How to Steam Lobster: Simple and Delicious Seafood Dish

How to Steam Lobster: Simple and Delicious Seafood Dish

If you’re a seafood lover, you know that lobster is one of the most decadent and delicious dishes out there. Steaming lobster is a simple and classic method of cooking that brings out the natural sweetness and flavor of the meat. Not only is steaming lobster a healthy cooking method, but it also preserves the delicate texture of the meat.

Why steam lobster?

Steaming lobster is a popular cooking method because it allows the meat to cook evenly without becoming tough or chewy. Unlike boiling, steaming also preserves the natural flavors of the lobster meat. Steaming lobster is also a healthy cooking method, as it doesn’t require any added fats or oils.

What you’ll need

Before you begin, you’ll need a few things:

• A large pot with a steaming rack or basket
• Water
• Sea salt
• Live lobsters
• Tongs or a large spoon for handling the lobsters

Now that you have everything you need, let’s get started on steaming the perfect lobster!

Preparing the Lobster

Before you can start steaming your lobster, there are a few preparation steps that you need to follow. These include choosing your lobster and cleaning it properly.

Choosing Your Lobster

When it comes to choosing your lobster, you want to make sure that you pick the freshest one possible. Look for a lobster that is lively and active, with a hard shell and a tail that curls tightly. Avoid any lobsters that appear sluggish or have a soft shell, as these are signs that the lobster is not fresh and may have been sitting around for too long.

Another thing to consider when choosing your lobster is the size. Larger lobsters may be more impressive to look at, but they can also be tougher and less flavorful than smaller ones. Aim for a lobster that weighs between 1 and 2 pounds, as this will give you the best balance of flavor and tenderness.

Cleaning the Lobster

Once you have chosen your lobster, you need to clean it properly. This involves removing any dirt, sand, or other debris that may be trapped in the shell. Here’s how to do it:

1. Fill a large bowl with cold water and add a tablespoon of salt. This will help to clean the lobster and remove any impurities.
2. Hold the lobster firmly by the body and remove the rubber bands from its claws.
3. Place the lobster in the salt water and let it soak for 10-15 minutes. This will help to loosen any dirt or sand that may be trapped in the shell.
4. Remove the lobster from the water and rinse it under cold running water.
5. Use a stiff-bristled brush to scrub the shell, paying particular attention to the joints and crevices.
6. Flip the lobster over and use a pair of kitchen shears to remove the small flippers at the base of the tail.
7. Use your fingers to remove the small sac located behind the eyes. This is the lobster’s digestive tract and should be discarded.

Once you have cleaned your lobster, it is ready to be steamed. Follow the instructions in the next section to learn how to steam your lobster perfectly every time.

Steaming the Lobster: Simple and Delicious Seafood Dish

Steaming lobster is a simple and delicious way to enjoy this popular seafood dish. It’s a great way to cook lobster because it keeps the meat moist and tender while preserving its natural flavor. In this section, we will guide you through the process of steaming a lobster.

Preparing the Pot

The first step in steaming a lobster is to prepare the pot. Choose a large pot that is big enough to hold the lobsters comfortably. Fill the pot with about 2-3 inches of water and add a tablespoon of salt for every quart of water. This will help to season the lobster while it cooks.

You can also add other seasonings like bay leaves, garlic, and lemon to the water for extra flavor. Bring the water to a boil over high heat.

Adding the Lobster

Once the water is boiling, it’s time to add the lobster. Carefully place the lobsters into the pot, head first. Make sure that they are fully submerged in the water. You can use tongs or a slotted spoon to handle the lobsters to avoid getting burned by the steam.

Be careful not to overcrowd the pot, as this can affect the cooking time and the quality of the lobster. Allow enough space for the lobsters to cook evenly. If you’re cooking more than one lobster, you may need to do it in batches.

Cooking Time

The cooking time for steaming lobster will depend on the size of the lobster. A good rule of thumb is to steam the lobster for about 8-10 minutes per pound. For example, if you have a 1.5-pound lobster, you should steam it for about 12-15 minutes.

The lobster shells will turn bright red when they are fully cooked. You can also check the doneness of the lobster by pulling on one of the antennae. If it comes off easily, the lobster is cooked. If it’s still firmly attached, give it a few more minutes to cook.

Once the lobsters are fully cooked, remove them from the pot using tongs or a slotted spoon. Place them on a plate to cool for a few minutes before serving.

In conclusion

Steaming lobster is a simple and delicious way to enjoy this popular seafood dish. By following these simple steps, you can create a perfectly steamed lobster that is moist, tender, and full of flavor. So why not try steaming lobster for your next seafood feast?

Serving the Lobster

After removing the lobster from the pot, you’ll want to let it cool for a few minutes before cracking the shell and serving. Here’s how:

Cracking the Shell

First, remove the rubber bands from the claws. Then, using a lobster cracker or nutcracker, crack the shell of the claws and tail to make it easier to remove the meat.

For the claws, gently twist and pull to remove the meat. For the tail, use a pair of kitchen shears to cut down the center of the shell, then gently pull apart the two halves to reveal the meat.

Seasoning

Once the meat is removed from the shell, you can season it to your liking. Some popular options include:

• Melted butter with lemon juice
• Garlic butter
• Old Bay seasoning
• Lemon pepper

Simply dip the meat into your preferred seasoning and enjoy!

Serving

When serving lobster, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure to provide plenty of napkins and a bib, as eating lobster can be messy. Additionally, consider serving with a side of melted butter and lemon wedges for squeezing over the meat.

For an elegant touch, consider serving the lobster on a bed of greens or with a side of roasted vegetables.

Tip:	For an extra-special touch, try serving the lobster with a chilled white wine or champagne.