Is 2 Pounds of Lobster a Lot?

October 25, 2025 •

4 min read

An average live lobster yields only about 20-30% of its total weight in edible meat, with the shell and other parts making up the rest. Therefore, the question, "is 2 pounds of lobster a lot?" depends heavily on who is eating and what else is on the menu.

Quick Summary

A 2-pound lobster is a very substantial serving for one person, considered an indulgent treat for a special occasion, and can be shared by two as part of a meal with other dishes. A hard-shell lobster of this size will produce a high-quality meat yield of 6-8 ounces.

Key Points

Serving Size: A 2-pound lobster is a generous single serving for one person with a hearty appetite, yielding about 6-8 ounces of meat.
Sharing Option: The "deuce" is an ideal size for two people to share, especially when served with accompanying side dishes.
Meat Yield: On average, a live lobster produces only 20-30% of its total weight in edible meat.
Occasion: This size is considered the "sweet spot" for many lobster lovers and is often reserved for special occasions or indulging.
Quality: Larger, hard-shell lobsters can offer a richer and sweeter flavor, and with proper cooking, are not tough.
Cooking Method: Steaming or boiling a 2-pound lobster for approximately 14-18 minutes is a great way to achieve tender, succulent meat.
Leftovers: If a 2-pound lobster is too much for one person, the remaining meat can be easily frozen for next-day dishes like lobster chowder.

Understanding Lobster Yield and Serving Sizes

When you buy a live, whole lobster, not all of its weight is edible meat. The shell, legs, and viscera contribute significantly to its total weight. The meat yield from a hard-shell lobster typically ranges from 20-30% of its overall weight. For a 2-pound lobster, this means you can expect to get roughly 6 to 8 ounces of delectable meat. This is a crucial detail to remember when determining if 2 pounds of lobster is a lot for your particular dining needs.

The "Deuce" Lobster: A Special Occasion Choice

A two-pound lobster is often called a "deuce" in culinary circles and is considered a prime size for special occasions. It provides a generous and impressive portion for a single diner with a hearty appetite, offering more than enough meat to satisfy. For a typical serving, most experts recommend a smaller 1 to 1.5-pound lobster per person for a main course. A 2-pounder is a step up, signaling a more luxurious and indulgent dining experience.

Comparison Table: Live Lobster Weight vs. Edible Meat Yield


Live Lobster Weight	Estimated Meat Yield (Hard-shell)	Standard Serving Size	Notes
1.25 pounds	~4-5 ounces	Single serving	Popular choice for a main course
1.5 pounds	~5-6 ounces	Single serving (hearty)	Excellent for those with a larger appetite
2 pounds (Deuce)	~6-8 ounces	Single serving (indulgent) or shared	Perfect for special occasions; can be shared
3+ pounds	10+ ounces	Shared/Feast	Meant to impress, more meat and often sweeter

How to Serve and Enjoy a 2-Pound Lobster

Since a 2-pound lobster is a substantial size, you have several options for serving it. It can be the impressive centerpiece for a single diner, or it can be a shared dish for two, especially when paired with complementary sides. The large claws and tail of a deuce will be full of succulent meat, offering a satisfying feast. Consider serving it with drawn butter and a squeeze of lemon to highlight its natural sweetness.

For a shared meal, pairing the 2-pound lobster with a side of steamed vegetables, corn on the cob, or a crisp salad can create a balanced and memorable dining experience for two people. You can also use the meat for rich recipes like lobster rolls, bisques, or pasta dishes.

The Quality and Flavor of Larger Lobsters

Contrary to some popular beliefs that smaller lobsters are more tender, larger, hard-shell lobsters, like a 2-pound deuce, are not necessarily tougher. With proper cooking, they yield a significant amount of high-quality, flavorful meat. In fact, some seafood connoisseurs prefer the taste of larger lobsters for their sweeter and richer flavor. The key to tender meat is avoiding overcooking, which can be done by carefully following recommended cooking times.

Tips for Cooking Your 2-Pound Lobster

Boiling: For a 2-pound live lobster, bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Add the lobster headfirst and reduce to a simmer, cooking for approximately 14 minutes. Make sure the lobster is fully submerged.
Steaming: Steaming is another excellent method for a 2-pound lobster, and it's less messy than boiling. Bring about 2 inches of water to a boil in a large pot with a tight-fitting lid. Place the lobster on a steamer rack and steam for about 16-18 minutes. Steaming is often preferred for retaining more of the lobster's natural flavor.
Checking for Doneness: Regardless of the method, the lobster is cooked when the shell is bright red and the meat is opaque. The internal temperature in the thickest part of the tail should register around 140°F (60°C).

The Final Verdict on a 2-Pound Lobster

In conclusion, a 2-pound lobster is a substantial and special portion. For one person, it is a very generous meal, often reserved for a celebratory dinner. For two people, it is a perfect size to share, especially with side dishes, providing a decadent taste of this beloved seafood. The meat yield of 6-8 ounces is a healthy portion for a main course. While smaller lobsters (1 to 1.5 pounds) are more common for individual servings, the "deuce" is an excellent choice for a memorable, indulgent, or shared dining experience.

For further reading on seafood portion sizes, you can visit the Fulton Fish Market website.

What to consider when buying lobster

Before deciding on your purchase, consider how you plan to use the lobster meat. Will it be the star of the show served with butter, or will you use it in a recipe? If you're making a dish like lobster rolls, where the meat is incorporated into a mixture, you might consider buying multiple smaller lobsters to save on cost, as smaller lobsters can be cheaper per pound. However, if presentation and flavor are your main priorities, especially for a single, impressive entree, the 2-pounder is a fantastic choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

From a 2-pound, hard-shell lobster, you can typically expect to yield between 6 and 8 ounces of edible meat, primarily from the tail and claws.

Yes, a 2-pound lobster is enough for two people, especially if it's served as part of a larger meal with side dishes. It is a substantial and satisfying amount of meat to share.

A 'deuce' is a culinary term for a 2-pound lobster. This size is often considered a great choice for those with an average appetite looking to indulge in a special meal.

No, bigger lobsters are not necessarily tougher. Many people believe smaller lobsters are more tender, but the key to tender meat is proper cooking technique, not size. In fact, larger lobsters are often favored for their meat quantity and rich flavor.

When boiling, a 2-pound live lobster should cook for approximately 14 minutes. If you are steaming, the cooking time is slightly longer, around 16-18 minutes.

The edible meat yield from a live lobster is typically between 20% and 30% of its total body weight. The remaining weight is composed of the shell and other inedible parts.

Yes. If you are using the meat for recipes like lobster rolls or bisque, buying multiple smaller lobsters can be a more cost-effective option. Smaller, "chicken" lobsters often have a lower price per pound.