More than half of the lobster meat you buy from Maine Lobster Now will be fresh. We now also sell frozen lobster meat. We do recommend that you cook with fresh seafood whenever possible. Because it hasn’t been changed in any way, fresh lobster is better than processed or frozen lobster.
If you do need to store, freeze, or thaw seafood, here are some safe ways to do it and keep the quality.
As a New Englander who loves treating myself to fresh lobster any chance I get, I’m all about stocking up on frozen lobster tails when I catch a sale. Lobster is pretty pricey, so finding ways to stretch my dollar is key!
But I never really questioned just how long those frozen tails stay good in the back of my freezer. I mean, frozen stuff lasts forever, right? Well maybe not.
As a broke DIY blogger relying on coupon clippings and strategic stock-ups, getting the maximum lifespan out of frozen foods is critical for my budget. So I did a little digging to find out exactly how long I can keep lobster tails frozen before they go bad.
Here’s the official shelf life for frozen lobster tails plus tips for making them last as long as possible!
The Freezer Life of Lobster Tails
First up how long do properly frozen uncooked lobster tails last in the freezer?
According to seafood experts, frozen raw lobster tails that are properly stored in airtight packaging can typically last for 9-12 months in the freezer.
So almost an entire year – not too shabby! Of course, the flavor and texture will slowly deteriorate over time. But even at the 9-12 month mark, they should still be safe to eat if they’ve been continuously frozen.
Ideally for best quality though, frozen raw lobster tails are best eaten within 4-6 months in the freezer.
Now keep in mind, those timeline estimates are for uncooked lobster tails. If you buy pre-cooked frozen lobster tails, the shelf life is shorter – around 3-6 months is best.
The reason pre-cooked has a shorter freezer life is because the meat has already been heated through once. Repeated thawing and freezing takes more of a toll on texture and flavor.
Storing Tips to Maximize Freshness
Okay, so we’ve established that raw frozen lobster tails can safely last around 9-12 months in the ideal storage conditions. Here are some key tips to make sure your tails stay fresh for the maximum freezer shelf life:
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Use airtight, moisture-proof packaging like heavyweight freezer bags or vacuum sealed bags. This protects against freezer burn.
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Wrap tails individually in a layer of plastic wrap before bagging. This prevents them from sticking together into a clump.
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Remove as much air from bags as possible before sealing to prevent ice crystals. Use a straw to suck out excess air.
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Use freezer tape or double bag for added protection and to seal out air.
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Store tails flat in a single layer to allow for more even freezing. Avoid stacking bags.
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Place bags in coldest part of freezer, usually the back bottom shelf. Keep temp at 0°F or below.
Following those steps helps lobster tails stay fresh and undamaged for the full 12 months. Let’s talk about what happens when you go past that one year mark though…
Do Frozen Lobster Tails Go Bad Eventually?
Alright, I know I’ve definitely had some crusty ancient foods in the rear recesses of my freezer before. Y’all feel me here?
So while frozen raw lobster tails can technically last up to a year with proper storage, they can eventually go bad if left frozen for too long.
Here are some signs your frozen lobster tails may be past their prime:
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Freezer burn or dry, flaky texture
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Discoloration or grayish tint to meat
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Noticeable ice crystals or dampness in packaging
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Strange odor when defrosted
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Tough, rubbery texture when cooked
Basically, if your frozen lobster just seems off in any way once defrosted or cooked, it’s likely time to toss it. Safety first!
The best practice is sticking within that 9-12 month recommended freezer life and then enjoying your haul. Don’t let them linger too long unopened!
The Verdict? Eat Frozen Lobster ASAP!
There you have it – the full lowdown on how long you can freeze lobster tails and how to make them last.
While a year is the maximum shelf life, I’d say eat them within 4-6 months for absolute best quality and taste. The quicker you demolish that buttery seafood, the better!
Now go dig those frozen lobster tails out of the freezer and fix yourself a fancy surf and turf dinner tonight. You deserve it!
Just be sure to replace whatever you thaw right away so you always have backup lobster on hand for when crab leg cravings strike.
How to Freeze Live Lobster
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. It also includes tips for storing lobster:
- Start with a live lobster.
- Bring the lobster to a boil and add salt to the water.
- Next, put the lobster in water with ice for twenty minutes.
- Dry the lobster with a towel.
- To freeze the lobster, put it in a bag and squeeze out as much air as you can.
- Put the lobster in a second freezer bag or wrap it in freezer wrap to protect it even more.
- Place lobster in your freezer.
How to Freeze and Preserve your Lobster Tail
How long can you keep frozen lobster tails?
Frozen lobster tails can be stored in the freezer, wrapped in plastic or aluminum foil and in an airtight container, for up to 6 months. If you purchased them frozen at the store, it’s fine to just pop the package straight into the freezer, as long as they are still frozen.
How do you thaw frozen lobster tails?
To thaw lobster tails, submerge them in a bag in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes. This method is fairly fast (lobster tails up to 5 ounces took about 1 hour to thaw), but requires constant monitoring for safety.
Can you freeze lobster tail & claw meat?
How to Prepare and Freeze Picked Tail and Claw Meat: Lobster meat that has been picked and frozen will have an acceptable shelf life of 3-6 months if stored at temperatures of 0° F (-18° C) or lower. Remove tail and claw meat from the shell. Place in commercial freezer bags and remove as much air as possible.
Is it healthy to consume frozen lobster tails?
Frozen lobster tails are a great, easy-to-make seafood option and can stay fresh for a decent amount of time in the freezer if stored properly. They are healthy to consume if you follow the proper storage and cooking methods. In conclusion, by following these tips, you can ensure that your lobster tails are always tasty and healthy to consume.