One of the classiest and most decadent meals that you’ll ever eat is a whole lobster. If you have always wanted to try this dish but didn’t want to travel to Maine just to get it, then you’re in luck! Our company gives you the opportunity to order fresh lobster online. In a short amount of time, you’ll have a live lobster shipped to your door. But what do you do once you get it? How do you cook it? Here are 5 different ways. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to cook this show-stopper of a meal.

#1 Boil

This is one of the easiest ways to cook a lobster. To boil a lobster, you’ll need a big pot and lid. Pour enough water over the lobster to cover it completely. Then, add two teaspoons of salt for every four pints of water. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Drop the lobster headfirst into the boiling water. Cover the pot and allow it to come to a boil again. Once the water starts boiling, start your timer. Boil for ten minutes for the first one pound of weight and then three extra minutes for each additional pound. After the lobster is cooked, drain immediately and serve with melted butter for dipping.

#2 Steam

While it involves a longer cooking time, many believe that steaming a lobster is better than boiling it. They believe it gives you tasty, succulent lobster meat. To go this route, start by placing steaming racks for the lobster in the bottom of a big pot. Then fill the pot with one tablespoon of salt and two inches of water. Cover it and allow the water to come to a boil. Once the water has come to a boil, put the lobster on the steaming rack, and cover. Start timing once the water is boiling again and steam for 14 minutes for the first pound. Steam an extra three minutes for each pound after that. Once cooked, drain and serve with melted butter on the side.

#3 Broil

Broiling is best for lobster tails. If you have frozen one, you’ll need to thaw it first by placing it in cold water for about 30 minutes. If your lobster tails are over 10 ounces, then you’ll need to change the water after the first 30 minutes and thaw for an additional 15-30 minutes. You’ll be able to tell when the tails are thawed if they are flexible. Then prep your tails by cutting them lengthwise on the top of the lobster shell with a sharp knife or seafood shears. You’ll also cut through the meat which is good. This butterflies it to help it cook correctly. Remove any digestive tract after you have cut the shell open. After cleaning, pry open with your hands and loosen the meat from the bottom of the shell but keep the meat attached at the end of the shell. Lift the meat and place it on top of the shell. Brush with butter and broil at least five inches away from the heat source for four minutes. Remove and baste with more butter, then return it to the oven to broil for an additional three minutes.

#4 Grill

Want to try grilling a lobster? It is easier than you think. Start by par-boiling the lobster for about five minutes. While the lobster is boiling, heat the grill on medium to hot. Slice the lobster down the center of the body with a knife, removing the veins, guts, and tomalley. You'll also want to remove the sand sac which is located in the head behind the eyes. If you want to add marinade, seasoning, or butter, add it here and then grill the lobster with the shell-side facing down for about 8-10 minutes (or until meat is cooked and firm). Serve with melted butter on the side.

#5 Bake

Baking is another easy way to cook lobster. Start by parboiling the lobster for five to seven minutes. Remove from the water and allow it to cool for a few minutes, then cut the lobster with a knife down the middle. Clean the lobster by removing veins, sand sac, guts,and tomalley. At this point, you can stuff the body of the lobster with delicious items such as crab cakes. If not, just drizzle the lobster and bake at 450° for 12 to 15 minutes.

Does all this talk of fresh lobster have you drooling? Then check out our website (http://www.jameshooklobster.com/) to have live Maine lobster shipped to your door.