What are the best tips for cooking lobster?

Don't overcook — rubbery lobster is a tragedy. Shell turns bright red when done. Butter is mandatory.

What internal temperature should lobster reach?

Lobster should reach 140°F / 60°C (tail meat) for safe consumption.

Boil (whole) at 8–12 min (1.25 lb). 1 min per oz of lobster. Bright red = done.

Steam (whole) at 10–14 min (1.25 lb). More gentle than boiling. Slightly more tender.

Roast (tails) at 14–10 min. Butterfly and open. Brush with garlic butter.

Grill (tails) at 5–7 min flesh-side, 2–3 min shell-side. Butterfly. Flesh-side down first for grill marks.

Broil (tails) at 8–10 min. Butterfly and butter. Watch carefully.

protein

Whole live lobster, 1.25–1.5 lbs, or tails

🌡

Safe Internal Temp

140°F / 60°C (tail meat)

↕ Slide the temperature to see how cook times change

Rolling boil, heavily salted8–12 min (1.25 lb)

✎ 1 min per oz of lobster. Bright red = done.