Forget the complicated charts and chef-y formulas. The universal benchmark for steaming a live lobster is 8 minutes per pound for the first pound, then 3 minutes for each additional quarter-pound. So if you’ve got a classic 1¼-pound lobster, you’re looking at about 10 minutes total.
This timing works because steam cooks more gently than boiling, preserving that sweet, tender texture. Remember: the lobster will keep cooking for another minute after you pull it out, so don’t overcorrect.
If you’re steaming multiple lobsters, use the largest one as your timer guide. Crowding the pot can slow things down, so keep your steam flowing freely—think of it as a tiny spa for your dinner.
