Boiled State of Maine Lobster This is a favorite recipe from Maine Department of Marine Resources. Place live Maine lobsters in a kettle of briskly boiling salted water. Boil rapidly for 20 minutes for 1 1/4 pound lobsters, longer for larger size ones. Remove from the water and wipe dry. Then place each lobster on its back, split lengthwise with a heavy knife and crack the large claws. Serve whole lobster with a side dish of melted butter.