Lobster as Food: How to Cook and Serve This Delicious Seafood

by Joost Nusselder | Last Updated:  May 29, 2022

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Clawed lobsters comprise a family (Nephropidae, sometimes also Homaridae) of large marine crustaceans. They have long bodies with muscular tails, and live in crevices or burrows on the sea floor. Three of their five pairs of legs have claws, including the first pair, which are usually much larger than the others.

Lobster is a popular seafood dish enjoyed worldwide. It’s made from the edible meat of the lobster and often served with melted butter or savory sauce.

In this article, I’ll explore the history of lobster as food and its rise in popularity. Additionally, I’ll provide interesting lobster facts and cooking tips.

What is lobster

Get to Know the Lobster: A Seafood Delight

Lobsters are a type of marine crustacean that belong to the family Nephropidae, also known as Homaridae. They have long bodies with muscular tails and live in crevices or burrows on the sea floor. Three of their five pairs of legs have claws, including the first pair, which are usually much larger than the others. Lobsters come in a variety of kinds, but the two primary types are the American lobster and the spiny lobster, which is found in the Caribbean and the warm waters of the western Atlantic.

How are Lobsters Caught?

Lobsters are primarily caught by fishermen who dive for them or use traps. Researchers have noted that the catch of lobsters depends on a variety of factors, including the time of year, the state of the sea, and the abundance of their favorite prey. Lobsters are typically landed in pounds, where they are kept alive until they are sold. In Rhode Island, for example, lobsters make up about 90 percent of the landings by weight.

What is the Meat of a Lobster Like?

The meat of a lobster is particularly delicious and is enjoyed by many people around the world. Lobster meat is firm and has a sweet, delicate flavor. The meat is found mainly in the tail, claws, and legs of the lobster. The carapace, or shell, of the lobster is also edible and is often used to make lobster stock.

How do Lobsters Grow?

Lobsters grow by shedding their shells, a process known as molting. During this time, the lobster’s shell becomes soft and the lobster is vulnerable to predators. After molting, the lobster’s new shell is bluish and furry. Lobsters can grow to be quite large, with some lobsters weighing up to 44 pounds.

The Rise of Lobster as a Popular and Expensive Food

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Contrary to its current status as a luxury food, lobsters were once considered a poor man’s food. In the early days, lobsters were plentiful and cheap, making them a common food among prisoners, servants, and even farm animals. In fact, lobsters were so abundant that they were often used as fertilizer and bait.

The Increase in Lobster’s Popularity

Over time, changes in the availability and usage of lobsters led to an increase in their popularity. As the demand for lobster meat grew, it became a primary product for coastal communities, and lobster fishing became a significant industry. Lobster dishes started to appear on restaurant menus, and diners began to enjoy boiled or steamed lobsters as a delicacy.

The Expensive Price of Lobster Today

Today, lobster is widely considered a luxury food, with a price tag to match. The overall increase in the popularity of lobster, along with its limited availability, has led to a significant increase in price. Unlike in the old days, when lobsters were cheap and readily available, diners now pay a premium for this delicacy.

The Nutritional Value of Lobster

Despite its high price, lobster is a highly nutritious food. It is a great source of protein, with a high level of omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for heart health. Lobster is also low in fat and calories, making it a better choice than many other types of meat.

The Cooking and Serving of Lobster

Lobster is commonly boiled or steamed, and the meat is often served with butter or lemon. Lobster meat can also be used to create a variety of dishes, including lobster rolls, lobster bisque, and lobster mac and cheese. Lobster is commonly served in high-end restaurants, but it is also available at seafood shacks and other casual dining establishments.

The Ultimate Guide to Describing the Taste of Lobster

Lobster meat is unique and differs slightly depending on where it’s located on the lobster’s body. The meat is sweet, fresh, and highly regarded as a good source of protein. The taste of lobster is difficult to describe, but it’s usually compared to a hybrid between crab and shrimp. Here are some features of the taste of lobster meat:

  • Lobster meat is sweet and meaty, but it’s also firm and snappy, like shrimp.
  • Lobster tails are perfect for dishes that require a meaty and sweet flavor.
  • The taste of lobster meat depends on the ingredients used to prepare it and the cooking method.
  • Lobster meat is highly loved by people who enjoy seafood, but it’s also considered a rare and expensive dish.
  • The taste of lobster meat is affected by the way it’s stored and processed.
  • The ultimate way to judge the taste of lobster meat is to try it yourself.

How to choose and prepare lobster meat

To make sure you get the best taste of lobster meat, here are some tips on how to choose and prepare it:

  • Choose a local supplier that can deliver fresh lobster meat fast.
  • Make sure the lobster meat is processed and stored properly to maintain its freshness.
  • Lobster meat is usually sold cooked, but you can also buy it raw and prepare it yourself.
  • Grilling or steaming lobster meat is a great way to bring out its unique taste.
  • Lobster meat is often served with a special sauce or seasoning to add more flavor.
  • When preparing lobster meat, make sure to allow enough time for it to cook thoroughly.
  • Lobster meat is a fine dish that’s worth trying at least once in your life.

