Cooking lobster at home can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be! The Instant Pot makes it incredibly easy to prepare perfectly cooked, succulent lobster every time. Say goodbye to guessing games and hello to consistently delicious results. This guide will walk you through every step of the process, from selecting the right lobster to serving it with flair.
Why Use an Instant Pot for Lobster?
The Instant Pot, a magical appliance for many, offers several advantages when cooking lobster. Firstly, it’s incredibly fast. You’ll be enjoying your lobster in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods like steaming or boiling. Secondly, it’s consistent. The controlled pressure and temperature ensure even cooking, preventing overcooked, rubbery lobster. Finally, it’s easy. Simply add water, place the lobster inside, and let the Instant Pot do its thing! Cleanup is a breeze, too.
Choosing Your Lobster
Before you even think about firing up your Instant Pot, you need to select the freshest, liveliest lobsters available. Here’s what to look for:
Live Lobsters vs. Frozen Tails
Ideally, you should always opt for live lobsters. Their meat will be the freshest and most flavorful. Look for lobsters that are active and lively in the tank. They should have their claws tightly banded and move vigorously when prodded gently. If buying frozen lobster tails, ensure they are bright red and free of any discoloration or freezer burn. Thaw them completely in the refrigerator before cooking. Frozen tails can be a decent substitute if live lobsters aren’t readily available, but the texture may be slightly different.
Size Matters: How Many Lobsters Per Person?
A general rule of thumb is to plan for one 1.25 to 1.5 pound lobster per person. This provides a generous serving of meat. For lighter eaters, a slightly smaller lobster might suffice. If you’re serving lobster as part of a multi-course meal, you can adjust the size accordingly. Consider the sides you’re serving and whether or not guests will want leftovers. If you are planning on making lobster rolls or lobster mac and cheese, you can use a smaller lobster.
Checking for Freshness
When selecting live lobsters, give them a quick visual inspection. The shell should be hard and smooth, not soft or mushy. The lobster should also have a pleasant, ocean-like smell. Avoid lobsters that have a strong, ammonia-like odor, as this indicates spoilage. Also check for missing limbs or excessive damage to the shell. While a missing claw isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker, it could indicate a less-than-ideal environment and potentially impact the lobster’s overall quality.
Preparing Your Lobster for the Instant Pot
Now that you have your lobsters, it’s time to get them ready for their Instant Pot bath.
Humane Handling
Many people find the prospect of cooking a live lobster unsettling. To minimize any suffering, the most humane method is to place the lobster in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes before cooking. This will help to numb the lobster and reduce its awareness. Don’t leave the lobster in for longer than that or it will start to freeze.
Cleaning and Trimming (Optional)
While not strictly necessary, some cooks prefer to clean the lobster before cooking. You can rinse the lobster under cold running water to remove any debris. Some people also remove the rubber bands from the claws at this point, but be careful, as the lobster can still pinch with considerable force. If desired, you can also remove the tomalley (the green liver) and the roe (the coral-colored eggs) after cooking. Some people consider them delicacies, while others prefer to discard them.
Instant Pot Lobster Cooking: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s where the magic happens! Follow these steps for perfectly cooked lobster every time.
Adding Water and Setting Up the Steamer Basket
Pour 1 cup of cold water into the Instant Pot’s inner pot. This is sufficient to create the steam needed to cook the lobster. Place a steamer basket or trivet inside the pot. This will elevate the lobster above the water line, ensuring it steams rather than boils. Boiling lobster can result in a tougher, less flavorful meat.
Positioning the Lobster
Carefully place the lobster(s) in the Instant Pot. If you’re cooking multiple lobsters, arrange them in a single layer if possible. If necessary, you can stack them slightly, but avoid overcrowding the pot, as this can affect cooking time. Make sure the lid will seal properly.
Pressure Cooking Time: The Key to Perfection
This is the most crucial step! The cooking time depends on the size of your lobster. Use this guide as a starting point:
- 1 to 1.25 pound lobster: 5-6 minutes
- 1.5 pound lobster: 7-8 minutes
- 2 pound lobster: 9-10 minutes
Always err on the side of undercooking rather than overcooking. You can always add a minute or two if needed. Secure the lid of the Instant Pot and ensure the pressure valve is set to the “Sealing” position. Cook on high pressure.
Release the Pressure: Quick vs. Natural
Once the cooking time is complete, you have two options for releasing the pressure: quick release or natural release. A quick release involves manually flipping the pressure valve to the “Venting” position, which rapidly releases the steam. This method is faster, but it can also cause the lobster to become slightly tougher. A natural release involves allowing the pressure to release on its own, which can take 10-15 minutes. This method is gentler and helps to retain moisture, resulting in a more tender lobster. For best results, we recommend a natural pressure release for 5 minutes followed by a quick release to stop the cooking process.
Checking for Doneness
Carefully remove the lobster from the Instant Pot using tongs. The shell should be bright red. To ensure the lobster is cooked through, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the tail. The internal temperature should reach 140°F. If the lobster is not fully cooked, you can return it to the Instant Pot with a little more water and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Serving Your Perfectly Cooked Lobster
Now for the best part – enjoying your delicious Instant Pot lobster!
