Learning how to cook frozen lobster tails is relatively easy. The hard part will be deciding which way to prepare them—in the oven, grill, air fryer, or pot. Whether planning a special event or to have on hand, you can order fresh lobster tails ahead of time online and then freeze them yourself. That way, you will know when the lobster tails are frozen – they will keep up to three months before the risk of freezer burn.
Lobster tails are a delicious and luxurious seafood treat. However, most people don’t keep live lobsters on hand. That’s where frozen lobster tails come in handy. With some simple preparation, you can cook frozen lobster tails that taste just as amazing as fresh. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to cook succulent frozen lobster tails at home.
Buying Quality Frozen Lobster Tails
The first step is choosing high-quality frozen tails. Check that the tails are from cold water lobsters, which have sweeter meat than warm water varieties. The shells should be bright in color without spots or discoloration. Avoid any packages with signs of freezer burn. Ideally, the tails were flash frozen at peak freshness to lock in flavor and texture. Smaller tails around 5-6 ounces will cook more evenly than jumbo 10+ ounce sizes when cooking from frozen.
Proper Thawing is Key
While you can cook frozen lobster tails without thawing, taking the time to thaw them in the refrigerator will ensure the most tender and juicy results. Thaw tails in a single layer in a rimmed pan or plate to allow air circulation. Place in the fridge for 10-12 hours or overnight for average size tails. Do not thaw at room temperature to prevent food safety risks.
Prepping Tails for Cooking
Once thawed, prepare your tails for cooking. Use kitchen shears to carefully cut through the top shell lengthwise to butterfly the tails. Cut all the way through the tails to split completely in half. Rinse under cold water and pat dry. Brush the lobster meat with melted butter or olive oil. Season with salt, pepper, lemon juice or any desired herbs and spices.
Cooking Methods for Frozen Lobster Tails
Broiling
Broiling utilizes high, direct heat from above to cook the tails, similar to grilling. Place the oiled and seasoned lobster halves flesh-side up on a broiler pan lined with a wire rack. Broil 4-5 minutes until the shells turn bright red and the meat opaque.
Grilling
The intense heat of the grill sears the shells while rapidly thawing and cooking the meat, Place oiled tails shell-side down on hot grill grates preheated to medium-high Grill 4-5 minutes then flip and cook flesh side 2-3 minutes more until opaque throughout
Baking
Preheat your oven to 425°F Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil, Arrange the lobster halves flesh-side up and brush with melted butter Bake 12-15 minutes until shells are bright orange and meat reaches 140°F,
Pan Searing
Use a smoking hot skillet to sear the shells and cook the meat Pat the tails dry and brush with oil Season them with herbs and garlic, Cook shell-side down 3-4 minutes, Flip and sear flesh side just 2 minutes,
Boiling
Drop thawed tails into rapidly boiling salted water. Cook 4-5 minutes for 5-6 ounce tails. The shells will turn bright red when done. Shock in an ice bath to stop further cooking.
Checking Doneness
Lobster tails are cooked once the opaque flesh reaches an internal temperature of 140°F. You can also judge doneness by the shell color. Properly cooked shells will change to a bright orange or red hue. Be careful not to overcook or the meat will become rubbery and dry.
Serving Your Cooked Frozen Lobster Tails
Frozen lobster tails make an elegant, impressive meal for special occasions. Serve them with melted butter, lemon wedges, garlic aioli or other dipping sauces. Turn them into lobster rolls or tacos. Or, pair with steak for surf and turf. Following proper thawing, prep and cooking methods will reward you with tender, sweet lobster meat.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you tell if frozen lobster tails are fresh?
- Brightly colored shells without dark spots or yellow discoloration indicate freshness. Avoid any freezer burned packages.
Should you thaw lobster tails before cooking?
- For the most tender, juicy meat, thaw tails overnight in the fridge. But quick cooking methods can still yield decent results from frozen.
What is the best way to thaw frozen lobster tails?
- Thaw overnight on a tray in the refrigerator. Never thaw at room temperature.
How long is it safe to store frozen lobster tails?
- Store frozen tails up to 3 months for best quality. Discard any older than 6 months.
What size frozen lobster tails work best for cooking from frozen?
- Smaller 5-6 ounce tails cook more evenly than jumbo sizes when cooking directly from frozen.
With the proper techniques, you can enjoy tender, delicately sweet lobster tails cooked from frozen that rival fresh. Follow these tips to thaw, prep, and cook frozen tails using your preferred method. Soon you’ll be serving restaurant-quality seafood dishes in your own home. Let us know how your frozen lobster turns out!
Why Buy Fresh Lobster (and Freeze Yourself!)
While frozen lobster tails offer convenience, nothing beats the taste and quality of fresh lobster. Fresh Maine lobster boasts a sweeter, more delicate flavor with tender and succulent meat. The texture of fresh lobster is unmatched, delivering that quintessential burst of ocean-fresh goodness in every bite. Freezing can alter the lobster’s natural taste and consistency. While frozen tails are a good option in a pinch, they often lack the full-bodied flavor profile that makes fresh lobster such a sought-after delicacy.
For those looking to experience the finest lobster, Klenda Seafood offers premium fresh Maine lobster straight from the cold waters of the Atlantic. Sourced daily and delivered with care, our fresh lobster provides an unparalleled dining experience. Whether you’re preparing a special meal or simply indulging in the best seafood Maine has to offer, shop with Klenda Seafood to enjoy lobster the way it’s meant to be: fresh and flavorful.