure that your lobster is fully thawed if you're using frozen lobster.
When it comes to steaming your lobster, the general rule of thumb is to steam it for 10-12 minutes per pound. However, the exact cooking time will depend on the size of your lobster and whether you're steaming it whole or just the tails. Once your lobster is cooked, you can serve it with melted butter and your favourite sides. So, let's get started and learn how to steam lobster like a pro!
Key Takeaways
- Preparing your lobster for steaming is an important step that should not be overlooked.
- The general rule of thumb for steaming lobster is to steam it for 10-12 minutes per pound.
- Once your lobster is cooked, you can serve it with melted butter and your favourite sides.
Preparing Your Lobster for Steaming
Before you steam your lobster, there are a few things you need to do to ensure that it is cooked to perfection. Here are the steps you should take when preparing your lobster for steaming:
Choosing the Right Lobster
When choosing a live lobster, look for one that is lively and active. The lobster should be moving its claws and legs, and its tail should be curled under its body. Avoid lobsters that are sluggish or have a strong, unpleasant odor.
Setting Up the Steaming Equipment
To steam your lobster, you will need a large pot with a steaming rack. Fill the pot with enough water to cover the bottom of the pot but not so much that it touches the steaming rack. Add sea salt to the water to give your lobster a delicious flavor.
Pre-Steaming Procedures
Before you steam your lobster, you need to prepare it for cooking. Start by rinsing the lobster under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Then, using a sharp knife, cut off the rubber bands from the claws. This will prevent them from getting stuck in the steaming rack.
Once your lobster is prepared, place it on the steaming rack in the pot. Cover the pot with a lid and bring the water to a boil. When the water is boiling, start your timer based on the weight of your lobster. See the chart below for steaming times based on lobster weight:
| Lobster Weight | Steaming Time |
|---|---|
| 1 pound | 10-12 minutes |
| 1.5 pounds | 12-14 minutes |
| 2 pounds | 14-16 minutes |
| 2.5 pounds | 16-18 minutes |
| 3 pounds | 18-20 minutes |
Once your lobster is cooked, remove it from the pot and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious steamed lobster with some melted butter and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Steaming and Serving Your Lobster
Mastering the Steaming Process
Steaming lobster is a simple and effective way to cook it. To get started, fill a large pot with about two inches of water and bring it to a rolling boil. Place a steaming rack inside the pot and carefully add the live lobsters one at a time. Use tongs to avoid getting burned by the steam. Once all the lobsters are in the pot, cover it with a lid.
Determining the Correct Cooking Time
The cooking time for steamed lobster depends on the weight of the lobster. For a 1 pound lobster, steam it for about 7 minutes. For a 1.25 pound lobster, steam it for about 9 minutes. For a 1.5 pound lobster, steam it for about 12 minutes. And for a 1.75 pound lobster, steam it for about 14 minutes.
It is important to use a timer to avoid overcooking or undercooking the lobster. Start the timer when the steaming water returns to a boil. To ensure that the meat is tender and bright red, avoid overcooking the lobster.
Finishing Touches and Presentation
Once the lobster is cooked, use tongs to remove it from the pot and place it on a plate. Serve with melted butter and lemon juice for a classic taste.
Steamed lobster can be used in a variety of dishes, such as lobster rolls or lobster salad. To serve it as a main dish, consider adding sides such as roasted vegetables or a salad.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the duration for steaming a 1.5 lb lobster?
For a 1.5 lb lobster, you should steam it for about 10-12 minutes. Remember that the timing can vary depending on the size of the lobster, so adjust accordingly.
How do you determine if a steamed lobster is cooked through?
You can tell if a steamed lobster is cooked through by checking the colour of the shell. The shell should be bright red, and the meat should be opaque and white. You can also check the internal temperature of the lobster meat, which should be 140°F (60°C).
What's the difference between steaming and boiling lobster, which is superior?
Steaming and boiling are both great ways to cook lobster, but steaming is generally considered to be superior because it results in more tender meat and preserves the delicate flavour better. Boiling can make the lobster meat tougher and can also result in overcooking.
Can you overcook lobster by steaming it too long?
Yes, you can overcook lobster by steaming it too long. As little as a minute of too much cooking time can result in overcooked meat. Be sure to follow the recommended cooking times based on the size of the lobster.
What's the recommended time for steaming lobster tails in their shell?
For small lobster tails, aim for a steaming time of approximately 6-8 minutes, while larger tails may require 10-12 minutes. This ensures that the meat is cooked to perfection, neither underdone nor overcooked.
How long should you steam lobster tails if they're frozen?
If you're steaming frozen lobster tails, you should add a few extra minutes to the recommended cooking time. For small lobster tails, aim for a steaming time of approximately 8-10 minutes, while larger tails may require 12-14 minutes.