Maine Lobster Guide — Everything You Need to Know
Maine lobster is one of the most prized seafood delicacies in the world. Whether you’re ordering live lobster online for the first time or you’re a seasoned lobster lover, this guide covers everything you need to know — from choosing the right size to cooking it perfectly and eating every last bit.
Types of Maine Lobster — Hard Shell vs Soft Shell
Maine lobsters come in two varieties depending on the time of year — hard shell and soft shell. Hard shell lobsters are caught in colder months and have a firm, dense shell packed with meat. They ship better and have a longer shelf life making them the preferred choice for online ordering. Soft shell lobsters — also called shedders — are caught in summer after molting. Their shells are easy to crack and the meat is slightly sweeter and more tender, but they contain less meat and don’t travel as well. If you’re ordering online, hard shell lobsters are the better choice year round.
How to Choose the Right Size Lobster
Maine lobsters are sold by weight. Here’s a simple guide to choosing the right size for your needs. A 1 to 1.25 pound lobster is a good single serving size — perfect for one person with sides. A 1.5 pound lobster gives a more generous single serving with plenty of claw and tail meat. A 2 pound lobster is ideal for a hearty meal or someone who really loves lobster. Anything over 2 pounds is considered a jumbo lobster — impressive for special occasions and great for sharing. For a lobster dinner for two, order two 1.25 to 1.5 pound lobsters. For a gift, a pair of 1.5 pounders makes a memorable impression.
How to Cook a Live Lobster
Boiling
Boiling is the most common and foolproof method. Fill a large pot with enough salted water to fully submerge the lobsters and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the live lobsters headfirst and cover the pot. Cook a 1 to 1.25 pound lobster for 10-12 minutes, a 1.5 pound lobster for 13-15 minutes, and a 2 pound lobster for 18-20 minutes. The shell will turn bright red and the antennae will pull out easily when done. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Steaming
Steaming produces slightly sweeter, more flavorful meat than boiling. Add 2 inches of salted water to a large pot with a steamer rack and bring to a boil. Add the lobsters, cover tightly, and steam for 13-15 minutes for a 1.25 pound lobster, adding 2 minutes per additional quarter pound. Steaming is preferred by many Maine locals for its cleaner flavor.
Grilling
Grilled lobster has a rich, smoky flavor that’s hard to beat in summer. Parboil the lobsters for 5 minutes first, then split them in half lengthwise. Brush with butter and garlic and place shell side down on a hot grill for 5-6 minutes until the meat is opaque and lightly charred. Finish with fresh lemon and parsley.
How to Eat a Lobster
Eating a whole lobster can seem intimidating but it’s easier than it looks. Start with the claws — twist them off and use a cracker to break the shell, then pull out the meat in one piece if possible. Next tackle the knuckles between the claws and the body — these are often overlooked but contain sweet, tender meat. Then move to the tail — bend it back to separate it from the body, push the meat out from the bottom with your thumb, and remove the dark vein running down the center. Finally dig into the body cavity — the green tomalley (liver) is considered a delicacy by many Maine locals. Have plenty of melted butter, lemon, and napkins on hand.
Best Time of Year to Buy Maine Lobster
Maine lobster is available year round but prices and quality vary by season. Late summer and fall — August through November — is the sweet spot. The catch is at its highest, prices are at their lowest, and the lobsters are fat and full of meat after a summer of feeding. Winter lobsters are hard shell, meaty, and ship exceptionally well — ideal for online ordering. Spring is the leanest season with higher prices and smaller yields. If you’re ordering for a special occasion and have flexibility on timing, late summer through fall offers the best value.
How to Store Live Lobster Before Cooking
Live lobsters should be cooked the same day they arrive for the best flavor and freshness. If you need to store them briefly, keep them in the refrigerator in the shipping container or wrapped in damp newspaper — never in fresh water or a sealed container with no airflow. They can survive for up to 24 hours this way. Never freeze a live lobster. If you can’t cook them immediately, most online suppliers offer pre-cooked options that can be refrigerated for 2-3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Maine Lobster vs Other Lobster — What’s the Difference?
Not all lobster is created equal. Maine lobster — technically American lobster or Homarus americanus — is widely considered the finest lobster in the world. The cold North Atlantic waters of Maine and Canada produce lobsters with sweeter, more tender meat and a distinctly rich flavor that warm water lobsters simply can’t match. Spiny lobster from Florida, the Caribbean, and Australia has no claws and a firmer, less flavorful meat. Rock lobster tails are commonly sold frozen and are a decent substitute but pale in comparison to fresh Maine lobster. When you order from Maine you’re getting the real thing — nothing else compares.
Maine Lobster Nutrition Facts
Maine lobster is surprisingly lean and nutritious. A 3.5 ounce serving of cooked lobster meat contains approximately 90 calories, 19 grams of protein, 1 gram of fat, and zero carbohydrates. Lobster is an excellent source of zinc, vitamin B12, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids. It’s low in saturated fat making it a heart-healthy protein choice — it’s the butter we serve it with that adds the calories. Lobster is also high in iodine which supports thyroid health, and contains significant amounts of phosphorus and magnesium.
Sustainable Maine Lobster Fishing
Maine lobster is one of the most sustainably managed fisheries in the world. Maine lobstermen follow strict conservation rules that have been refined over more than a century — including minimum and maximum size limits to protect breeding stock, v-notching of egg-bearing females so they can never be harvested, and trap limits that prevent overfishing. The result is a fishery that has remained healthy and productive for generations. When you buy Maine lobster from a reputable online source you’re supporting one of America’s most sustainable and environmentally responsible seafood industries.
Ready to Order Fresh Maine Lobster?
Now that you know everything about Maine lobster it’s time to order. We’ve reviewed and ranked the best Maine lobster delivery companies so you can order with total confidence — fresh, live, and shipped overnight directly to your door anywhere in the US.