Here is a question that many people ask. Can you freeze both cooked lobster and uncooked lobster to enjoy at a later date? The short answer to this question is no, you cannot freeze uncooked lobster. Here is why:
Lobster is a prized delicacy enjoyed around the world. With its sweet succulent meat and signature taste it’s no wonder why lobster is considered a luxury food item. Many seafood lovers ponder if it’s possible to cook frozen lobster and achieve results on par with fresh lobster. The good news is – yes, you absolutely can cook frozen lobster and have it turn out delicious!
Here is a complete guide to cooking frozen lobster, from proper selection and thawing techniques to recommended cooking methods for optimal flavor and texture.
How to Select High-Quality Frozen Lobster
The first key step is sourcing high-quality frozen lobster. Not all frozen seafood is equal, so it pays to find lobster that was handled properly prior to freezing. Here is what to look for:
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Flash frozen – Lobster should be flash frozen rapidly at very low temperatures like -10°F. This preserves freshness better than slow freezing.
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Raw, not pre-cooked – Get raw frozen lobster, not pre-cooked tails. Raw cooks up more tender.
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Frozen at sea – Lobster frozen immediately on the fishing boat is ideal. Minimizes time from catch to freeze.
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Reputable seller – Buy from trusted sellers with high standards for quality and turnover
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Bright color – Lobster tails should look bright reddish-orange. Discoloration indicates age.
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Firm texture – Meat should look translucent yet firm, not mushy or opaque.
Following these buying guidelines will lead to better cooked results.
Thawing Lobster the Right Way
Once you have quality frozen lobster, proper thawing is essential for the best flavor and texture. Key tips:
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Refrigerator thaw – The gold standard. Thaw lobster overnight or 24 hours in the fridge in a bowl. Keeps it safe and prevents moisture loss.
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Cold water thaw – Faster thawing method. Submerge bagged lobster in cold water, changing water every 30 minutes.
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Avoid warm water – Thawing lobster in warm water promotes bacteria growth. Stick to cold.
No matter the thawing method, cook thawed lobster ASAP for optimal quality. Discard any uncooked lobster not fully thawed within 1-2 days.
Preparing Thawed Lobster for Cooking
Before cooking, thawed lobster needs some preparation:
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Split lobster tails – Use kitchen shears to cut through the top shell without cutting the meat. Helps seasonings penetrate and meat cook evenly.
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Remove digestive tract – Pull out the digestive tract which can taint flavor. Rinse meat before cooking.
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Remove rubber bands – Remove rubber bands around claws as they can melt into the shell when cooking.
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Brush with oil or butter – Coating the shell helps keep the meat moist and adds flavor.
Your lobster is now prepped and ready for your cooking method of choice.
Best Cooking Methods for Frozen Lobster
Frozen lobster can be prepared using most standard cooking techniques. Some methods yield better results than others:
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Boiling – The simplest preparation. Use plenty of seasoned water. Simmer 5-8 minutes until bright red. Avoid overcooking.
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Steaming – Excellent for retaining moisture and flavor. Use a couple inches of liquid in a covered pot with steamer basket. Steam 8-10 minutes.
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Grilling – Imparts delicious smoky flavor. Grill thawed tails or halved lobsters flesh-side down first. Baste with butter.
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Broiling – Similar to grilling but indoors. Cook 4-6 inches from heat for 4-6 minutes per side.
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Sautéing – For highlight lobster meat, sauté bite-sized pieces in butter just 1-2 minutes until lightly browned.
Cooking Times and Doneness
Cooking times for frozen lobster differ from fresh. Follow these general guidelines:
- Lobster tails (4-6 oz): Boil/steam 6-8 mins, grill 5-6 mins
- Lobster claws: Boil/steam 5-7 mins, grill 4-5 mins
- Small lobsters (1-1.5 lbs): Boil/steam 9-11 mins, grill 14-16 mins
- Large lobsters (1.5-2 lbs): Boil/steam 11-13 mins, grill 18-20 mins
Check doneness by looking for an opaque, pearly interior with no translucent spots. Meat should flake easily with a fork. Avoid overcooking.
