How Long to Boil Multiple Lobsters {Cooking Times}

I’ll be honest, I didn’t know how to boil a lobster until I was well into my 30s. It’s not exactly something you learn in home ec!

There will always be the debate on how to cook the perfect lobster. Steamed or boiled? And of course, lobster cooking times vary. But do you boil lobsters longer if you’re cooking more than one?

The answer to that question is no. Don’t add more time if you’re cooking multiple lobsters. They are in the same pot in the same boiling water. If you over cook them, they become rubbery and tough.

I will say there is no WRONG way to cook this delicious crustacean! As long as it is on MY plate, its perfect every time. 😀

My personal preference? I prefer them boiled, for a few reasons. Lobsters cook more evenly and quicker when they are boiled. The meat is also easier to remove from the shell of a boiled lobster.

Fill a large pot about 3/4 full with salted water (if you have access to sea water this is even better)
Bring the pot to a rolling boil over high heat.

Pick up your lobster from the tail right at the back of the body. Don’t worry they have rubber bands on those big viscous claws. They can’t hurt you.

Carefully submerge the live lobster fully into the boiling water. Head first. Watch that tail, it can flip and splash the hot water out of the pot. Well, I would be angry if someone just stuck my head in a pot of boiling water too! Wouldn’t you!?

Can you boil multiple lobsters at once? Yes!

You can cook more than one lobster at a time if your pot is big enough. Just make sure there is plenty of room/water to cover them all.

Cover the pot and return to a boil as quickly as possible

Lobster cooking times:

1 lb. Lobster… 4-5 minutes
1 1/4 lb. lobster… 6-7 minutes
1 1/2 lb. lobster… 7-9 minutes
2 lb. lobster… 10-12 minutes
3 lb. lobster… 12-13 minutes
5-6 lb. lobster… 18-20 minutes

How do you know when your lobster is ready?

You will know your lobster is ready when …

The shell is fire engine red all over.  Many New Englanders will say when you can pull the antennae out easily your lobster is cooked.

Remove your lobster from the boiling water and run it under cold water or into an ice bath to stop the cooking process. You don’t want to over cook them.

You’re looking for the meat to be a creamy white color. You don’t want it to be translucent at all.

After you cook your lobster you should shoot me a message  and get my address. Package up all the sweet meat and have it delivered straight to my door. ….. No really! That is part of the instructions I promise! 😉

Enjoy!

6 Dishes and Sides that pair well with Lobster

Broccoli (Air fryer recipe)

Crack Green Bean Casserole with Bacon and Fried Onions

Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms (An Easy Appetizer)

Pizza Dough Parmesan & Garlic Knots

Mac and Cheese (A Chick-Fil-A Copycat Recipe!)

Spicy Noodle Pasta

1 thought on “How Long to Boil Multiple Lobsters {Cooking Times}”

  1. Send me your Venmo or cash app and I’ll send you some lobsta funds for your help in making my dinner date that much easier! I appreciate you!
    Sincerely, Cody G.

    Reply

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