The steaming time for lobster depends primarily on the lobster's size. Here is a general guide:
- For whole lobsters:
- 1 pound: about 10 minutes
- 1.5 pounds: about 14 minutes
- 2 pounds: about 18 minutes
- 3 pounds: about 26 minutes
- A more detailed approach is to steam for about 10 minutes plus 2 minutes for every quarter-pound increment.
- When steaming, place lobsters head first into a pot with 2-3 inches of boiling water, cover, and steam.
- For lobster tails, steaming times vary by size:
- Small tails (4 oz): 6-8 minutes
- Medium tails (6 oz): 8-10 minutes
- Large tails (8 oz): 10-12 minutes
- Extra-large tails (12 oz): 15-20 minutes
These times ensure the lobster shell turns bright red and the meat is tender and fully cooked. Checking the internal temperature (135-140°F) or the opaqueness of the meat can be more accurate indicators of doneness. After steaming, it's recommended to cool lobsters in an ice bath to stop cooking and ease handling.
