How To Cook Lobster

Lobster is a popular and delicious seafood delicacy that’s enjoyed around the world. If you’re a fan of this mouth-watering seafood and are looking to learn how to cook lobster, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll be exploring everything you need to know about how to cook lobster, from boiling lobster tails to grilling and steaming whole lobsters. We’ll also provide you with some tips and tricks to ensure your lobster dishes turn out perfectly every time. And answer any question you may have about how long to cook lobster. 

Lobster in San Francisco

SF Skyline Date in SF

Before we jump into the intricacies of cooking lobster we want to look at how important lobster is to San Francisco. Lobster is an important part of San Francisco’s culinary scene. As a coastal city, San Francisco has a rich history of seafood and a deep connection to the ocean. Lobster, in particular, has become a beloved delicacy in the city and is a staple on many restaurant menus. With its sweet, succulent meat and versatile flavor, it’s no wonder that lobster has become such a popular dish. And with sustainable fishing practices becoming more important than ever, it’s reassuring to know that San Francisco’s seafood restaurants are committed to serving up fresh, responsibly sourced lobster. So whether you’re a local or a visitor to San Francisco, be sure to indulge in some of the city’s best lobster dishes and experience the taste of the ocean in every bite. 

When it comes to lobster in San Francisco, PIER 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf are the places to be. These areas are known for their fresh seafood and vibrant atmosphere, making them the perfect spots for a seafood feast. In addition to Pier Market Seafood Restaurant, there are plenty of other restaurants in the area that serve up delicious lobster dishes. From classic lobster rolls to spicy lobster pasta, there’s something for every taste bud. Now it’s time to dive in and become an expert at cooking lobster! 

How to Cook Lobster

Cooking Lobster

While getting lobster when you’re out to eat or visiting San Francisco is always a treat, we know that sometimes you want to cook this delicacy yourself! In this blog we’re going to give you the down low on the best ways to cook lobster, we’ll take a look at timing, how to select lobsters, and pretty much everything you need to know for cooking this delicious crustacean at home! You’ll learn how to cook lobster in no time! 

How to Boil Lobster Tails

Boiling lobster tails is one of the most popular ways to cook lobster, and it’s also one of the easiest. We know one of the most common questions to ask when learning how to cook lobster is “How long to boil lobster tails?” Well we’ve got an answer for you! Follow these steps for a perfectly cooked lobster tail. The first step is to bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Once the water is boiling, add the lobster tails and cook them for one minute per ounce. For example, if you’re cooking a 6-ounce lobster tail, you should boil it for six minutes.

Once the lobster tails are cooked, remove them from the pot and place them in a bowl of ice water for a few minutes to stop the cooking process. This will also make it easier to remove the meat from the shell. To remove the meat, use kitchen shears to cut down the middle of the shell and then gently pull the meat out. Serve your lobster tails with melted butter, lemon wedges, and your favorite sides. We hope that answers your question on how long to boil lobster!

Boiling Whole Lobsters

If you’re cooking a whole lobster, the cooking time will depend on the weight of the lobster. As a general rule, you should boil a 1-pound lobster for 12-15 minutes, a 1.5-pound lobster for 15-20 minutes, and a 2-pound lobster for 20-25 minutes. Once again, the key is to bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and then add the lobster. Make sure the water covers the lobster completely and then cook for the recommended time. And learning how to boil lobster is as easy as that!

When the lobster is cooked, remove it from the pot and let it cool for a few minutes before cracking open the shell to remove the meat. Lobster can be served in a variety of ways, including with melted butter, lemon wedges, and herbs.

Grilling Lobster Tails

How to cook lobster

Grilling lobster tails is a great option if you’re looking to add a smoky flavor to your lobster. To grill lobster tails, start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. Cut the tails down the middle using kitchen shears and then brush them with melted butter or olive oil. Place the tails flesh-side down on the grill and cook for 5-6 minutes, or until they are opaque and lightly charred.

Once the lobster tails are cooked, remove them from the grill and let them cool for a few minutes before removing the meat from the shell. Grilled lobster tails can be served with a variety of sauces, including garlic butter and spicy mayo.

Broiling Lobster Tails

Broiling lobster tails is another great way to cook lobster. To broil lobster tails, start by preheating your oven’s broiler. Cut the tails down the middle using kitchen shears and then brush them with melted butter or olive oil. Place the tails on a baking sheet and broil for 8-10 minutes, or until they are opaque and cooked through.

When the lobster tails are cooked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before removing the meat from the shell. Broiled lobster tails can be served with lemon wedges and drawn butter.

Steaming Lobsters

Cooked lobster

Steaming lobsters is a popular method for cooking whole lobsters. To steam a lobster, start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Place a steamer basket or rack inside the pot and then add the lobsters. Cover the pot and steam the lobsters for the recommended time based on their weight.

As with boiling whole lobsters, the cooking time for steaming will depend on the weight of the lobster. For a 1-pound lobster, steam for 14-16 minutes, for a 1.5-pound lobster, steam for 18-20 minutes, and for a 2-pound lobster, steam for 20-22 minutes.

