We’ve all been there. You cook up a big batch of delicious lobster from Cape Porpoise Lobster Co. but you just can’t finish it all, despite your best efforts. With a sigh, you put it in a Tupperware and hope it tastes just as good the next day. We’re here to tell you that with the right know-how, your lobster will make a fantastic lunch (or midnight snack).
Lobster is a delicious delicacy that many people love to indulge in. However, you may sometimes have leftovers that you want to enjoy again later. This leaves many wondering – can you reheat lobster in the microwave?
The short answer is yes, you can reheat lobster in the microwave. However, there are some important steps and considerations to follow to ensure that your reheated lobster turns out just as tasty and tender as the original.
In this complete guide, we will cover everything you need to know about reheating lobster in the microwave. We will look at the benefits and downsides, tips for success, step-by-step instructions, and answer some frequently asked questions.
The Benefits of Reheating Lobster in the Microwave
Reheating lobster in the microwave offers several advantages
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Speed – The microwave provides one of the fastest options for reheating lobster. You can have your lobster ready to eat again in just 1-3 minutes.
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Convenience – Most kitchens nowadays have a microwave oven. It provides a very convenient and easy way to quickly reheat leftovers.
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Retains moisture – The microwave reheats food very fast which means less time for moisture to escape. Covering the lobster helps trap in moisture.
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Even heating – The microwave can distribute heat evenly throughout the lobster, avoiding cold spots.
The Downsides of Microwave Reheating
However, there are also some potential downsides:
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Can dry out lobster – Microwaves remove moisture quickly, increasing chances of dryness. Steps must be taken to retain moisture.
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Risk of rubbery texture – The intense heat can toughen proteins and make the reheated lobster chewy.
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Uneven heating – If not rotated, parts of the lobster may end up overcooked.
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Slight flavor loss – Some subtle flavors can be lost compared to other reheating methods.
Tips for Reheating Lobster Successfully in the Microwave
Follow these handy tips for the best results:
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Remove lobster meat from the shell before reheating for more even heating.
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Use a microwave-safe container, cover it, and leave a vent for steam to escape.
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Add a splash of water or lemon juice to help retain moisture. Melted butter also works.
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Microwave at 50% power. High power leads to uneven heating.
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Microwave in 30 second bursts, checking in between. Lobster overcooks quickly.
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Let the lobster rest 2 minutes after reheating so heat distributes evenly.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Reheat Lobster in the Microwave
Follow these simple steps for perfectly reheated lobster every time:
Step 1: Prepare the Lobster Meat
For the best results, remove lobster meat from the shell. This prevents the shell from shielding parts of the meat from the microwave. Carefully extract the tail, claw, leg and body meat in one piece if possible.
Step 2: Choose a Microwave-Safe Dish
Place the lobster meat in a microwave-safe container. Glass or ceramic work best. The dish should be shallow to allow the microwave to better penetrate the lobster.
Step 3: Add a Small Amount of Liquid
Add a splash of water, lemon juice, seafood stock or melted butter. This will keep the lobster moist. About 1-2 tablespoons should suffice for a single tail.
Step 4: Cover the Dish
Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Make sure to leave a vent by folding back a corner of the wrap so steam can escape.
Step 5: Microwave at 50% Power
Microwave the lobster at 50% power. This slower heating prevents uneven cooking. High power can cause hot spots.
Step 6: Cook in 30 Second Intervals
Microwave in intervals of 30 seconds initially. Check for doneness and continue cooking if needed in 15 second bursts, taking care not to overcook.
Step 7: Let It Rest
When the lobster is heated through, let it rest for 2 minutes before serving. This allows heat to evenly distribute for tender, juicy meat.
Step 8: Enjoy Your Reheated Lobster!
Your leftover lobster is now ready to enjoy again! Serve with melted butter, lemon wedges or dipping sauces.
Microwave Times for Reheating Lobster
Microwaving in short intervals is key. Here are general guidelines for reheating times:
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Smaller Pieces (2-4 oz): 30 seconds up to 1 minute
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Half Lobster Tail (4-6 oz): 45 seconds up to 1.5 minutes
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Whole Lobster Tail (8-12 oz): 1-2 minutes
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Complex Lobster Dishes: 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway
Always check for doneness rather than relying solely on timing to avoid overcooking. Lobster cooks very fast in the microwave.
Should You Reheat Lobster in the Microwave?
While the microwave provides a fast and easy reheating option, results can be hit or miss. Microwaved lobster may never be quite as tender and flavorful as freshly cooked.
However, taking proper precautions by using lower power, checking frequently, and adding moisture can still yield decent reheated lobster.
The microwave works best for small amounts of lobster. For larger pieces, oven or stovetop reheating are preferable though more time-consuming.
Alternative Ways to Reheat Lobster
Here are some other effective reheating methods to consider:
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Steaming: Place lobster in a steamer basket over boiling water for 3-5 minutes until heated through. Preserves moisture well.
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Pan Searing: Cook lobster pieces in a hot pan with butter for 2-3 minutes per side. Provides delicious caramelization.
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Oven: Bake lobster meat wrapped in foil or in a casserole dish for 10-15 minutes at 350°F.
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Sous Vide: For perfect texture, reheat lobster in a water bath at 135°F for 10-15 minutes.
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Simmering: Gently reheat lobster pieces in butter or broth over low heat for 3-5 minutes. Great for soups or pasta dishes.
The right reheating method depends on the amount of time you have and what textures and flavors you want to highlight.
Frequently Asked Questions About Reheating Lobster in the Microwave
Can you reheat a whole lobster in the microwave?
It’s best to remove the meat from the shell before microwaving to allow for more direct heat exposure. Trying to reheat a whole lobster often leads to uneven cooking.
Does reheated lobster taste as good?
While reheating can never fully match freshly cooked lobster, taking proper care when reheating can still yield good results. There is often only a slight discernible difference.
How many times can you reheat lobster?
Only reheat lobster once for food safety. Reheating more than once increases bacteria risk. Eat or toss additional leftovers.
What happens when you reheat lobster?
The proteins start firming up again when reheated, leading to slight textural changes. Moisture loss can make the meat drier. Take steps to retain tenderness and moisture.
How do you keep lobster moist when reheating?
Covering the dish, reheating at lower power, and adding liquid all help retain natural moisture in lobster meat when reheating.
Get Perfectly Reheated Lobster with This Complete Guide
Reheating lobster in the microwave is convenient but requires care. With the proper technique, checking often, and adding moisture, you can enjoy your leftover lobster nearly as delicious as the original meal.
Follow the tips and step-by-step instructions provided in this guide for lobster that’s tender and full of flavor. We recommend reheating smaller amounts of lobster in the microwave, and using the oven or stovetop for larger pieces.
Next time you have leftover lobster, give the microwave a try alongside the recommendations in this article, and enjoy your lobster’s second debut. Just be careful not to overcook it! Now you have all the tools for lobster that reheats beautifully.
Reheat your lobster in the frying pan
If you just want to reheat the meat, place the boiled meat in a frying pan with a teaspoon of butter. Sauté over medium heat and check for doneness after 5 minutes.
Here’s a handy guide to reheating lobster:
To reheat a whole lobster, wrap it in heavy-duty aluminum foil and place it belly-up on a baking tray. Add a pat or two of butter to the foil wrap to keep the lobster moist and reheat for 5 to 10 minutes at 350 degrees.