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 that many home cooks love to indulge in. However, fresh lobster can be expensive and not always readily available. This is where frozen lobster tails come in handy! Frozen lobster tails provide a convenient and affordable way to enjoy lobster any time. But in order to get the best results when cooking frozen lobster tails, proper thawing and steaming techniques are key.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through everything you need to know about steaming frozen lobster tails. You’ll learn how to properly thaw, prep, steam, and serve frozen tails so they turn out tender, juicy, and packed with sweet lobster flavor every time. Let’s dive in!
Can You Steam Lobster Tails While Frozen?
The first question many people have is whether you can steam frozen lobster tails without thawing them first. The answer is yes, you absolutely can steam frozen lobster tails!
Steaming the tails while still frozen is not only safe, but it can be faster and more convenient than thawing. The frozen state helps the lobster tails retain their shape and moisture as they gently steam.
However, for the best texture and flavor, thawing the lobster tails in the refrigerator overnight is recommended. Thawed tails will steam more evenly throughout and absorb any added seasonings better.
- Steaming frozen is quicker and convenient
- Thawing first yields the best texture and flavor
- Both methods result in delicious steamed lobster tails!
Follow our tips below for perfect results either way.
Thawing Frozen Lobster Tails
For ideal texture and taste, thaw frozen lobster tails before steaming. Here are a few safe ways to thaw frozen tails:
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Refrigerator Thawing Place tails in a bowl and thaw in the refrigerator overnight or for 12-24 hours.
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Cold Water Thaw Seal tails in a plastic bag and submerge in cold water Change water every 15 minutes until thawed, about 30-60 minutes.
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Microwave Thaw: Use the “defrost” setting to gently thaw. Check often to avoid cooking.
Once thawed the tails are ready to prep and steam. Avoid letting them sit at room temperature too long before cooking.
Preparing for Steaming
To set up your steamer:
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Take a large pot with a tight fitting lid and fill with 1-2 inches of water.
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Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
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Place a steaming basket or rack inside so it sits above the water.
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Make sure the pot is deep enough to accommodate the tails without touching the water.
Having the right amount of water is key – too much water will boil the lobster, while too little water causes loss of steam.
How Long to Steam Frozen Lobster Tails
Frozen lobster tail sizes vary, so steaming times will depend on the size of your tails.
Here are general steaming guidelines:
- 4-5 oz tails: 7-9 minutes frozen, 3-5 minutes thawed
- 6-8 oz tails: 10-12 minutes frozen, 6-8 minutes thawed
- 10-12 oz tails: 13-15 minutes frozen, 8-10 minutes thawed
- For larger tails, add 2 minutes frozen or 1 minute thawed per additional ounce
Be sure to check doneness early to avoid overcooking. You can always steam a bit longer if needed.
How to Tell When Lobster Tails Are Done
Checking doneness visually and with a thermometer ensures perfectly steamed lobster every time.
Signs frozen lobster tails are fully cooked:
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Shell has turned bright red/orange
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Meat is opaque and cooked through
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Internal temperature reaches 140-145°F
Undercooked lobster will be translucent or gelatinous. Overcooked lobster meat will be tough and rubbery.
Using a digital meat thermometer is the most reliable way to assess doneness.
Steaming Directions Step-By-Step
Follow these simple step-by-step instructions for foolproof steamed frozen lobster tails:
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Thaw lobster tails completely if using thawed (see methods above).
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Prepare your steaming setup with a large covered pot, steamer basket, and 1-2 inches simmering water.
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Place thawed or frozen lobster tails meat-side up on the steamer basket, spacing them apart a bit.
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Steam frozen tails 7-15 minutes depending on weight, or 3-10 minutes for thawed.
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Check often for doneness – look for opaque meat and red shells.
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Internal temperature should reach 140-145°F when done.
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Immediately transfer steamed tails to an ice bath to stop cooking.
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Serve steamed lobster tails with melted butter, lemon wedges, or dipping sauces.
Follow these simple steps and you’ll have restaurant-quality steamed lobster tails ready in minutes!
Steaming Frozen Lobster Tail Tips
Here are some additional tips for ensuring flawless steamed frozen lobster tails every time:
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If steaming multiple tails, work in batches to avoid overcrowding.
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Add lemon juice, garlic, or Old Bay seasoning to the steaming liquid for extra flavor.
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Placing tails meat-side up helps them steam more evenly.
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Chilling in an ice bath right after steaming stops carryover cooking.
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Reheating leftover steamed tails gently maintains texture – avoid overcooking.
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Store leftover lobster tails up to 2 days refrigerated or 2-3 months frozen.
How to Serve Steamed Lobster Tails
Once your frozen lobster tails are perfectly steamed, it’s time to dig in! Here are some tasty ways to serve your steamed lobster:
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Serve with melted butter, clarified butter, or brown butter and lemon wedges.
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Top lobster salad, pasta, or risotto with chunks of the steamed meat.
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Dip in aioli, hollandaise sauce, or creamy lobster bisque for a decadent treat.
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Stuff into a toasted roll for a lobster roll sandwich.
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Slice steamed meat and add to seafood pasta, paella or stir fry dishes.
However you choose to serve them, steamed frozen lobster tails make for an impressive, restaurant-quality seafood meal.
Can You Steam Previously Cooked Lobster Tails?
If you have leftover cooked and frozen lobster tails, you can briefly steam them again to reheat. But extensive steaming is not necessary.
Here are ways to reheat previously cooked frozen lobster tails:
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Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
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Place in a steamer basket over gently simmering water for 2-3 minutes just to reheat. Be careful not to overcook.
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Microwave thawed tails for 30-60 seconds on half power until warmed through.
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Bake at 375°F for 4-6 minutes to reheat thawed tails.
Pre-cooked frozen lobster can also be used cold in seafood salads, cobb salads, lobster rolls, or linguine. No re-steaming required!
Steam Your Way to Lobster Perfection
The key is to thaw thoroughly, steam gently, verify doneness, and avoid overcooking. Master these simple steps and you’ll be enjoying tender, sweet steamed lobster from the convenience of frozen tails. Dig in to these succulent seafood treats!
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 Steam Lobster Tails | Maine Lobster Now
FAQ
What is the best way to cook a frozen lobster tail?
Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Split the lobster tails lengthwise and brush them with butter or olive oil. Place the tails on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the shells are bright red and the meat is cooked through. Broiling: Preheat your broiler to high heat.
Is it better to steam or boil lobster tails?
Steaming lobster tails is another a great option when deciding the best cooking option for you and your family. This cooking method is faster than boiling and is arguably the most traditional way. Since you are actually cooking at a higher temperature, it’s even more critical not to overcook your tails.
Is it better to boil lobster tails frozen or thawed?
Can You Cook Frozen Lobster Tails without Thawing Them? You can cook certain types of frozen seafood without thawing it first, like salmon (see our Lemon Butter-Baked Frozen Salmon and Pan-Fried Honey-Garlic Frozen Salmon). But you’ll want to thaw lobster tails before cooking them, otherwise they’ll end up tough.
How do you tell if steamed lobster tail is done?
Using a chef’s knife, split the shell where the tail meets the body. If the meat is white, the lobster is fully cooked. If it’s still translucent, back into the pot it goes.