Cooking & Recipes

 

Cooking Live Lobster

Cooking live lobster for the first time? Don't worry. It's easier than you might think. You can steam or boil your lobster using the instructions below.

How to Steam

  1. Choose a pot large enough to comfortably hold the lobsters without overcrowding them.
  2. Add about 2 inches of seawater or salted water to the bottom of the pot.
  3. Place a steaming rack inside the pot and bring the water to a rolling boil.
  4. Carefully add the live lobsters one at a time and cover the pot.
  5. Start timing once the pot is covered. Check the water during cooking to make sure the pot does not boil dry.
  6. Be careful when removing the lid. Always open it away from you as the steam will be very hot.

Suggested steaming times:

  • 1.25 lb lobster: approximately 12 minutes
  • 1.5 lb lobster: approximately 14 minutes
  • 1.75 lb lobster: approximately 16 minutes
  • 2 lb lobster: approximately 18 minutes
  • 2.25 lb lobster: approximately 20 minutes
  • 2.5 lb lobster: approximately 22 minutes

Cooking times are approximate and can vary depending on the size and number of lobsters being cooked.

How to Boil

  1. Choose a large pot and add enough water to completely cover the lobsters.
  2. Salt the water well. Seawater can also be used.
  3. Bring the water to a full rolling boil.
  4. Carefully place the live lobsters into the boiling water one at a time, headfirst, and cover the pot.
  5. When the water returns to a boil, begin timing.
  6. As a general guide, boil for approximately 7 to 10 minutes for the first pound and an additional 2 to 3 minutes for each additional pound. If you're cooking several lobsters at once, they may require a little additional cooking time.
  7. Remove the cooked lobsters carefully with tongs.

How do I know when my lobster is cooked?

The shell will be bright red and the meat should be firm, white and opaque. An antenna or small walking leg should pull away fairly easily when the lobster is fully cooked.

Our Favourite Lobster Recipes

Nova Scotia Creamed Lobster

A simple Nova Scotia favourite and a delicious way to enjoy lobster meat.

Ingredients

  • 3 to 4 cooked lobsters, approximately 6 lbs total
  • 1 cup butter
  • 2 cups blend or whipping cream
  • Toast or rolls

Directions

  1. Cook and shell the lobsters, then cut the meat into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Melt the butter in a large pan over low heat.
  3. Add the lobster meat and simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes.
  4. Add the cream and continue to simmer gently for another 10 to 15 minutes. Do not boil.
  5. Serve hot over toast or rolls.
  6. Enjoy!

Lobster Dip

Ingredients

  • 1 block cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tbsp ketchup
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp seafood sauce
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped onion
  • 3 to 4 drops Worcestershire sauce
  • 3/4 cup chopped lobster meat

Directions

  1. Combine the cream cheese, ketchup, mayonnaise, lemon juice and seafood sauce. Mix well.
  2. Stir in the chopped onion and Worcestershire sauce.
  3. Gently fold in the lobster meat.
  4. Serve with plain chips, Ritz crackers or toasted pita bread.
  5. Enjoy!