📝 About This Recipe
A quintessential taste of the Atlantic coast, this dish celebrates the sweet, succulent flavor of fresh lobster in its purest form. By boiling the lobster in a deeply seasoned 'ocean-style' water, we enhance its natural brininess while keeping the meat tender and juicy. Served with a golden, silky drawn butter infused with lemon and garlic, this meal is the ultimate luxury for seafood lovers and a masterpiece of simple, elegant cooking.
🥗 Ingredients
The Lobster Pot
- 2 pieces Live North Atlantic lobsters (1.5 lbs each, hard-shell preferred)
- 1/2 cups Kosher salt (to mimic the salinity of the ocean)
- 1 Lemon (halved)
- 2 pieces Bay leaves (dried)
- 1 teaspoon Black peppercorns (whole)
- 8-10 quarts Cold water (enough to fully submerge lobsters)
The Drawn Butter
- 1 cup Unsalted high-quality butter (2 sticks)
- 2 cloves Garlic (smashed)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh chives (finely chopped)
For Garnish & Serving
- 1 sprig Fresh parsley (for decoration)
- 4 pieces Lemon wedges (for extra acidity)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Fill a large stockpot (at least 16-20 quarts) about two-thirds full with cold water.
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2
Add the kosher salt, halved lemon, bay leaves, and black peppercorns to the water. Bring the mixture to a vigorous, rolling boil over high heat.
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3
While the water is coming to a boil, prepare the drawn butter. In a small, heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the butter over very low heat.
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4
Once the butter is melted, let it simmer gently for 3-5 minutes without browning. You will see white milk solids rise to the top.
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5
Using a spoon, carefully skim off the white foamy milk solids and discard them, leaving behind the clear, golden clarified butter (liquid gold).
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6
Add the smashed garlic cloves to the clarified butter and let them steep for 5 minutes on the lowest heat setting to infuse the flavor, then remove the garlic.
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7
Stir in the fresh lemon juice and keep the butter warm until the lobster is ready.
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8
Once the stockpot is at a full boil, grasp the lobsters firmly from the back (behind the claws). Keep the rubber bands on the claws for safety at this stage.
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9
Plunge the lobsters headfirst into the boiling water. Cover the pot immediately with a tight-fitting lid and start your timer.
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10
Boil the lobsters for 12-15 minutes for 1.5 lb lobsters. The shells should be bright red and the meat should be opaque and white.
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11
Use long tongs to carefully lift the lobsters out of the pot. Hold them over the pot for a few seconds to let excess water drain out of the shells.
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12
Place the lobsters on a clean towel or cutting board. Let them rest for 3-5 minutes; this allows the juices to redistribute and makes them easier to handle.
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13
Using kitchen shears, carefully snip off the rubber bands. Use a heavy knife or a cracker to gently pre-crack the claws and the tail underside to make it easier for guests to eat.
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14
Transfer the lobsters to a large serving platter. Pour the warm drawn butter into individual ramekins, sprinkle with fresh chives, and serve with lemon wedges and parsley.
💡 Chef's Tips
Always use live lobsters on the day of purchase to ensure the sweetest flavor and most tender texture. Do not overcook the lobster; as soon as the antennae pull out easily with no resistance, the lobster is done. If you want a cleaner eating experience, use a towel to hold the lobster while you twist off the claws and tail before bringing it to the table. Save the discarded shells and the boiling liquid to create a rich seafood stock or lobster bisque for another meal. Ensure the water is as salty as the sea; this is the secret to bringing out the natural sugars in the lobster meat.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve with fresh corn on the cob, boiled in the same seasoned water for the last 5 minutes of the lobster's cooking time. A side of crispy smashed red potatoes with sea salt and rosemary provides a perfect earthy balance. Pair this meal with a chilled, crisp glass of Chardonnay or a dry Sparkling Wine to cut through the rich butter. Provide plenty of warm, damp cloth napkins and a 'discard bowl' for the shells to keep the dining experience tidy. A warm, crusty sourdough baguette is essential for dipping into any remaining garlic-infused drawn butter.