Can I Boil Frozen Lobster Tails? A Complete Guide

Lobster is a luxurious delicacy that many home cooks want to prepare However, high-quality fresh lobster can be expensive and tricky to find This is where frozen lobster tails come in handy! They provide an affordable and readily available option. But can you boil frozen lobster tails?

The short answer is yes, you absolutely can boil frozen lobster tails! This cooking method yields tender, juicy lobster meat that takes on wonderful flavor from the boiling liquid.

In this detailed guide we will cover everything you need to know to successfully boil frozen lobster tails including

• Advantages of cooking frozen tails
• How to select quality frozen tails
• Proper thawing techniques
• Step-by-step boiling instructions
• Tips for checking doneness
• Serving suggestions to impress your guests

After reading this you’ll feel confident cooking frozen lobster right at home. Time to get cracking!

Why Boil Frozen Lobster Tails?

Here are some of the biggest benefits of boiling frozen lobster tails:

• Convenience – Frozen tails are available year-round at most grocery stores, so you can enjoy lobster anytime. No need to source live lobster.

• Budget-friendly – Frozen tails are much less expensive pound for pound than live lobster. Great option for everyday meals.

• Easy prep – No dispatching or cleaning raw lobster. Just thaw, boil, and serve!

• Great results – Boiling cooks the tails perfectly and absorbs flavor into the meat.

• Cook from frozen – No need to thaw first if you’re short on time. Boil frozen directly.

• Versatile – Use boiled meat in pastas, salads, appetizers, etc.

Boiling is one of the simplest cooking methods that works great for frozen tails. Now let’s go over how to pick the best ones.

Selecting Quality Frozen Lobster Tails

When purchasing frozen lobster tails, keep the following tips in mind:

• Check the source – Look for tails harvested from cold northern waters like Maine. Avoid warm water tails.

• Choose the right size – Select based on how many people you’re serving. Average is 6-8 oz.

• Pick hard shells – Avoid cracked or damaged shells, which indicate mishandling.

• Inspect the meat – Meat should be translucent with red tint when frozen, not yellow or milky.

• Confirm frozen temp – Meat should be solidly frozen, not thawed and refrozen.

• Check dates – Purchase tails with furthest expiration or freeze by dates.

With quality frozen tails in hand, proper thawing is the next key step for success.

Thawing Frozen Lobster Tails

While you can boil directly from frozen, thawing first is ideal. Here are safe ways to thaw frozen tails:

• Refrigerator – Thaw overnight in a bowl in the fridge. Keeps at safe 40°F temp.

• Cold water – Submerge sealed tails in cold tap water. Change water every 30 mins.

• Microwave – Only thaw 2-3 minutes to loosen meat from shell. Don’t fully cook.

The goal is slow and gentle thawing at cool temperatures. Never thaw at room temp or in hot water.

Now it’s time to boil! Here is the foolproof process.

Step-By-Step Guide to Boiling Frozen Lobster Tails

Follow these simple steps for perfect results:

1. Prepare Large Pot

Fill a 5+ quart stock pot about halfway with water and bring to a rapid boil over high heat.

2. Season Water

Add 2 Tbsp salt per quart of water. You can also add aromatics like lemon, garlic, or bay leaves.

3. Lower Tails Into Boiling Water

Gently place frozen tails into the vigorously boiling water using tongs.

4. Cover and Return to Boil

Put the lid on and allow water to return to a rolling boil. This takes 5-6 minutes.

5. Start Timer Based on Size

Once boiling again, start timer according to tail size:

• Small (3-5 oz): 5-7 minutes
• Medium (6-8 oz): 7-9 minutes
• Large (10-12 oz): 9-11 minutes
• Jumbo (16 oz+): 11-13 minutes

6. Check for Doneness

Use these tests to confirm tails are done:

• Shell bright red
• Meat pearly opaque, not translucent
• Internal temp of 145°F

7. Remove and Drain

Use tongs to transfer tails to a colander or paper towels. Serve immediately.

That’s really all there is to it! Easy, right? Now let’s go over serving suggestions.

Serving Your Boiled Frozen Lobster Tails

You have lots of options for how to serve boiled frozen lobster tails:

• Crack the shell and dip meat in butter
• Remove meat and add to pasta, risotto, or salad
• Serve chill with mayo and lemon juice
• Stuff into lobster rolls
• Pair with roasted asparagus and garlic mashed potatoes

Provide small dipping bowls for melted herbed butter. Lemon wedges also add brightness. Keep the shells on for dramatic presentation.

Your guests will be impressed with your boiled lobster feast!

Troubleshooting and Extra Tips

Use these additional pointers to master cooking frozen lobster tails:

• Add tails to water one at a time to prevent temp drop

• Use longer cook times for super thick, giant tails

• Err on the lower end of times to prevent overcooking

• Use a thermometer for accuracy until you gain experience

• Prevent sticking by lightly greasing the shell

• Chilling tails after cooking makes it easier to remove meat

• Save shells to make lobster bisque or seafood stock!

Got it? You’re officially ready to boil frozen lobster tails like a pro.

Enjoy Delicious Lobster at Home

Follow the tips above for selecting, thawing, and boiling frozen tails to perfection. Serve them up with melted butter or incorporate the lobster meat into elegant entrees and appetizers.

Let us know how your homemade boiled frozen lobster turns out! Your guests are sure to be impressed.