Boiling a lobster is practically as easy as it sounds. Here’s how to do it perfectly every time.

Step 1: Boil water

Fill the pot with water, cover it, and bring it to a boil.

Step 2: Remove the claws and tail

Remove the claws and tail. Twist them off while the lobster is still alive—you want to boil them separately, as the tails will take longer to cook.

Step 3: Season the water

Season the water. Throw a couple of bay leaves into the pot and season with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Add the lobster

Add the lobster to the pot. Tails take about seven minutes to cook, and claws take about five minutes, so put the tail in two minutes before you add the claws.

Step 5: Remove the lobster

Strain the lobster. Turn off the heat, remove the pot, and pour the lobster into a colander in the sink.

Step 6: Let the lobster cool

Let the lobster cool. Put it on a sheet pan for a few minutes.