Lobster is one of the most prized shellfish in Mediterranean cuisine. Its firm meat, intense flavor, and impressive appearance make it a perfect ingredient for special occasions. However, many people think that preparing it at home is complicated or requires professional techniques — nothing could be further from the truth.
With basic ingredients and a few well-defined steps, you too can enjoy a quality lobster, cooked to perfection and full of flavor. Below, we’ll show you how to do it step by step.
Ingredients needed to cook a good lobster
Before you start, make sure you have the following ingredients, as they will make all the difference in the final result:
- 1 fresh lobster (between 500 and 700 grams)
- Coarse salt (preferably sea salt)
- Unsalted butter
- Garlic or shallot
- Fresh tarragon (optional but highly recommended)
- Dry white wine
- Fresh lemon
- Fresh vegetable tagliolini if you want a more sophisticated presentation
Freshness is crucial. Whenever possible, choose a live or freshly caught specimen with a bright color and a clean, fresh sea smell.
How to prepare the lobster before cooking
Before boiling the lobster, it’s worth doing a bit of prep work. If it’s alive, you can place it in the freezer for a few minutes to sedate it and make the process easier.
Next, rinse it lightly in cold salted water to remove any traces of sand. There’s no need to clean it thoroughly, as most impurities will be lost during cooking.
Cooking lobster: technique and proper timing
The classic method for cooking lobster is boiling, but it must be done carefully to avoid overcooking and ruining its texture.
Boiling lobster correctly
Bring a large pot with plenty of water and a generous handful of salt to a boil. Once it’s boiling, carefully place the lobster inside. If it’s medium-sized (600–700 g), it will need between 7 and 9 minutes of cooking.
When ready, remove it and transfer it to a container with cold water or ice. This stops the cooking process and helps preserve its firm, juicy texture. Then, using scissors or a knife, open the shell and separate the meat from the tail and claws.
Sautéing with butter and tarragon
To enhance its flavor, a popular technique is to sauté the cooked lobster in flavored butter. Melt the butter in a pan, add chopped garlic or shallot, a splash of white wine, and a sprig of tarragon. Once hot, add the chopped lobster meat and let it absorb the aromas for a couple of minutes.
This preparation is perfect for serving on its own or accompanied by a base of fresh pasta, such as vegetable tagliolini, which balances the seafood flavor with a touch of freshness.
Tips for perfect lobster
Cooking lobster isn’t difficult, but it does require attention to detail. Here are a few tips to take your dish from good to excellent:
- Don’t overcook it, or the meat will become tough and dry.
- Use quality ingredients, especially the butter and wine.
- Tarragon is a strong herb — add only a small amount so it doesn’t overpower the shellfish flavor.
- Serve the dish hot, freshly made, to keep all its aroma and texture.
Is it better to cook it at home or order it at a restaurant?
It depends on what you’re looking for. Cooking it at home has its charm and lets you experiment, but if you want to enjoy a more sophisticated version with flawless technique, visiting a specialized restaurant is a great choice.
Lobster pairs especially well with recipes that use French techniques, such as the classic “Beurre Black” sauce, made with aromatic black butter — perfect for enhancing the flavor without masking it.
If, after learning how to cook lobster, you’re tempted to try a professional version, we invite you to discover one of the most iconic dishes at Los Bandidos, our renowned restaurant in Puerto Banús.
If you want to enjoy perfectly cooked lobster without worrying about doneness or technical details, come to Los Bandidos. Book today and experience the taste of the sea at its finest. We look forward to welcoming you.