How to Tell When Grilled Lobster is Done
Grilling lobster may seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually quite simple. The key is not to overcook the lobster, which will result in dry, rubbery meat.
There are a few different ways to tell when grilled lobster is done and we’ll go over all of them in this blog post.
By the end of this post, you’ll be an expert on knowing when grilled lobster is fully cooked!
Why knowing when grilled lobster is done is important
Grilled lobster is a delicious summertime treat. But if you don’t know when it’s done, you risk overcooking (and ruining!) this expensive seafood.
No one likes overcooked lobster. There’s nothing worse than spending all that money on a nice lobster dinner, only to have it come out dry and rubbery.
Or worse you undercook the lobster and get sick with food poisoning.
Lobster is safer to eat when properly cooked.
You always want to be careful when cooking seafood in making sure that it is cooked fully. How to tell when salmon is done is another question asked a lot!
If you want to ensure your lobster is cooked properly, look for the following signs: it should be a deep red in the center, the claws and antennae should be pink and the rest of the lobster should be a deep red.
How to tell if grilled lobster is done
1. Check the temperature of the lobster
When grilling lobster, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The ideal temperature for cooked lobster is 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
This temperature should not be exceeded as it can cause the lobster to become tough and chewy.
To ensure that the lobster is thoroughly cooked, it is best to use a food thermometer such as an infrared thermometer to monitor its internal temperature.
Find out how to tell when grilled chicken is done in this post.
2. Check the texture of the lobster
Check their texture by using tongs to pick up one of them from the rack after it has been grilled for about five minutes on each side (for medium rare).
If it feels firm like chicken breast or fish fillet then it is done cooking; otherwise, continue grilling until it reaches your desired level of doneness!
3. Check the juices of the lobster
Another great way to tell if your lobster is done is to check the juices. If the juices are clear, then the lobster is done.
If they are cloudy, then the lobster needs to be cooked a bit longer.
5. Check the color of the lobster
You can also tell if your lobster is done by checking the color. It should be a vibrant red when it’s time to take the lobster off the grill.
If it’s still pale, it needs to cook a little longer.
How Long Does It Take to Grill Lobster?
Lobster is a delicious seafood option for grilling, but it can be tricky to tell when it is done.
When grilling lobster it’s less about how long to grill it and more about knowing how to tell when it is done.
How long to grill lobster depends on the size of your lobster and how hot your grill is. Typically over medium heat, it will take about 12-14 minutes to grill lobster.
Check out my grilled haddock recipe to add to your grilled seafood options!
Risks of Eating Undercooked Lobster
When cooking lobster, it is important to cook it fully to eliminate any potential bacteria that may be present.
If the lobster is not cooked through, it may contain bacteria that can cause foodborne illnesses. These illnesses can lead to symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and cognitive impairment.
What safety precautions should you take when grilling lobster?
When grilling lobster, you should take the following safety precautions:
– Cold seafood should remain cold and hot food should remain hot at all times.
– Wash hands before and after handling raw seafood to prevent cross-contamination.
– Do not drip seafood juices on counters, utensils, or other foods.
– Thoroughly wash containers that have held raw seafood before using them again for another purpose.
-Cook lobster to an internal temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Learn how to tell when grilled swordfish is done also.
What is the best way to grill lobster?
1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
2. Clean and rinse your live hard-shell Maine lobsters, then place them on the grill shell side down.
3. Grill for about 8 minutes until the lobster turn bright red and are firm to touch, then flip them over and continue grilling for another 7-8 minutes until the claws are bright orange in color and slightly charred around the edges.
4 Remove from heat, and serve with melted butter or other dipping sauces of your choice!
Here is an example of how to grill lobster:
First, preheat your charcoal or wood-fired grill to medium heat, then clean and rinse live hard-shell Maine lobsters before placing them on the grill shell side down.
Cook for approximately 8 minutes until both sides of each lobster is bright red in color, then flip over and cook for an additional 7-8 minutes until both claws are bright orange in color with slight charring around the edges.
Remove from heat once they’re done cooking and serve with melted butter or other dipping sauce of choice!