Cracking and Extracting the Meat
Allow the lobster to cool slightly before handling it. To crack the lobster, twist off the claws and tail. Use a lobster cracker or a nutcracker to crack the claws and knuckles. Extract the meat with a small fork or lobster pick. To remove the tail meat, use kitchen shears to cut along the underside of the tail shell. Gently pry the shell open and remove the meat in one piece. Remove the dark vein running along the tail meat before serving.
Serving Suggestions and Accompaniments
There are endless ways to enjoy your perfectly cooked lobster. Here are a few ideas:
- Classic Lobster with Drawn Butter: Serve the lobster with melted butter, lemon wedges, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
- Lobster Rolls: Toss the lobster meat with mayonnaise, celery, and seasonings, then serve on toasted rolls.
- Lobster Mac and Cheese: Add the lobster meat to your favorite mac and cheese recipe for a decadent treat.
- Lobster Salad: Combine the lobster meat with mixed greens, avocado, and a light vinaigrette.
- Lobster Bisque: Use the lobster shells to make a flavorful bisque.
Consider side dishes like steamed asparagus, corn on the cob, baked potatoes, or a fresh salad. A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay pairs perfectly with lobster.
Tips and Tricks for Instant Pot Lobster Success
Here are a few extra tips to ensure your Instant Pot lobster experience is a success:
- Don’t overcrowd the pot: Cooking in batches if you have a smaller Instant Pot is better than overcrowding. This helps the lobsters to cook evenly.
- Adjust cooking time based on altitude: If you live at a high altitude, you may need to increase the cooking time slightly.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh lobster will always taste better than frozen. If using frozen tails, thaw them completely before cooking.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment: Once you’ve mastered the basic technique, try adding different seasonings to the water, such as garlic, herbs, or spices.
- Save the shells: Lobster shells can be used to make a flavorful stock or broth. Freeze them for later use.
- Leftover Lobster: Lobster is delicious the next day! Lobster can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Consider using other seafood: This method is useful for cooking other shellfish such as crab legs or shrimp. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Practice makes perfect: Don’t be discouraged if your first attempt isn’t perfect. With a little practice, you’ll be cooking amazing Instant Pot lobster in no time!
Enjoy your delicious, perfectly cooked Instant Pot lobster!
Why should I cook lobster in an Instant Pot instead of boiling or steaming?
The Instant Pot method offers several advantages over traditional boiling or steaming. Firstly, it cooks lobster incredibly quickly, often in half the time required by other methods. This rapid cooking helps prevent the lobster from becoming rubbery and ensures a more tender and flavorful result.
Secondly, the Instant Pot uses less water, which means more of the lobster’s natural flavors are retained during the cooking process. Boiling can leach out flavor into the water, while the Instant Pot’s steam-based cooking helps to concentrate those delicious flavors within the lobster meat itself.
How much water do I need to cook lobster in an Instant Pot?
You only need 1 cup of water for cooking lobster in an Instant Pot, regardless of the lobster size. This small amount of water creates the steam necessary to cook the lobster evenly and efficiently.
It is crucial to use only 1 cup of water. Too much water can affect the cooking time and potentially lead to a less desirable texture. The Instant Pot primarily uses steam, so excess water isn’t necessary or beneficial.
What size lobster works best for Instant Pot cooking?
Lobsters weighing between 1.25 and 1.5 pounds are ideal for cooking in an Instant Pot. These sizes fit comfortably within most Instant Pot models and cook evenly within the recommended time frame.
While you can technically cook larger lobsters, you may need to increase the cooking time slightly. However, avoid overcrowding the Instant Pot. If you’re cooking multiple lobsters, cook them in batches to ensure even cooking and prevent them from becoming rubbery.
How long should I cook a lobster in the Instant Pot?
The cooking time for lobster in an Instant Pot depends on the lobster’s weight. A 1.25-1.5 pound lobster typically requires 6 minutes of cooking time at high pressure, followed by a quick pressure release.
For lobsters slightly larger than 1.5 pounds, add an extra minute or two of cooking time. Always err on the side of undercooking, as you can easily return the lobster to the Instant Pot for another minute if needed. Overcooking will result in rubbery meat.
How do I know when the lobster is done cooking in the Instant Pot?
The most reliable way to determine if a lobster is cooked through is to check its internal temperature. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the tail; the temperature should register 140°F (60°C).
Additionally, visually inspect the lobster. The shell should be a bright, vibrant red, and the meat should be opaque and firm to the touch. If the shell is still somewhat gray or the meat appears translucent, it requires additional cooking time.
How do I quickly release the pressure from the Instant Pot after cooking?
For cooking lobster, a quick pressure release is recommended. This involves carefully turning the pressure release valve to the venting position, allowing the steam to escape rapidly.
Be cautious during the quick release, as the steam is very hot and can cause burns. Use a kitchen towel or utensil to turn the valve and keep your face and hands away from the steam’s path. Once the pressure is fully released and the float valve has dropped, you can safely open the Instant Pot.
What’s the best way to serve lobster cooked in the Instant Pot?
Serve Instant Pot lobster immediately for the best flavor and texture. The simplest and most classic way to enjoy it is with melted butter and lemon wedges.
Alternatively, you can use the cooked lobster meat in various dishes, such as lobster rolls, lobster bisque, or lobster mac and cheese. Remember to extract all the meat carefully, including the knuckle and claw meat, and discard the shell.