How to Steam Lobster: Cover the bottom of the lobster pot, large stock pot or pasta pot with 1 to 2 inches of seawater or salted tap water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat.

Place the live lobster in the pot’s steaming basket, pasta insert, or directly into the pot if it does not have a rack. Cover the lobster pot and begin timing (see time chart below). Halfway through cooking time, remove the lid and move lobster around to ensure they are cooking evenly. Return lid to the pot. The lobster is cooked when the shell has turned bright red and the meat is cooked through and no longer translucent.

Approximate cooking times per the Maine Lobster Council:

• 1 pound = 10 minutes
• 1¼ pounds = 12 minutes
• 1½ pounds = 14 minutes
• 1¾ pounds = 16 minutes
• 2 pounds = 18 minutes
• 2½ pounds = 22 minutes
• 3 pounds = 25-30 minutes
• 5 pounds = 40-45 minutes