How long to boil a 1.5 lb lobster?

Boil a 1.5 pound lobster for approximately 12 minutes. The shell will turn bright red and the internal temperature should reach 145°F.

Is it better to boil or steam lobster?

Both methods work well. Boiling is faster and more forgiving with timing. Steaming produces slightly more tender meat and is considered the preferred method by many seafood restaurants.

How do you know when lobster is done?

The shell turns bright red, the meat is opaque white, and the internal temperature reaches 145°F. The antennae pull out easily when the lobster is fully cooked.

Lobster Cooking Time Calculator

Get exact lobster cooking times by weight — boiling and steaming options with a full reference chart.

Whiskers says

A 1.5 lb lobster takes 12 minutes to boil or 14 minutes to steam. Select your lobster size below for the precise time!

🦞 Lobster Cook Time

Lobster size

How many?

Method

Boil 2 × 1.5 lb lobsters

minutes (internal temp: 145°F)

Note: Time is per lobster — cook same-size lobsters together without adding extra time. Add 2-3 min per additional ¼ lb if between sizes.

2 lobsters at 1.5 lb — boil for 12 minutes. The shell turns bright red when done, and the internal temp should hit 145°F. Don't overcook — rubbery lobster is a tragedy!

📋 Lobster Cooking Times