First time cooking a lobster.?!
First time cooking a lobster.?
My birthday is on Monday and I really want lobster. Usually we would go out to this seafood place back home so I've never cooked it before. I asked my boyfriend to cook it for me this time but he's never cooked lobster before either. I know you have to boil it but how much water do you put in the stock pot and for how long do you cook it? Is there a certain way to put the lobster in the pot? I've heard stories about lobsters screaming when they're put in the boiling water. Is that true? If so I don't think I can be in the room when he cooks it. I love lobster but if I heard one scream when it was being cooked that would be the end of that. My friend said you should pick it up with a towel and put it in the pot upside down. That way the lobster dies faster. I've also heard of putting it in the freezer for about 15 minutes before cooking? Any tips would be appreciated. Thanks.
Answers:
Being a former chef form Canada, and having cooked around 1000 lobsters in my 20 years as a chef, and having worked on the East coast of Canada.
Water, enough to cover the lobster, brought to a rolling boil, they do not scream, cook for 7-10 minutes per pound, if your doing more than one allow 3 more minutes, just drop the lobster into the boiling water and put the lid back on, if you have a timer set it but if you eyeball it it is fine, let it rest after cooking it. Then either crack the shell in the kitchen or get a nutcracker to help with the shells
The best way to handle it is with a pair of BBQ tongs, available at Dollar Barn, the longer the better, serve with melted butter and fresh lemon sections, I like it but after cooking so many over the years, like KFC, I worked there as a teenage in High school it is something I don't eat very much of anymore.
Enjoy it and the next time you will be an expert, and show off your talents to your friends.
Boil enough water to completely cover the lobster, Throw the lobster when water is boiling, Not from the freezer leave it at room temperature, And cook for about 15 min. Melt butter and get the nutcrackers ready, And dinner is served. Have your boyfriend put the lobster in, They don't scream but their tail starts moving fast. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!
Put it in the freezer if it makes your conscience feel better....
but I would steam it instead of boiling it. Sometimes I find that boiled gets chewy and tough.
If you are buying them fresh at the market they will usually steam them for you if you ask.