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How to Throw a Lobster Bake

There’s something magical about a lobster bake on the beach—the sea breeze, the sound of waves, and the smell of fresh lobsters, clams, and corn steaming under hot stones and seaweed. It’s a timeless New England tradition that brings people together for the ultimate coastal feast.

Whether you're gathering with friends or hosting a family reunion by the water, Lobsters Online makes it easy to recreate this unforgettable experience—no matter where you are. With the Boat Run Box and our ready-to-serve sides, you can pull off a beach clambake that rivals any Maine classic.

How to Execute a Traditional Lobster Bake

1. Planning the Guest List and Menu

  • Get a headcount early to plan quantities accurately.
  • Decide between a traditional beach pit bake or a backyard/indoor method.
  • Plan your core menu:
    • Whole lobsters (1 per guest)
    • Clams or mussels
    • Corn on the cob
    • Red potatoes
    • Sausage or kielbasa (optional)
    • Sides like chowder, stuffed quahogs, bacon-wrapped scallops
    • Drawn butter, lemon wedges, bibs, crackers, napkins

2. Sourcing Your Seafood

  • Buy live lobsters as close to your event date as possible.
  • Choose a trusted source that offers overnight delivery.
  • Opt for hard-shell lobsters for more meat.
  • Store live lobsters in the fridge, covered with damp newspaper.
  • If using the beach method, gather fresh seaweed from a clean area.

3. Beach Bake Setup (Stone Pit Method)

*Note: Be sure to check local rules about beach fires and digging before attempting this.*

Materials Needed:

  • Shovel
  • Firewood and kindling
  • Large stones (to retain heat)
  • Seaweed (rockweed is ideal)
  • Soaked burlap sacks
  • Aluminum trays or mesh racks

Instructions:

  1. Dig a 2–3 foot pit in the sand and line it with stones.
  2. Build a fire and burn it down over 1–2 hours until the stones are hot.
  3. Layer soaked seaweed on the stones.
  4. Add food: lobsters, clams, corn (in husks), potatoes, sausage.
  5. Cover with more seaweed and wet burlap sacks.
  6. Steam for 1–1.5 hours, checking occasionally.

4. Backyard or Home Version

Option A: Large Steamer Pot

  • Layer ingredients in a large seafood steamer pot.
  • Add salted water or broth to the base.
  • Steam covered for 45–60 minutes.

Option B: Grill Lobster Bake

  • Wrap ingredients in foil packets with broth or white wine.
  • Grill for 30–40 minutes over medium-high heat.
  • Bonus Tip: Lobster tails are GREAT for grilling and make an excellent addition to your back yard grill clambake.

Option C: Oven Bake

  • Layer food in roasting pans with seaweed or broth.
  • Cover tightly with foil and bake at 400°F for 45–60 minutes.

5. Serving and Setup

  • Cover tables with newspaper or kraft paper for easy cleanup.
  • Provide mallets, crackers, seafood picks, and bibs.
  • Set out bowls of melted butter, lemon wedges, and hot sauce.
  • Place wet wipes and trash bins nearby.

6. Optional Additions

  • Appetizers: Clam chowder, oysters, cocktail shrimp
  • Dessert: Blueberry pie, whoopie pies, strawberry shortcake
  • Drinks: Dry white wines, cold beers, or spiked lemonade

7. Pro Tips

  • Soak seaweed and burlap well—the steam does the cooking, not the flames.
  • Keep lobsters cold and never store them in fresh water.
  • Scrub and purge clams ahead of time to remove sand.
  • Cook lobster until internal temp reaches 135–140°F.
  • Parboil potatoes if you're concerned about uneven heat.

Our Picks for a Lobster Bake

Planning a true New England-style lobster bake? These handpicked products from Lobsters Online bring the coastal experience straight to your pot, pit, or picnic table.

  • Boat Run Box

    Our freshest, wild-caught Maine lobsters, straight from the boat. Perfect for beach bakes, these lobsters vary in size and bring the excitement of a real day’s catch to your gathering.

  • Littleneck Clams

    Sweet, briny, and ideal for steaming. A must-have for layering into your pit or steamer pot with seaweed and corn.

  • Stuffed Quahogs

    A Cape Cod classic—seasoned clam stuffing baked into large quahog shells. Easy to heat and serve on the beach or at home.

  • Bacon-Wrapped Scallops

    Sweet scallops wrapped in smoky bacon—ready to grill, broil, or bake. A crowd favorite that pairs perfectly with your main bake.

  • New England Clam Chowder

    Rich and creamy with plenty of clams, this chowder is a great way to start the meal and warm up during a breezy beach day.

  • Cocktail Shrimp

    Chilled, peeled, and ready to serve with lemon wedges and cocktail sauce. Great as an appetizer while the bake steams.

  • Lobster Tools & Accessories

    Don’t forget the essentials—crackers, seafood picks, bibs, and wet wipes. Make sure everyone can dig in and enjoy the full experience.

Make It Easy — We Ship the Coast to You

From fresh lobsters to hard-shell clams and New England classics, we’ve got everything you need to throw a real-deal clambake without the hassle. With fast shipping and premium packaging, you’ll get seafood so fresh, your guests will think it was caught that morning.

Order Your Clambake Essentials Today

Get your Boat Run Box, hand-picked sides, and everything else you need to recreate an authentic lobster bake—on the beach or in your backyard.

Shop Now and bring the flavor of the coast to your next gathering. We'll ship it to you tomorrow!