Cornish lobsters are mainly caught in rocky areas and on the edges of rocky reefs around the Cornish coast. They are traditionally caught in pots which are set out in lines on the seabed and then hauled in by small boats from harbours dotted along the coast. Traditional inkwell pots were originally constructed from willow withy’s but nowadays pots are constructed from steel and nylon net with plastic fittings. All are baited traps that allow crabs in but prevent them from easily escaping. Pots are dropped down to the seabed and are left for several hours or days before being retrieved. Any undersized crustaceans can be returned unharmed and in Cornwall there is little impact on the seabed on which the pots are deployed.
Conservation efforts mean stocks of lobsters are healthy and it has a sustainability rating by the Cornwall Good Seafood Guide of 3 due to the good stock management, low impact fishing method and ongoing conservation efforts of the Cornish fishing community.
How to Prepare a Cooked Lobster: A Step-by-Step Guide
Preparing a cooked lobster can seem intimidating, but with a few simple steps, you can enjoy this delicious seafood delicacy at home. Follow our guide to make the process easy and enjoyable.
Ingredients and Tools You'll Need:
Fresh cooked lobster
Sharp chef’s knife or kitchen shears
Cutting board
Kitchen towel
Small bowl (for the lobster meat)
Nutcracker or lobster crackers
Seafood forks or picks
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Firstly, prepare your work area. Lay out a large cutting board on a stable surface.
Have a sharp knife or kitchen shears ready, along with a kitchen towel to keep the lobster steady.
Place a small bowl nearby to collect the lobster meat.
!: Remove the Claws:
Hold the lobster securely with the kitchen towel.
Twist off the claws at the point where they join the body. This might require a bit of force.
2: Crack Open the Claws:
Use a nutcracker or lobster crackers to gently crack the shell of each claw and knuckle.
Carefully extract the meat using seafood forks or picks, and place it in the bowl.
3: Separate the Tail:
With the lobster on its back, hold the body with one hand and the tail with the other.
Twist and pull the tail away from the body until it detaches.
4: Extract Tail Meat:
Press down on the sides of the tail to crack the shell.
Split the shell open with your hands or kitchen shears.
Pull out the tail meat in one piece and remove the dark vein that runs down the center.
5: Remove and Clean the Legs:
Break off the smaller legs from the body.
You can extract the meat by rolling a rolling pin over the legs to push the meat out.
6: Serve and Enjoy:
Arrange the lobster meat on a serving platter.
Pair with melted butter, lemon wedges, and your favorite side dishes for a delightful meal.
Preparing a cooked lobster is easier than it looks. By following these steps, you'll be able to enjoy a luxurious seafood dish that's perfect for special occasions or a gourmet treat at home. Bon appétit!
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