The Perfect Boiled Lobster Truly The Best Method * 4 Live Lobsters (about 1 1/2lbs each) * 2 -3 tbs. salt * 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter - melted * Lemon 1. Fill a large pot 1/2 full of water, add salt & bring to a rolling boil. 2. Plunge lobsters into pot & replace lid. 3. Reduce heat to medium and cook lobsters 12 - 18 minutes (the longer time is for hard shell lobsters). The shells will be bright red! 4. Lift lobsters out of pot using tongs and drain in colander before serving with melted butter and lemon wedges!