Master the Art of Cooking Lobsters

  • When buying lobsters, make sure they are alive and kicking
  • If you’re not cooking them right away, store them in the fridge with a damp cloth over them
  • Don’t keep them in fresh water or they’ll die
  • Lobsters can be kept in the fridge for up to two days

Preparing the Lobster

  • Fill a large pot with enough water to cover the lobsters by a few inches
  • Add a tablespoon of salt for every quart of water
  • Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat
  • Gently place the live lobsters into the pot, head first
  • Cover the pot and start the timer

Creating the Perfect Lobster Dinner

  • Lobster is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways
  • Lobster meat can be used in salads, sandwiches, and pasta dishes
  • For a main course, serve the steamed lobster with melted butter and lemon wedges
  • Lobster stock can be prepared from the shells and used in soups and sauces
  • Lobster can be boiled, grilled, or baked for different flavors and textures

Some Tips and Tricks

  • Lobster meat is sweet and delicate, so be careful not to overcook it
  • Lobsters turn red when cooked, so don’t worry if they look a little different from when you bought them
  • Lobster companies often have their own preferred cooking method, so read the recipe carefully
  • Smaller lobsters are easier to cook and serve, but larger lobsters make for a pretty impressive dinner party centerpiece
  • Lobster can be saved for a day or two in the fridge, but it’s best eaten fresh
  • Lobster is the primary course at many high-end restaurants, but it’s also available at seafood shacks across the country
  • Lobster is definitely a little pricey, but it’s worth it for a special occasion or when you just want to treat yourself

What’s on the Menu for Lobsters?

Lobsters are known for their delicious meat, but have you ever wondered what they eat to maintain their energy levels? Lobsters are natural predators and their primary diet includes a variety of fresh foods found in the ocean. Some of the common foods that lobsters eat include fish, crabs, clams, mussels, sea urchins, and even other lobsters!

Additional Foods for Lobsters

While the foods mentioned above are the main types of food that lobsters consume, they also eat a range of other foods. Lobsters are able to eat a variety of plants and small animals that are available in their specific environment. Some of the other foods that lobsters eat include:

  • Squid
  • Octopus
  • Shrimp
  • Krill
  • Plankton

The Importance of Diet for Lobsters

The diet of lobsters is important for maintaining their health and energy levels. Lobsters require a good balance of nutrients to thrive, and their diet depends on the specific environment in which they are found. A diet that includes a variety of different foods is important for lobsters to maintain their health and to grow to their full potential.

Are Lobsters Disappearing from Our Plates?

The lobster industry has been a significant part of the food industry for centuries. However, there has been a growing concern about the dwindling number of lobsters in recent years. The question is, are we running out of lobsters to eat?

The Impact of Fishing and Traps on Lobster Population

The primary reason for the decline in lobster population is overfishing. The demand for lobsters has increased, and lobstermen are catching more lobsters than ever before. The use of traps has also contributed to the decline in lobster population. Traps are left in the water for extended periods, which can result in the capture of juvenile lobsters and other marine life.

Management and Conservation Efforts

To address the issue of dwindling lobster population, the lobster industry has implemented several management and conservation efforts. These include:

  • Size limits: Lobstermen are required to throw back lobsters that are too small to ensure that they have a chance to reproduce.
  • Biodegradable traps: Lobstermen are encouraged to use biodegradable traps that break down over time, reducing the risk of trapping juvenile lobsters and other marine life.
  • Habitat and shelter conservation: Efforts are being made to protect the habitat and shelter of lobsters, ensuring that they have a safe place to live and breed.
  • Watershed management: The quality of the water in which lobsters live is critical to their survival. Efforts are being made to manage watersheds to ensure that they are healthy and free from pollutants.

The Future of Lobster as a Resource

While there is still work to be done to ensure the long-term sustainability of the lobster industry, there is hope for the future. The lobster industry is taking steps to manage and conserve lobster populations, and consumers can also play a role by choosing sustainably caught lobsters. With continued efforts, we can ensure that lobsters remain a delicious and sustainable food source for generations to come.

Conclusion

So, there you have it- everything you need to know about lobster as food. 

Lobster is a delicious seafood enjoyed by people all over the world, and a great source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and calcium. 

So, go ahead and enjoy this delicious delicacy!

Joost Nusselder, the founder of Lakeside Smokers is a content marketer, dad and loves trying out new food with BBQ Smoking (& Japanese food!) at the heart of his passion, and together with his team he's been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with recipes and cooking tips.