Steaming whole lobsters and how to eat one claws to tail.

Steamed lobster with drawn butter is a classic and luxurious dish. The lobsters are steamed with sea salt and lemon, enhancing their natural sweetness. The drawn butter, clarified by skimming off the foam, adds a rich, silky texture perfect for dipping. This simple yet elegant preparation highlights the lobster’s delicate flavor. Steaming a whole lobster is a preferred method for several reasons. It preserves the lobster’s natural sweetness and tenderness, ensuring a moist and flavorful result. Steaming is also a gentle cooking method that evenly cooks the lobster without drying it out. Additionally, it allows the lobster to retain its vibrant red color and succulent texture. The process is straightforward and requires minimal preparation, making it accessible for home cooks. Serving a whole steamed lobster is visually impressive and provides a luxurious dining experience, perfect for special occasions or a delightful seafood feast

For a complete meal, serve the lobster with sides like buttery corn on the cob, roasted potatoes, or a fresh green salad. A chilled glass of Chardonnay or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc pair beautifully with the rich, buttery lobster

Ingredients

• 2 live lobsters (about 1.5 pounds each)
• 1/4 cup sea salt
• 1 lemon, halved
• 1 cup unsalted butter

Cleaning Lobsters for Steaming

1. Calm the Lobsters: Place the live lobsters in the fridge for about an hour to calm them down.
2. Rinse: Rinse the lobsters under cold, running water to remove any debris or sand.
3. Remove Rubber Bands: Carefully remove the rubber bands from the claws using scissors or by slipping them off.
4. Check for Debris: Inspect the lobsters for any remaining debris and rinse again if necessary.

Directions

1. Prepare the Pot: Fill a large pot with about 2 inches of water. Add the sea salt and squeeze in the lemon juice, tossing the lemon halves into the pot for extra flavor. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
2. Steam the Lobsters: Place the lobsters in the pot, cover, and steam until the shells are bright red and the tails are curled, about 15 minutes.
3. Make the Drawn Butter: While the lobsters are steaming, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Once melted, let it sit for a minute, then skim off the foam on top to clarify the butter.
4. Serve: Remove the lobsters from the pot and let them drain. Serve immediately with the drawn butter in small dipping cups.

Tools for Eating Whole Lobster

Eating a whole lobster can be a delightful experience with the right tools. Here are the essentials:

1. Lobster Cracker or handheld metal nutcracker: To break open the tough shells, especially the claws.
2. Seafood Scissors: For cutting through the shell and accessing the meat.
3. Seafood Picks or Forks: To extract meat from hard-to-reach places like the legs and joints.
4. Small Hammer or Mallet: Useful for cracking particularly hard shells.
5. Bowl for Discarded Shells: Keeps your eating area tidy.
6. Napkins or Bibs: Eating lobster can be messy, so these help keep you clean.

Where to Buy Whole Live Lobsters Online

Harbor Fish Market – Whole Live Lobster – Overnight Shipping