There may be times when you need to freeze a full lobster or two, like if you purchased on-sale lobsters in bulk and have more than you need right now, or if a couple of dinner guests had to cancel. We know you’d rather hang on to those extra lobsters, but once you buy live lobster, you only have a small window of time to cook them.
Knowing how to freeze lobster correctly can come in handy. Of course, you’ll also need to know how to thaw them safely to prevent contamination. Our helpful guide will explain how to complete both processes, so you’ll never need to worry about wasting Maine lobster.
The most common freezing method for lobster is freezing cooked meat. Probably the quickest, no-fuss way to cook lobster is to steam them.
Lobster is a delicious and luxurious ingredient that is wonderful for special occasions and celebrations. However, lobsters are highly perishable with a short shelf life after purchase. This leads many home cooks to wonder – can I freeze lobster to extend its shelf life?
The good news is yes, you absolutely can freeze lobster! Freezing cooked lobster meat or even live lobsters is an effective way to store seafood long-term and prevent waste However, there are some important dos and don’ts when it comes to freezing lobster properly In this detailed guide, we will cover everything you need to know about successfully freezing and thawing lobster at home.
Can You Freeze Live Lobsters?
Let’s start with the question of whether you can freeze live lobsters. The short answer is technically yes but it is very risky and not recommended by seafood safety experts.
There have been some experiments showing that a small number of lobsters can survive being frozen solid at extremely cold temperatures like -40°F. However, when thawed, the texture and flavor of the lobster meat suffers dramatically. Enzymes start leaking, making the meat mushy with an unappetizing flavor.
Additionally, properly freezing and thawing live lobsters correctly is very difficult and there are potential food safety issues if done improperly. Any pathogens present could multiply to dangerous levels when thawed.
The bottom line is freezing live lobsters is possible but impractical. It is much better to cook the lobsters first before freezing to ensure the best quality and food safety.
Freezing Cooked Lobster Meat
Freezing cooked lobster meat is a great way to preserve lobsters for 4-6 months while retaining excellent texture and flavor when thawed.
Here are the proper steps for freezing cooked lobster meat:
- Cook lobsters thoroughly by steaming, boiling, or other preferred cooking methods until the meat is opaque and cooked through.
- Allow cooked lobster to cool completely, then remove all the meat from the shells.
- Place chilled lobster meat in a single layer in airtight freezer bags or containers, removing as much air as possible.
- Label packages clearly with contents and freeze date. Store in freezer at 0°F or below.
- For best quality, use frozen lobster meat within 4-6 months.
Properly frozen lobster can safely be stored in the freezer for up to one year before the flavor and texture show noticeable decline. Portioning the meat into meal-sized servings makes it easy to only thaw what you need.
Freezing Whole Cooked Lobsters
You also have the option to freeze whole cooked lobsters instead of removing the meat first. Here are some tips:
- Cook lobsters just until done, either by steaming, boiling, or other preferred methods. Do not overcook.
- Cool briefly in an ice bath for 5-10 minutes to stop the cooking process.
- Pat lobsters dry with paper towels and place in freezer bags. Squeeze out excess air and seal.
- Freeze at 0°F or below for up to 4 months maximum.
- To serve, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently by steaming or boiling for 5-10 minutes until heated through.
Freezing whole cooked lobsters makes preparation easy. Just thaw and quickly reheat right before serving. Leaving the meat in the shells helps protect it during freezing.
How to Freeze Lobster Tails
Lobster tails are another great option for freezing. Follow these steps:
- Remove raw tails from the shells and rinse under cold water. Pat dry thoroughly.
- Place tails in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, about 1 hour.
- Transfer frozen tails to freezer bags or airtight containers. Squeeze out excess air.
- Store frozen tails at 0°F or below for up to 6 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking as desired.
Freezing tails separately allows you to only thaw and cook exactly how many servings you need. The par-frozen tails stack neatly in bags.
Top Tips for Freezing Lobster
Follow these top tips for the best results when freezing lobster:
- Cook lobsters thoroughly before freezing to kill any potential bacteria. Undercooked lobster can be unsafe when frozen for long periods.
- Rapidly cool cooked lobster in an ice bath before freezing to prevent overcooking.
- Package lobster in single layers with minimal air exposure to prevent freezer burn.
- Use high-quality, durable freezer bags or airtight rigid containers. This protects the lobster from absorbing “off” flavors from the freezer.
- Clearly label packages with contents and freeze date so you know what’s inside and when it was frozen.
- Freeze at 0°F or below for maximum shelf life. Ultra-low consistent temperatures prevent quality loss.
- Portion lobster meat into meal-sized bags or containers for easy thawing just what you need. Avoid giant bulk packages.
Following these simple guidelines will ensure your frozen lobster stays delicious and safe to eat!
Can You Refreeze Previously Frozen Lobster?
Previously frozen lobster should not be refrozen after thawing. Thawing allows bacteria and enzymes to activate and start breaking down the meat. Refreezing at that point could potentially allow pathogens to multiply to dangerous levels.
Only refreeze lobster if it has been kept chilled at 40°F or below continuously and has not been fully thawed. Even then, the quality will decline noticeably with each freeze-thaw cycle. For peak flavor and texture, cook fully thawed lobster within 1-2 days.
How to Safely Thaw Frozen Lobster
Thawing frozen lobster requires some forethought and careful handling. Here are some safe recommended thawing methods:
- Thaw frozen lobster gradually over 24-36 hours in the refrigerator. Place in a bowl or on a plate to catch drips.
- For quicker thawing, seal lobster in a watertight bag and submerge in very cold water. Change water every 30 minutes until thawed.
- Microwave thawing is not advised. It can create hot spots that start cooking the delicate lobster meat.
- Never thaw lobster at room temperature or in hot water. This encourages rapid bacterial growth.