Serving Suggestions
To get the most enjoyment from your frozen then thawed and cooked lobster:
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Serve lobster meat dressed in lemon garlic butter or butter sauce for richness.
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Stuff lobster shells with Ritz cracker stuffing for easy stuffed lobsters.
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Pair with corn on the cob, coleslaw, and roasted potatoes for a classic summer feast.
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Match the richness with acidic lemon wedges or tomato salad.
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Compliment with light, crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
So don’t hesitate to cook up that frozen lobster in your freezer. With proper handling, thawing, and cooking, frozen lobster can taste just as amazing as fresh live lobster. Follow these tips and enjoy sweet, tender lobster meat at home with ease.
The meat will stick
When you freeze and thaw uncooked lobster, the meat sticks to the inside of the shell and it is almost impossible to get out. When you cook a lobster first and thaw at a later date the lobster meat does not stick to the inside of the shell. It actually tastes very fresh and still remains juicy when you do sit down to enjoy it.
Easy Steps to Cook a Frozen Lobster Perfectly Every Time!
FAQ
Can you cook frozen lobster without thawing?
If raw, you can steam frozen lobster without having to defrost it first. I cook my lobster by steaming it but I create a flavored broth.Jan 2, 2025
Is it safe to cook frozen lobster?
While fresh lobster can be time-consuming to prepare, frozen lobster keeps for months in your freezer and is ready to cook at any time.
What is the best way to cook a frozen lobster?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the lobster meat in a baking dish and add a small amount of butter or sauce. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until the meat is cooked through. Baking is ideal for preparing lobster meat in larger quantities or as part of a casserole.
Should I defrost lobster before cooking?
You definitely should thaw your lobster tails before cooking them. This makes sure that the lobster meat cooks evenly and all the way through. If you cook them straight from frozen, you risk them turning out rubbery on the outside and/or raw at the center! Should you rinse frozen lobster tails?
How do you thaw frozen lobster before cooking?
Thaw frozen lobster 24 hours before cooking. Place it in a plastic bag and set it in a bowl of water in the fridge. Boil enough water to cover the lobster, then add 1 tbsp (17 g) of salt per 1 quart (1 l) of water to the pot. Place the lobster inside and simmer for 5 minutes.
Can you cook lobster from frozen?
Yes, you can cook a lobster directly from frozen. However, it is important to note that the cooking time will be slightly longer compared to a fresh lobster. It is recommended to carefully follow the cooking instructions to ensure the lobster is thoroughly cooked. Should I thaw the lobster before cooking?
Can you cook frozen lobster tails?
With the right techniques, you can enjoy tender, juicy lobster cooked directly from the freezer. Follow these tips to help ensure frozen lobster tails cook up tender and flavorful Choose high-quality tails – Look for cold water lobster tails that are labeled flash frozen at their peak freshness. Avoid any discoloration or freezer burn.
Can you eat frozen lobster?
Eating whole lobster is a delicacy in many areas of the world. Sometimes you may purchase the lobster frozen. Cooking frozen lobster is not that difficult of a process, and there are different approaches you can use to make sure the meat tastes delicious. Thaw frozen lobster 24 hours before cooking.
Can you cook pre cooked lobster in the oven?
Just as with fresh lobster, you can steam, grill and even bake pre-cooked lobster in the oven. The difference is that the cooking times will be shorter. Steam pre-cooked frozen lobster after thawing it in a large pot over boiling water for 10 to 20 minutes.
Can you cook lobster if it’s defrosted?
If you have more time to spare, let the lobster defrost slowly in the fridge for 24 hours so the texture of the meat isn’t affected. Once the lobster is completely defrosted, you can cook it in a variety of ways, like boiling it, steaming it, or baking it.