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 is considered a luxury food that many home cooks aspire to serve However, high-quality fresh lobster can be expensive and challenging to source. This is where frozen lobster tails provide a convenient solution! But can you boil frozen lobster tails?
The short answer is yes, you can absolutely boil frozen lobster tails! This cooking method yields tender, moist lobster meat with wonderful flavor absorbed from the boiling liquid.
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know to successfully boil frozen lobster tails, including:
- Advantages of cooking frozen tails
- How to select quality frozen tails
- Proper thawing techniques
- Step-by-step boiling instructions
- Tips for checking doneness
- Serving suggestions to impress your guests
After reading this, you’ll feel confident and capable of cooking delicious frozen lobster right at home. Time to get cracking!
Why Boil Frozen Lobster Tails?
Here are some of the biggest benefits of boiling frozen lobster tails:
-
Convenience – Frozen tails are available year-round at grocery stores, allowing you to enjoy lobster anytime without sourcing live lobster.
-
Budget-friendly – Frozen tails cost significantly less per pound than live lobster, making them a great option for everyday meals.
-
Easy preparation – No need to dispatch or clean raw lobster. Just thaw, boil, and serve!
-
Great results – Boiling cooks the tails perfectly and infuses flavor into the meat.
-
Cook from frozen – No need to thaw first if you’re short on time. Boil frozen tails directly.
-
Versatile – Use the boiled meat in pastas, salads, appetizers, etc.
Boiling is one of the simplest, most foolproof cooking methods that works great for frozen tails. Now let’s examine how to pick the best quality tails.
Selecting Quality Frozen Lobster Tails
When purchasing frozen lobster tails, keep these tips in mind:
-
Check the source – Look for tails harvested from cold northern waters like Maine. Avoid warm water tails.
-
Choose the right size – Pick based on the number of people you’re serving. Average size is 6-8 oz.
-
Inspect the shell – Avoid cracked or damaged shells, indicating mishandling.
-
Examine the meat – Meat should be translucent with a reddish tint when frozen, not yellow or milky.
-
Confirm frozen temperature – Meat should be completely frozen, not thawed and refrozen.
-
Check expiration dates – Buy tails with the furthest expiration or freeze by dates.
With high-quality frozen tails procured, proper thawing is the next vital step.
Thawing Frozen Lobster Tails
While you can boil tails directly from frozen, thawing first is best. Here are safe ways to thaw frozen tails:
-
Refrigerator – Thaw overnight in a bowl in the fridge, maintaining a safe 40°F temperature.
-
Cold water – Submerge sealed tails in cold tap water, changing water every 30 minutes.
-
Microwave – Only thaw 2-3 minutes to loosen meat from shell, not fully cook.
The goal is gradual, gentle thawing at cool temperatures. Never thaw at room temperature or in hot water.
Now it’s time to boil! Here are the foolproof steps.
Step-by-Step Guide to Boiling Frozen Lobster Tails
Follow these simple instructions for perfect boiled frozen lobster tails every time:
-
Prepare a large pot – Fill a 5+ quart stock pot halfway with water. Bring to a rapid boil over high heat.
-
Season the water – Add 2 Tbsp salt per quart of water. You can also add lemon, garlic, or bay leaves for flavor.
-
Lower tails into boiling water – Use tongs to gently place frozen tails into the vigorously boiling water.
-
Cover and return to boil – Cover and allow water to return to a rolling boil. Takes 5-6 minutes.
-
Start timer based on size – Once boiling again, begin timer according to tail size:
-
Small (3-5 oz): 5-7 minutes
-
Medium (6-8 oz): 7-9 minutes
-
Large (10-12 oz): 9-11 minutes
-
Jumbo (16 oz+): 11-13 minutes
-
-
Check for doneness – Use these tests to confirm tails are done:
-
Shell bright red
-
Meat opaque, not translucent
-
Internal temperature of 145°F
-
-
Remove and drain – Use tongs to transfer tails to a colander or paper towels. Serve immediately.
That covers the easy process start to finish! Now let’s explore serving suggestions.
