Cooking lobster at home can seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite straightforward! Let’s break down how to prepare and cook “H lobster” (which refers to hard-shell lobsters, often considered the best for cooking) so you can enjoy a delicious seafood feast.
**What is “H Lobster?”**
The “H” in “H lobster” stands for *hard-shell* lobster. These lobsters have recently molted and their new shells have hardened, resulting in a meatier and more flavorful experience compared to soft-shell lobsters. Hard-shell lobsters are typically available from late fall through winter.
**Choosing the Right Lobster**
* **Live and Active:** Always choose live lobsters that are active and move their claws and tails.
* **Size Matters:** Consider how many people you are feeding. A 1.25 to 1.5-pound lobster is usually sufficient per person.
* **Hard Shell:** Make sure the shell is hard and firm, indicating a hard-shell lobster.
**Preparing Your Lobster**
1. **Keep it Chilled:** Before cooking, keep your lobster in the refrigerator to keep it calm.
2. **To Humanely Kill the Lobster:** There are a couple of methods. Place the lobster in the freezer for about 30 minutes to numb it or quickly insert the tip of a sharp knife into the cross on the back of its head.
**Cooking Methods**
Here are the most common and effective ways to cook H lobster:
* **Boiling:** Boiling is a classic and easy method.
1. Fill a large pot with heavily salted water (it should taste like the ocean).
2. Bring the water to a rolling boil.
3. Carefully place the lobster headfirst into the boiling water.
4. Cook for 10-13 minutes for a 1-pound lobster, adding 3 minutes per additional pound.
5. The lobster is done when it turns bright red and the tail curls.
* **Steaming:** Steaming is another great way to cook lobster, resulting in slightly more tender meat.
1. Fill a large pot with 2 inches of water.
2. Place a steamer basket inside the pot, ensuring the water doesn’t touch the basket.
3. Bring the water to a boil.
4. Place the lobster in the steamer basket.
5. Cover and steam for 12-15 minutes for a 1-pound lobster, adding 3 minutes per additional pound.
6. The lobster is done when it turns bright red.
* **Grilling:** Grilling imparts a smoky flavor to the lobster.
1. Kill the lobster humanely.
2. Split the lobster lengthwise.
3. Brush the meat with melted butter, olive oil, and herbs.
4. Grill over medium heat, meat-side down, for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the meat is opaque.
* **Baking:** Baking is another easy method.
1. Kill the lobster humanely.
2. Place the lobster on a baking sheet.
3. Brush with butter and seasoning.
4. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes or until the lobster is fully cooked.
**Checking for Doneness**
* **Color:** The shell should be bright red.
* **Tail Curl:** The tail should curl up when cooked.
* **Meat Temperature:** The internal temperature of the tail meat should reach 140°F (60°C).
* **Meat Firmness:** The meat should be firm and opaque.
**Serving and Enjoying Your Lobster**
1. **Let it Cool:** Let the lobster cool slightly before handling.
2. **Crack the Shell:** Use lobster crackers or kitchen shears to crack the shell and extract the meat.
3. **Serve with:** Melted butter, lemon wedges, and your favorite sides like corn on the cob or potatoes.
**FAQ**
* **How do I know if my lobster is fresh?**
A fresh lobster will be active and lively, with a firm shell. It should not have a strong, fishy odor.
* **Can I cook a frozen lobster?**
Yes, but it’s best to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before cooking.
* **What’s the best way to store leftover lobster?**
Store cooked lobster meat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
* **Is it better to boil or steam lobster?**
It depends on personal preference. Boiling is faster, while steaming can result in slightly more tender meat.
* **How do I remove the vein from the lobster tail?**
After splitting the tail, you’ll see a dark vein running down the center. Simply remove it with the tip of a knife.
Enjoy your delicious H lobster!