How To Boil A Lobster

How To Boil A Lobster

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Boiling Instructions:

Use a pot big enough to hold the lobsters. Fill about one-half to two-thirds with water. Use about enough so it is deep enough to submerge the lobster by at least 3 inches.
Add 2 table spoons of salt for each quart of water. Bring the water to a strong boil over high heat.
Place the live lobsters in one at a time, headfirst and completely submerge them. Pick up the lobster by holding the upper side of the body.Keep the underside of the body away from you.
Cover the pot tightly and return to a reboil as quickly as possible. AFTER the water reboils start timing, and regulate the heat to prevent water from boiling over, but be sure to keep the water boiling throughout the cooking time. Melt some butter while you wait.
Carefully remove lobsters from the pot with tongs. Be careful, they are very hot. Set in a large bowl for five minutes to cool before cracking.

Boiling Times for Lobsters

How long to boil lobsters?
See chart to avoid over- or under-cooking. For boiling time, use the weight of individual lobsters, not total weight of all lobster being cooked. Below you can see lobster boiling. time chart.
Lobster Size
Boiling Times
1 lb. Lobster 5-6 minutes
1 ¼ pound 7-8 minutes
1-1/2 lb. 8-9 minutes
2 lb. lobster 10-12 minutes
3 lb. lobster 12-14 minutes
5-6 lb. lobster 18-20 minutes