How to Cook Frozen Lobster Tails Without Thawing First

Lobster tails are a delicious seafood treat that many of us love to indulge in. However, we don’t always plan ahead and thaw them properly before cooking. I’ve definitely been guilty of finding frozen lobster tails in my freezer and wanting to enjoy them right away instead of waiting for them to defrost. If you find yourself in this predicament, don’t worry – you can totally cook frozen lobster tails without thawing them first!

I’ll walk you through my handy guide on how to make perfect lobster tails from frozen with a few easy tips and tricks. This method works great and will have you enjoying tender, flavorful lobster in no time Let’s get cooking!

Can You Cook Frozen Lobster Tails Without Thawing?

While thawing is ideal it is possible to cook frozen lobster tails with decent results if you use the right techniques. The keys are using high-quality tails quick cooking methods, and adjusting cook times.

Premium lobster tails that are flash frozen at peak freshness hold up better when cooked from frozen. Grilling, broiling or steaming utilize intense, direct heat to rapidly thaw and cook the tails before they toughen up.

Smaller tails around 5-6 oz will cook more evenly than larger 10+ oz tails Following a few simple steps will help you enjoy tasty lobster cooked straight from the freezer

Tips for Cooking Frozen Lobster Tails

Here are my top tips for ensuring frozen lobster tails turn out juicy and delicious:

• Choose high-quality tails – Look for cold water lobster, preferably flash frozen right after catching. Avoid any discoloration or freezer burn.

• Pick smaller tails – 5-6 oz or less cook best from frozen. Larger tails may end up overdone outside while inside is underdone.

• Use fast cooking methods – Grilling, broiling, steaming are best. Slow baking overcooks the outside before inside thaws.

• Cook in shells – Keeps the delicate meat from drying out.

• Reduce cook times – Especially for grilling/broiling, the cook time will be a little less than thawed tails.

• Brush with butter/oil – Helps transfer heat efficiently to the lobster meat.

Grilling Frozen Lobster Tails

Grilling is my favorite way to cook frozen lobster tails. The intense heat rapidly thaws and cooks the tails while adding awesome smoky flavor.

You’ll need:

• Frozen lobster tails, 5-6 oz
• Olive oil or melted butter
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Heat grill to high, 450-500°F.

2. Coat frozen tails with olive oil or butter and season with salt and pepper.

3. Place tails shell-side down on hot grill. Cook 4-5 minutes until shells turn bright red.

4. Flip tails and grill flesh side 2-3 minutes until opaque.

5. Check doneness by cutting into thickest part of tail. Meat should be opaque throughout.

6. Serve grilled lobster tails with lemon wedges, garlic butter, or dipping sauces.

Broiling Frozen Lobster Tails

Broiling is another great option for cooking frozen lobster tails. The intense overhead heat rapidly cooks the tails to perfection.

You’ll need:

• Frozen lobster tails, 5-6 oz
• Melted butter
• Lemon wedges

Instructions:

1. Place oven rack 6 inches from broiler and preheat broiler to high.

2. Coat frozen tails with melted butter and place shell-side down on a broiler pan.

3. Broil tails 4-5 minutes until shells are bright red.

4. Flip tails over and broil flesh side 2-3 more minutes until opaque.

5. Check doneness by cutting into thickest part of tail.

6. Serve broiled lobster with melted lemon butter for dipping.

Steaming Frozen Lobster Tails

Steaming is a simple, healthy way to cook frozen lobster tails using indirect heat.

You’ll need:

• Frozen lobster tails, 5-6 oz
• Large pot with steamer basket
• Water
• Butter or olive oil

Instructions:

1. Fill pot with 1-2 inches water and bring to a boil.

2. Place steamer basket in pot. Add frozen tails shell-side down.

3. Steam covered 12-14 minutes until shells are bright red.

4. Check doneness by cutting into thickest part of tail. Meat should be opaque.

5. Remove tails from basket. Serve with melted butter or olive oil for dipping.

Tips for Perfect Results

Follow these extra tips for delicious lobster tails cooked from frozen:

• Choose cold water lobster tails without freezer burn or discoloration

• Opt for smaller 5-6 oz tails that cook evenly from frozen

• Brush tails with butter or olive oil before cooking

• For grilling/broiling reduce cook time by 1-2 minutes

• Check doneness by cutting into thickest part of tail

• Let rest 5 minutes before serving

Common Questions about Cooking Frozen Lobster Tails

Can you grill frozen lobster tails?

Yes, grilling is an excellent method for cooking frozen lobster tails. Just reduce cook time by 1-2 minutes and monitor closely.

Do you have to thaw lobster tails before cooking?

It is ideal to thaw lobster overnight in the fridge. But you can cook frozen tails with good results by following the steps in this guide.

What is the best way to thaw frozen lobster tails?

For slow thawing, place tails in a single layer on a rimmed dish. Thaw overnight (8-12 hours) in the refrigerator. Do not thaw at room temp.

How long is it safe to store frozen lobster tails?

Store frozen lobster tails up to 3 months for best quality. Use within 6 months for less tender but still edible meat.

What size frozen lobster tails are best to cook from frozen?

Smaller tails around 5-6 oz or less cook the most evenly from frozen. Larger tails tend to overcook on the outside before the inside thaws.

How can you tell if frozen lobster tails are fresh?

Look for bright colored shells without dark spots or yellowing. Avoid freezer burned packages with ice crystals or dry patches on the meat.

Enjoy Delicious Lobster Without Thawing

With the right techniques like choosing smaller tails and using quick cooking methods, you can make frozen lobster tails taste tender and juicy without thawing first. Follow the tips in this guide for seafood as delicious as if you’d thawed overnight!