How to Steam Lobster (Whole Steamed Lobster Recipe)
- Gluten-Free
- Dairy-Free
Home cooks rejoice: you can have a fancy dinner the easy way! In this recipe I’ll show you exactly how to steam lobster and how to get perfect results with your steamed lobster every time!
I have a handy time chart so you know exactly how many minutes based on the weight of your lobster! Be sure to save it!
How to steam lobster
Contrary to popular belief, whole live lobsters are not difficult to cook at home.
I know they can be a little scary at first, but I promise you’ll be a pro in no time with my simple instructions.
I’ve made a handy time chart so you know exactly how many minutes to leave it in the pot based on the size of your lobster. No guess work required!
First off, you’re going to need a large stockpot with a tight-fitting lid. An 8-quart stockpot is a good go-to.
You want to make sure there’s enough room so that the lobsters are not crowded in the large pot.
You’ll also need a steamer basket or steamer rack to go in the bottom of the pot.
Place an inch or two of water in the pot, salt it, and bring the water to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium, and now you’re ready to get cooking!
The time is dependent on the weight of each whole lobster, so if you’re cooking more than one at a time it is convenient to have them all around the same weight if possible.
How long to steam lobster per pound
Use my simple chart below to decide on a recommended time.
**Please note that cooking time does not change when you have a lot of lobsters. For example, if you have one 1 lb lobster you leave it in for 12 minutes. And if you have two 1-pound lobsters you leave them in for the same amount of time.
What about cooking large lobsters?
Obviously, for larger lobsters, they’ll need more time to steam. Above are the most common sizes you’re likely to find at the grocery store.
If you come across 2-pound lobsters, don’t worry: just add 2 more minutes for a total of 16 minutes in the steam pot.
Steamed lobster vs. boiled
The easiest and most efficient way to cook lobsters and keep all the delicious flavor is to steam them.
It’s okay to boil them, but the boiling water allows some of the flavor and nutrients to escape into the water as they cook.
It is also really easy to overcook the lobster meat when you boil them.
Thankfully, it’s not the only way to cook them. The steaming method is considered the best way to cook lobster by many seafood lovers, and I have to agree.
For the best and most consistent results, I say steam ’em.
How to steam lobster tails
The tender meat of the lobster tail is a favorite for many, and can often be easier (or more affordable) to get your hands on.
If it’s your first time, this steamed lobster tail recipe is a great way to get started learning how.
Most lobster tails are sold frozen, so be sure to thaw them out before cooking.
From there, the cooking process for steamed lobster is pretty much the same as it is for a whole lobster:
- Place a steamer basket inside a lobster pot with about an inch of water (be sure to salt water)
- Bring to a boil
- Reduce heat to medium and place lobster tails in steamer basket
- Cover with lid
How long to steam lobster tails
- For 4oz lobster tails you’ll want to steam for about 5-6 minutes.
- For 6oz lobster tails it will be around 8 minutes.
What to serve with steamed lobster
For serving, I like to include melted butter (ghee or clarified is the best), lemon wedges, red potatoes, and a salad. Other options include:
- Garlic butter
- Unsalted butter
- Fresh herbs
- Lemon juice
- Old bay seasoning or cajun seasoning
- Sea salt
- White wine
- Light beer
Don’t forget the lobster shell crackers, paper towels, and most of all, to have a good time!
Once you learn how to steam lobster perfectly every time, you’ll want to make it all the time. At least I do!
Some other delicious sides are my Purple Coleslaw and my 2-Ingredient Biscuits! YUM!!
New England Memories
Lobster brings back so many fond memories for me.
For a lot of my childhood my family lived on the East Coast of the U.S. and lobster was a summertime tradition, especially when we lived in Newport, Rhode Island.
Those long summer nights filled with lobster rolls, lobster races, cold lemonade, homemade ice cream, and catching fireflies outside at dusk are some of my best childhood memories.
Love lobster? Check out these other yummy lobster recipes!
- Champagne Butter Poached Lobster
- Lobster Mac and Cheese
- Lobster Curry with Coconut Milk
- Grilled Lobster with Garlic Herb Butter
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How to Steam Lobster
- Gluten-Free
- Dairy-Free
Ingredients
- 2 live lobsters
- 2-3 Tbsp salt
- 1/3 cup melted ghee or clarified butter
- lemon wedges
Instructions
- Chill lobsters in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to dull their senses. This also makes it easier to get them into the pot because sometimes they like to resist.
- Place an inch or two of water in the pot and add a few tablespoons of salt.
- Cover with the lid and bring to a boil over high heat.
- Once the water is boiling, add the lobsters one at a time then replace the lid.
- Reduce heat to medium (still boiling) and steam according to the times below.
- Remove the lobsters using tongs.
- Wrap with aluminum foil and let rest for 2 minutes.
- Remove and allow to cool for a few more minutes before digging in.
- Enjoy!
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Steamed Lobster Nutritional Information
Per 1 cup serving: 128 calories, 27 g protein, 1.2 grams fat, 0 carbs
Steamed Lobsters FAQs
It depends on the weight of the lobster. A 1 pound lobster steams for about 7 minutes, a 1.25 pound lobster for about 9 minutes, 1.5 pounds for 12 minutes, and 1.75 pounds for 14 minutes.
For best results, many cooks recommend steaming your lobsters to ensure an even cooking time.
Salting the water isn’t required, but it is recommended.
1 pound lobster steams for 7 minutes
1.25 pound lobster steams for 9 minutes
1.5 pound lobster steams for 12 minutes
1.75 pound lobster steams for 14 minutes
If you don’t have a steamer basket, you can boil the lobster tails instead. Just be careful not to overcook them. This guide to boiling lobster tails can help!
Now that you know how to make a lobster dinner, you can make any night a special night! Be sure to bookmark this recipe card for easy reference!
How did you like the recipe on how to steam lobster? I’d love to hear your feedback in the comments section below!
xx Kit
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I am going to use lobster tails for the mac and cheese and wondered about steaming them. How long?
Hi, Marcia! For 4oz lobster tails you’ll want to steam for about 5-6 minutes. For 6oz lobster tails it will be around 8 minutes. Hope this helps! 🙂
Seems a little less time than I thought. I will try this though, after boiling for ~ 50 years! I wouldn’t add the salt until the water is actually boiling though; easier on the pots! Never heard of the tin foil part. Thanks. Rick W
Enjoy! I used to boil them too, but I’m a convert now! So much better and really ensures you get a nice strong lobster flavor!
This is brilliant! Thank you for sharing your recipe as well as your fondest childhood memory! My partner and I are doing lobster at home for Valentines Day and it definitely seemed a bit daunting but you made it sound super easy! Thank you 😀
Hi, Zac! You’re very welcome! I’m glad that this makes it seem less daunting. It really is easy. Just watch the clock and make sure you have a big enough pot to fit the number of lobsters you buy, of course. I hope you and your partner have a wonderful and romantic lobster dinner on Valentine’s Day! 🙂