When the lobster is cooked, remove it from the pot and let it cool for a few minutes before cracking open the shell to remove the meat. Steamed lobster can be served with melted butter or a light dipping sauce.

Tips and Tricks on How to Cook Lobster

Cooked lobster

Now that you know how to cook lobster, here are some tips and tricks to help ensure your lobster dishes turn out perfectly every time:

  1. Always use fresh lobster. Look for lobsters that are lively, with a hard shell and a tail that curls tightly. Avoid lobsters that have a soft shell or a tail that hangs limply.
  2. Don’t overcook your lobster. Overcooked lobster can become tough and rubbery. Keep a close eye on your lobster as it cooks and remove it from the heat as soon as it’s done.
  3. Serve lobster with simple sides. Lobster is a delicate flavor that can easily be overwhelmed by bold or complex sides. Stick to simple sides like roasted vegetables or a light salad to let the lobster shine. If you’re looking for the what to serve with lobster tails, look no further. We’ve got you covered with our blog post. 
  4. Use flavored butter for extra flavor. Melted butter is a classic accompaniment to lobster, but you can also experiment with flavored butter like garlic butter or lemon butter to add extra flavor.
  5. Consider a lobster boil for a crowd. If you’re cooking for a large group, consider hosting a lobster boil. Boiling lobsters is an easy way to feed a crowd and is sure to be a hit at any party.

Cooking lobster may seem intimidating, but with the right technique and a few tips and tricks, it’s actually quite simple. We hope this blog answers all your questions on how to cook live lobster, lobster cooking time, and any boil lobster tail questions you may have had! Whether you prefer boiled, grilled, broiled, or steamed lobster, there’s a cooking method that’s perfect for you. So go ahead, buy some fresh lobster and get cooking!

How to Eat lobster:

Great! You’re now an expert on cooking lobster, what’s next but to jump in and eat this delicacy up? Well, we know that learning how to eat a lobster is intimidating! That’s why we’ve put together a guide on how to eat lobster. It covers everything you need to know about eating lobster in San Francisco or anywhere else in the world! We cover everything from what tools you might need to a step by step guide of breaking a lobster down to get to the juicy meat! Make sure to check it out! 

Eating and Cooking Crab:

While lobster is known for its richness, we know that San Francisco is known for its dungeness crab. We figured we’d put in a plug for all the crab lovers out there. If you’re looking for a resource on how to cook crab we’ve got the perfect article for you. Check out our Ultimate Guide To Cooking Crab: Tips and Tricks” blog. You won’t be disappointed! 

Pier Market

waterfront dining room

Pier Market Seafood Restaurant is a San Francisco institution that has been serving up delicious seafood for 40 years. Situated on the iconic Fisherman’s Wharf, on PIER 39, Pier Market is a must-visit destination for seafood lovers. And really anyone who’s visiting San Francisco. What sets Pier Market apart is not just their commitment to sourcing the freshest seafood, but also their dedication to sustainable and responsible fishing practices. We work closely with purveyors to ensure that every dish is not only delicious but also environmentally conscious.

The atmosphere at Pier Market Seafood Restaurant is also incredibly inviting and charming. From the moment you step through the doors, you’re greeted with warm, friendly staff and the delightful aroma of fresh seafood. With its stunning views of the Bay, Pier Market’s outdoor patio is the perfect spot to enjoy a meal while soaking in the beauty of the San Francisco waterfront. The inviting atmosphere at Pier Market is sure to make your dining experience a memorable one.

To celebrate their 40th anniversary, Pier Market has recommitted their menu to include some new exciting dishes, while also staying true to their classic seafood favorites. Their clam chowder is a must-try, made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and served in a sourdough bread bowl. Additionally, Pier Market’s Dungeness crab is not to be missed, and their fish and chips are the best in the city. With stunning views of the Bay and an inviting atmosphere, Pier Market is the perfect spot for a romantic dinner (PRO TIP: check out our complete “Dinner Date Dress Ideas guide) or a family meal.

Pier Market – The place to get Lobster in SF

steak and lobster with sides. Perfect to go with the blog post talking about what to serve with lobster

When it comes to lobster San Francisco and specifically Pier Market is a cut above the rest. Whether you prefer your lobster boiled, grilled, or steamed, the chefs at Pier Market know exactly how to cook it to perfection. They offer a variety of lobster dishes, from classic lobster rolls to lobster tails to surf and turf where you can enjoy a lobster tail with a NY steak. Plus ANY entree can add on a lobster tail for an affordable price. And with our commitment to sustainable fishing practices, you can feel good about indulging in this delicious seafood delicacy.

Pier Market Seafood Restaurant is a San Francisco institution that has been serving up delicious seafood for 40 years. We are committed to sustainability. We are dedicated to quality. And we are experts with our preparation techniques. All of that and more marks Pier Market as a must-visit destination for lobster lovers. Are you a local or a visitor to San Francisco? A meal at Pier Market is an experience not to be missed. So next time you’re in the city, be sure to stop by and indulge in some of the best seafood.

 

Make a Reservation at Pier Market Seafood Restaurant today!