Once thawed, cooked lobster meat is best used within 1-2 days for peak freshness and flavor. Gently reheat before serving. Thawed raw tails or meat should be cooked immediately after thawing. Do not refreeze raw thawed lobster.
Proper Storage for Thawed Lobster
Proper storage after thawing is crucial to prevent bacterial growth.
- Cooked lobster meat should be stored in the coldest part of the refrigerator at 40°F or below. Use within 1-2 days for best quality.
- Raw lobster tails can be kept 1-2 days in the fridge before cooking. Place on the bottom shelf to avoid cross-contamination.
- Do not leave thawed lobster out more than 2 hours before cooking.
- Cook thawed lobster as soon as possible. Do not refreeze thawed meat or tails.
Following safe thawing and storage procedures will keep lobster safe to eat and maintain its delicious flavor, texture, and appearance.
Freezing Lobster Q&A
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about freezing lobster:
How long does cooked lobster last in the freezer?
Cooked lobster meat or whole lobsters will last 4-6 months in a 0°F freezer before quality starts deteriorating. Lobster tails can typically last 6+ months frozen.
Can you freeze live Maine lobsters?
Freezing live lobsters is risky and not recommended. It can create food safety issues and significantly decrease meat quality. Always cook lobsters first before freezing.
Is it safe to eat frozen lobster past the recommended storage time if kept frozen?
It is not recommended to eat lobster past its maximum recommended frozen storage time, even if kept continuously frozen at 0°F. The flavor and texture will degrade over time in freezing temperatures.
Can I freeze lobster in its original store packaging?
It is best to rewrap or repackage lobster for extended freezing. Original seafood market packaging is meant for short term storage only. Use heavy duty freezer bags or airtight containers instead.
Can cooked lobster claws and knuckles be frozen too?
Yes, cooked lobster claws and knuckles can be frozen using the same methods as for tails or meat. Ensure they are fully cooked through before freezing for safety.
Enjoy Frozen Lobster Anytime
Freezing cooked lobster enables you to enjoy succulent seafood anytime, even when lobsters are out of season. Follow these guidelines for successfully freezing lobster yourself at home. Always thaw using safe methods and cook thawed lobster immediately for food safety and the very best flavor. With proper handling, frozen lobster stays sweet and tender for many months in the freezer.
Can I Freeze Live Lobster?
Yes and no. You can take live lobsters and prep them for freezing, but you shouldn’t stick your lobsters right in the fridge. If you don’t want to remove the meat before freezing, here’s what you can do instead:
- Blanch lobsters in rapidly boiling, salted water for one full minute.
- Chill lobsters in an ice bath for at least 15 minutes, and then pat them dry and remove excess water.
- Place lobsters in freezer bags, removing as much air as you can, or use vacuum-sealed bags.
- Place bags in the freezer with plenty of room around them for air circulation. Ensure that your freezer is at 0 degrees F or below.
How to Thaw Lobster
You’ll need to thaw lobster meat for about 24 hours in the refrigerator, so plan ahead before you’re ready to use it.
Place the bags on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator on a towel or plate, away from any other meats or anything that could contaminate them. Keep the bags flat.
If you need to thaw lobsters quicker, you can, in a pinch, thaw them under cold, running water. It should take between 30 minutes to an hour for the meat to thaw completely.
Once thawed, you can warm the meat in the oven for a few minutes.
To thaw full lobsters, allow them 24 hours in the refrigerator before placing them in a pot of salted, boiling water for about 15 minutes to finish cooking them thoroughly.
How to Freeze and Preserve your Lobster Tail
FAQ
Can you freeze uncooked lobster?
How long can you freeze lobster tails? Similar to frozen crab, you can store frozen lobster for an estimated three months without worrying about freezer burn.
How to clean and freeze lobster?
Chill after blanching in cold running water or in a tub with a mixture of 50% water to 50% ice. Following a 15-20 minute chill, remove excess surface water. Remove claws and tails from blanched lobsters. Place lobsters in commercial freezer bags and remove as much air as possible.
Is lobster good after being frozen?
Properly freezing and storing lobster extends the shelf life to up to 12 months. It’s important to never freeze a live lobster without taking proper steps.
Why do you blanch lobster before freezing?
The reason it is recommended to blanch or cook it before freezing is when frozen raw, the meat may be more difficult to remove from the shell once it is eventually thawed and cooked. This is because it expands during freezing and presses more tightly to the shell.
What is the best way to preserve lobster?
Keep lobsters at a temperature between 34°F (1°C) and 38°F (3°C), and avoid freezing temperatures. Use ice packs or bagged ice, damp newspaper, or seaweed to maintain the desired temperature range. If you are using ice, be sure to double bag to prevent the lobsters from coming in direct contact with fresh water.
Can I refreeze raw lobster?
Once your tails are thawed, do not refreeze your lobster tails at home, the slow freezing process in a conventional freezer will actually break down the cell …
Can you freeze lobster?
Freeze the lobster for 30 to 60 minutes, then put it in the pot of boiling water head-first. While the boiling water, rather than the freezer, will kill it almost instantly, the cold will immobilize the lobster so it won’t thrash about. Do Lobsters Feel Pain?
How do you thaw frozen lobster?
Bag submerged in cold water in the fridge – Place the bagged tails in cold water in the fridge. It’s safer than counter thawing and doesn’t need frequent water changes. It takes longer than the counter method, but is faster than doing it in the package. Bag under cold running water – Thaw frozen lobster under cold running water.
Can you freeze lobster tails?
For this method, you’ll need to fill a large bowl/container with cold water. Take the lobster tails from the freezer (they should have been stored in a freezer safe bag) and place in bowl/container. Place the bag in the bowl of cold water, ensuring that the water covers the lobster tails.