Not many foods can compare to the decadence of a freshly prepared lobster dipped in butter. But unless you live on the coast, finding fresh lobster at your supermarket can be difficult.
Whether or not you live in a land-locked state, frozen lobster can be just as delicious.
Frozen lobster is a cost-effective way to enjoy a delicacy and, in some cases, it can even be fresher than raw or live seafood, says Chef Nik Fields, founder of Chic Chef Co. Generally, theres no big taste difference between fresh or frozen lobster — in fact, the taste boils down to how you prepare it.
Here, celebrity chef Serena Poon shares what youll need and the steps to follow to cook a frozen whole lobster for a luxurious dinner any night of the week.
Cooking frozen whole lobster can seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite easy if you follow a few simple steps As a seafood lover and amateur chef, I’ve perfected my technique for preparing succulent lobster from frozen. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share everything you need to know to make this luxurious dish at home
Step 1: Choosing Your Lobster
The first step is picking out high-quality frozen lobsters Go for whole lobsters rather than lobster tails – you’ll get more meat for your money Cold water lobsters like Maine lobsters have the best texture and flavor. When selecting your lobster, check for an intact shell with no cracks or damage. Avoid any with greyish spots or discoloration. The lobster should be solidly frozen with no signs of freezer burn.
Step 2: Thawing the Lobster
You’ll need to thaw frozen lobster properly before cooking. The safest method is thawing in the refrigerator overnight which takes around 24 hours for a 1-1.5 pound lobster. If you’re in a rush submerge the vacuum-sealed lobster in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until thawed. Never use hot water to thaw seafood! Once thawed, cook the lobster immediately.
Step 3: Preparing the Lobster
Before cooking, you’ll need to prepare your thawed lobster:
- Using kitchen shears, cut straight down the center of the back shell from head to tail.
- Remove and discard the stomach sac and intestinal vein running along the top of the meat.
- Rinse well to remove any debris.
- You can also crack the claws if desired to make extracting the meat easier later.
Step 4: Cooking Methods
There are several excellent ways to cook whole lobster from frozen:
Boiling
This traditional technique produces tender, juicy meat. Bring salted water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add lobster head-first and cover. Boil about 10 minutes per pound. The shell will turn bright red when done.
Steaming
Steaming gently cooks the lobster, retaining moisture and flavor. Use a steamer basket in a pot with 2 inches simmering water. Steam 10-15 minutes until the shell is vivid red.
Grilling
Grilling imparts a delicious smoky essence. Brush the lobster with melted butter and seasonings. Grill shell-side down 6-8 minutes then flip and grill 4-6 more minutes until opaque.
Oven Broiling
For easy oven cooking, place lobster on a sheet pan, brush with butter, and broil 8-12 minutes until the shell turns red.
Step 5: Serving Your Lobster
Once cooked, serve your lobster with melted butter, fresh lemon wedges, and seasonings. For dramatic presentation, split the tail shell open to expose the meat. Crack the claws and legs, then use lobster picks to extract all the sweet meat.
Some fantastic side dishes to accompany lobster include corn on the cob, roasted potatoes, and asparagus. A chilled white wine or champagne makes the perfect lobster pairing.
Helpful Tips and Tricks
-
Brush cooked lobster with herbed butter made with parsley, tarragon, thyme, and garlic for extra flavor.
-
Save lobster shells to make stock for seafood risottos or lobster bisque.
-
Cook and eat lobster the same day for best taste and food safety.
-
1 pound of whole lobster yields about 1/3 pound of meat.
-
Shock lobster quickly in an ice bath after cooking to stop the cooking process.
With this easy tutorial, you can confidently cook frozen lobster right from your freezer. Impress your family or guests with this impressive gourmet meal. Once you master the basics, experiment with unique lobster dishes like lobster rolls, lobster mac and cheese, or surf and turf. Enjoy this luxurious seafood at home tonight!
Step 2: Thaw Your Frozen Lobster
Your lobster must be properly thawed before cooking it.
To thaw frozen lobster, place it in the refrigerator for about 24 hours before you need to cook it.
For those in a time crunch, Poon recommends placing the lobster in a sealed bag in a large glass bowl and running it under cold water in the sink for about 30 minutes.
When youre thawing lobster in cold water, make sure to never let the water get warm — and dont use hot water to thaw frozen food, per the USDA. Doing so can increase your risk of getting foodborne illness.
Also, cook the lobster immediately after it’s fully thawed.
Step 1: Choose the Right Kind of Lobster
The process of cooking lobster begins at the supermarket. Your choice can make a noticeable difference in the final result, so choose wisely.
“The lobster you choose will greatly impact how your dish tastes,” Poon says. “Choose frozen cold water lobster (like from Maine) for the best flavor and texture. If you can, select lobster from a quality purveyor that has been flash frozen. Its also important to avoid gray or brown spots on the tail for freshness.”
Easy Steps to Cook a Frozen Lobster Perfectly Every Time!
FAQ
Should frozen lobster be thawed before cooking?
But you’ll want to thaw lobster tails before cooking them, otherwise they’ll end up tough.
How to cook frozen lobster without thawing?
- Prepare: Fill a large pot with enough salted water to cover the lobster tails.
- Boil: Bring the water to a rolling boil.
- Add Lobsters: Carefully place the frozen lobster tails into the boiling water.
- Cook: Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the meat is opaque and cooked through.
- Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 140°F.
How to thaw a frozen cooked whole lobster?
Refrigerator Thawing: The safest and most recommended method is to thaw the lobster in the refrigerator overnight. This allows for slow and even thawing, preserving the lobster’s texture.
How to cook frozen lobster in the oven?
Place each lobster tail on aluminum foil and top with a few tablespoons of butter. Wrap foil tightly around each tail and bake them in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-8 minutes or until warm.
How do you cook a frozen lobster whole?
To cook a frozen lobster whole, follow these steps: 1. Thaw the lobster: Place the frozen lobster in the refrigerator and let it thaw slowly overnight. This will prevent the meat from becoming tough and ensure even cooking. 2. Prepare a boiling pot: Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring it to a rolling boil.
Can you cook a frozen whole lobster without thawing?
Yes, you can cook a frozen whole lobster without thawing it first. Cooking frozen lobster will result in slightly longer cooking times but will still yield delicious results. What is the best method for cooking a frozen whole lobster? The best method for cooking a frozen whole lobster is to steam it.
Can You boil a frozen lobster?
Besides steaming and grilling, you can also boil a frozen whole lobster. Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring it to a boil. Carefully place the frozen lobster in the boiling water and cook for about 1 minute per ounce. However, boiling may result in slightly drier meat compared to steaming or grilling.
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 Grill a frozen whole lobster?
Yes, you can grill a frozen whole lobster. However, grilling a frozen lobster may require additional cooking time compared to a thawed lobster. Make sure to brush the lobster with melted butter or olive oil to prevent it from sticking to the grill and to enhance the flavor. How should I season a frozen whole lobster before cooking?
Can You defrost frozen lobster?
To cook frozen lobster, start by putting it in a plastic bag and defrosting it in a bowl of cold water for 30 minutes. You can also try defrosting it in the microwave if you’re in a hurry. 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.