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Authentic Boiled Maine Lobster Recipe
Maine, United States of America
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We strongly advise you to read the cooking tips before jumping to the recipe though
Introduction & history
Boiled Maine lobster is a classic seafood dish, particularly revered in New England and especially iconic in the state of Maine, where lobster fishing is a significant part of the local economy and culture. It is both a dish in its own right and a technique, a way of preparing Maine lobster, also known scientifically as Homarus americanus. Maine lobster is prized for its large size, sweet meat, and relatively abundant, easy-to-access meat in the claws and tail. The process of preparing boiled Maine lobster is simple in that it's nothing more than placing whole lobsters into a large pot of boiling, salted water and cooking until done. The cooking time will depend on the size of the lobster and its shell, meaning the larger the lobster and the harder the shell, the more cooking time it will need. Preparing lobster also brings up the dilemma of how to kill the animal humanely, and most scientists suggest placing the lobster in the freezer for half an hour to put it to sleep before plunking ... Read more
Cooking tips
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choosing a lobster
Check for a hard, intact shell without any noticeable damage or missing limbs, as these can indicate poor handling or age. Ensure the lobster's eyes are clear and bright, not cloudy or shrunken. Additionally, it's advisable to buy lobsters that are alive to ensure maximum freshness, as the quality of lobster meat declines rapidly after death. Always source from reputable suppliers who adhere to sustainable ... Read more -
types of lobster
Maine lobsters can be categorized by their shell hardness and sex. Hard-shell lobsters have a firmer, more resilient shell and offer more meat, which is denser and has a slightly sweeter flavor. They are better for shipping and have a longer shelf life. Soft-shell lobsters (shedders) have recently molted and have softer, easier-to-crack shells with less meat, which is more tender and easier to eat ... Read more -
prep the lobster/killing it humanely
To prepare a lobster for boiling, first, place it in the freezer for about 30 minutes to numb it, reducing its ability to feel pain. Next, quickly kill the lobster to minimize suffering: place it belly up, locate the cross mark on its head, and swiftly insert a sharp chef’s knife straight down through the mark, cutting through the head. This method is considered humane as it disrupts the central nervous ... Read more -
water for cooking
When it comes to quantities, it is recommended to use roughly 2 to 3 quarts (2 to 3 liters) of water for each pound of lobster you plan to cook. The water needs to be well salted, about 1 tablespoon of salt (preferably sea salt) per quart (liter) of water. If you're near the sea, use seawater to cook the lobster for a real authentic feel. -
cooking time
Cooking time for lobster depends on its size. A general rule is to boil or steam it for about 7-8 minutes per pound, starting the timer once the water returns to a boil. For instance, a 1-pound lobster needs about 7-8 minutes, and a 2-pound lobster about 14-16 minutes. Lobsters larger than 3 pounds may require a slightly different approach to prevent overcooking. Also, hard-shell lobsters need more ... Read more -
serving
Boiled Maine lobster is usually served whole or split down the middle, often accompanied by melted butter, lemon wedges, and sometimes side dishes like corn on the cob or potatoes. -
how to shell a boiled lobster
Shelling a boiled lobster requires some preparation to keep things tidy and efficient. Start by equipping yourself with lobster crackers, a small fork or pick, kitchen shears, and a heavy knife. A bib is highly recommended to protect your clothing, and a large bowl or bucket should be on hand to discard shells. Begin by twisting off the lobster's claws and cracking them with the crackers to extract ... Read more
Boiled Maine Lobster
PREP 30min
COOK 15min
RESTING 5min
READY IN 50min
The following recipe gives detailed instructions on how to preare an authentic boiled Maine lobster. Boiled Maine lobster is a luxurious, yet straightforward dish that showcases the natural flavors of the sea. Preparation starts with a large pot filled with salty water, emulating the lobster's native ocean environment and enhancing its flavor. The cooking process is efficient, utilizing a rolling boil to submerge the lobsters headfirst, minimizing sensory response and ensuring even cooking. The timing is crucial: roughly 8-9 minutes for a 1-pound (450g) lobster, with an additional minute for each extra quarter-pound. Once the shells turn bright red and the meat is firm and opaque, they’re ready to serve, delivering succulent, tender lobster meat straight from the ocean to your plate
Ingredients
4 lobsters (1 - 1 1⁄2 lbs / 450-675g per person)
sea salt
Preparation
Step 1/9
Make sure your pot is large enough to hold both the water and the lobsters without overcrowding. A crowded pot can result in unevenly cooked lobsters.
Step 2/9
As mentioned, use roughly 2 to 3 quarts (2 to 3 liters) of water for each pound of lobster you plan to cook. If cooking multiple lobsters, ensure you have enough water to keep them submerged.
Step 3/9
Add about 1 tablespoon of salt (preferably sea salt) per quart (liter) of water. This salinity helps flavor the lobster and mimics their natural seawater environment, potentially reducing stress during cooking.
Step 4/9
Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
Step 5/9
Carefully place the lobsters headfirst into the boiling water. This method is quickest and considered more humane as it exposes the lobster's nervous system to the heat immediately, which rapidly diminishes sensory response.
Step 6/9
Once all the lobsters are in the pot, cover it to help the water quickly return to a boil.
Step 7/9
Once the water has returned to a boil, start timing the cooking. General cooking time is about 8-9 minutes for 1-pound (0.5 kg) lobsters (12 minutes for 1 1⁄2-pound (0.7 kg) one). Larger lobsters may need more time (add roughly one minute for each additional quarter-pound).
Step 8/9
Lobsters are done when their shell turns bright red and the meat becomes opaque and firm. You can also pull on an antenna or tug a small walking leg; if it comes off easily, the lobster is done.
Step 9/9
Use tongs to carefully remove the lobsters from the boiling water and place them into a bowl of ice water or let them cool down for a few minutes before serving. This stops the cooking process and makes handling easier.
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