Serving Your Boiled Frozen Lobster Tails
You have ample options for serving boiled frozen lobster tails:
-
Crack shell and dip meat in melted butter
-
Remove meat and add to pasta, risotto, or salad
-
Chill and serve with mayo and lemon juice
-
Stuff into lobster rolls
-
Pair with roasted asparagus and garlic mashed potatoes
Provide small dipping bowls of melted herbed butter. Lemon wedges also add brightness. Keep shells on for dramatic presentation.
Your guests will be impressed by your lobster feast!
Troubleshooting Tips
Use these additional pointers to master cooking frozen lobster tails:
-
Add tails to water one at a time to prevent temperature drop
-
Use longer cook times for extra thick, giant tails
-
Err on the lower end of time ranges to prevent overcooking
-
Use a thermometer for accuracy until you gain experience
-
Prevent sticking by lightly greasing the shell
-
Chilling after cooking makes removing meat easier
-
Save shells to make lobster bisque or seafood stock!
Now you’re ready to boil frozen lobster tails like a professional.
Enjoy Delicious Lobster From Home
Follow the tips above for selecting, thawing, and boiling frozen tails perfectly. Serve them up with melted butter or incorporate the lobster meat into elegant entrees and appetizers.
Let us know how your homemade boiled frozen lobster turns out! Your guests will surely be impressed. With this easy, foolproof guide, you can now enjoy exquisite restaurant-quality lobster conveniently from your own kitchen.
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.
How to Cook Frozen Lobster Tails
FAQ
Can you boil frozen lobster tails without thawing?
Yes, it is generally safe to cook frozen fish without thawing it first. In fact, cooking fish from frozen can help preserve its texture and flavor. Here are some tips for cooking frozen fish:
How to quickly thaw frozen lobster tails?
-
1. Seal in a waterproof bag:Place the frozen lobster tails in a leak-proof plastic bag, ensuring all air is released before sealing, says ShopLobster.
-
2. Submerge in cold water:Place the sealed bag in a bowl of cold water, ensuring the water covers the lobster tails.
-
3. Change the water:Replace the water every 15-30 minutes to maintain its coldness and speed up the thawing process, according to ShopLobster.
-
4. Thaw time:Allow about 30-60 minutes for smaller tails and up to 90 minutes for larger ones to thaw completely.
How do you cook frozen cooked lobster tails?
Thawing and Reheating: Thaw frozen lobster in the fridge overnight, then reheat it in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes in a pan with extra broth or water. Alternatively, briefly heat it on the stove in a nonstick pan, just until warmed.
Can you boil frozen lobster tails?
You can indeed boil frozen lobster tails. While it’s best to thaw them first by placing them in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours, you can still cook them from frozen if you’re short on time.
How long does it take to thaw lobster tails in the refrigerator?
If you have enough time, it’s best to thaw the frozen lobster tails for 12-24 hours in the refrigerator before cooking. However, if you’re short on time, you can still cook them from frozen.
What should you add to the water before boiling lobster tails?
Before boiling lobster tails, add salt to the water for added flavor—an approximate guideline is 1 teaspoon of salt for every 4 cups of water. Place the pot of water on the stovetop and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Gently lower the frozen lobster tails into the boiling water using tongs or a slotted spoon.
How long should a lobster tail be boiled?
Therefore, if you have a 4-ounce lobster tail, it should be boiled for about 16-20 minutes, while a 6-ounce tail should be cooked for approximately 24-30 minutes. Boiling lobster tails for the right amount of time ensures perfectly cooked meat that is tender and flavorful.
What is the advantage of boiling frozen lobster tails?
The advantage of boiling frozen lobster tails is that you can cook them directly from their frozen state. However, if you prefer to thaw them first, you can do so by placing them in the refrigerator overnight.
How do you cook a thawed lobster tail?
Stick a skewer through each thawed lobster tail. The skewer isn’t necessary, but it’ll prevent it from curling, which makes for a prettier presentation. Drop the tails one at a time into a large pot of salted boiling water. Cook a 5- to 6-ounce lobster tail for about 5 minutes.