1. **Boiling:**
- Fill a large pot with enough water to cover the lobster completely.
- Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Grasp the live lobster firmly and carefully place it headfirst into the boiling water. Alternatively, you can quickly and humanely kill the lobster before boiling it by inserting a sharp knife into the cross mark on its head.
- Cover the pot and boil the lobster for about 10-12 minutes for a 1 to 1 1/4-pound lobster, and an additional 2-3 minutes for each additional pound. The lobster is done when it turns bright red and the meat is opaque.
2. **Steaming:**
- Fill a large pot with about 2 inches of water and bring it to a boil over high heat.
- Place a steamer basket in the pot.
- Grasp the live lobster firmly and carefully place it headfirst into the steamer basket. Alternatively, you can quickly and humanely kill the lobster before steaming it.
- Cover the pot and steam the lobster for about 8-10 minutes for a 1 to 1 1/4-pound lobster, and an additional 2-3 minutes for each additional pound. The lobster is done when it turns bright red and the meat is opaque.
3. **Grilling:**
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Split the lobster in half lengthwise by using a sharp knife to cut through the shell from the head to the tail. Remove the intestinal tract.
- Brush the lobster meat with melted butter or olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Place the lobster halves on the grill, shell side down, and grill for about 5-7 minutes, until the meat is opaque and slightly charred.
4. **Baking:**
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Split the lobster in half lengthwise and remove the intestinal tract.
- Place the lobster halves on a baking sheet, shell side down.
- Brush the lobster meat with melted butter or olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Bake the lobster for about 10-12 minutes, until the meat is opaque and slightly browned.
Regardless of the cooking method, serve the lobster immediately with melted butter, lemon wedges, and your favorite side dishes. Enjoy your deliciously cooked lobster!