Red Lobster-Style Steamed Maine Lobster
Inspired by Red Lobster's commitment to fresh, perfectly cooked seafood, this recipe recreates the simple luxury of a steamed Maine lobster in your own kitchen, emphasizing natural flavors and succulent texture.
Ingredients
- 1 (1.5 - 2 lb) live or defrosted whole Maine lobster (or 2-3 large Maine lobster tails, 6-8 oz each)
- 4 cups water (or enough to fill steamer pot without touching basket)
- 1/4 cup sea salt (optional, for steaming water)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted, for serving
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges, for serving
Instructions
- 1
Fill a large pot (with a tight-fitting lid and a steamer basket or insert) with about 2-3 inches of water. Add the optional sea salt to the water. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- 2
Prepare the lobster: If using a live whole lobster, handle carefully. Some cooks recommend placing the lobster in the freezer for 15-20 minutes to humanely stun it before cooking. If using a defrosted whole lobster or lobster tails, ensure they are fully thawed. For tails, you may butterfly them by cutting down the center of the top shell with kitchen shears to expose the meat.
- 3
Carefully place the whole lobster (or lobster tails) into the steamer basket. If using a whole lobster, place it head-first. Cover the pot tightly with the lid.
- 4
Steam the lobster for the appropriate time: For a 1.5 - 2 lb whole lobster, steam for 12-18 minutes, or until the shell is bright red and the meat is opaque and firm. For large lobster tails (6-8 oz each), steam for 6-10 minutes, or until the meat is opaque and firm.
- 5
Carefully remove the lobster from the pot. Serve immediately with a side of melted butter and fresh lemon wedges. Provide crackers and picks if serving a whole lobster to assist with cracking shells.