American Lobster
Homarus americanus
The classic North Atlantic lobster, American Lobster is prized for its sweet, rich, slightly briny meat—especially in the claws, knuckles, and tail. It’s the backbone of lobster rolls, boiled or steamed whole lobsters, and simple butter-dipped feasts from New England to the Maritimes.
Range
New England and the Gulf of Maine
Method of Capture
Trap
Seasonality
Year-round
Size Range
1 to 5 pounds
Sustainability Consideration:
The American Lobster fishery is one of the best-known, long-running trap fisheries in the world. It’s managed with a combination of size limits, protection for egg-bearing females, trap limits, and area rules that are designed to keep the stock productive over the long term. Trap gear is relatively selective and low-impact on the seafloor compared to heavy mobile gear, and fishermen routinely release undersized and breeding animals alive.
Flavor & Texture:
- Flavor: Sweet, rich, and mildly briny, with a distinct “lobster” character that’s more delicate than crab but fuller than most fish
- Texture: Tail is firm and bouncy; Claw and knuckle are tender and slightly softer, often considered the most luxurious
Good handling and careful cooking keep the meat juicy rather than rubbery.
Seafood Cooking Tips
For live lobsters, boiling or steaming in well-salted water is classic—cook just until the shell is bright red and the meat is set, then crack and serve with lemon and melted butter or aioli. You can chill and pick the meat for later use in rolls, salads, and pastas.
With picked lobster meat, keep the heat gentle and add it near the end of cooking. Fold into warm butter for simple lobster rolls, toss with fresh herbs and citrus for salads, stir into pasta, risotto, or light cream sauces, or finish soups and bisques with a handful of meat so it just warms through without tightening up.
Want This On Your Menu or Table?
For current availability, pricing, and prep ideas, get in touch with our team. We’re happy to help you decide what will work best for your menu or home kitchen.
