Lobster is a delicious and luxurious seafood treat that many people love. However, lobsters are often sold frozen for convenience and easier shipping. This leaves many home cooks wondering – can you cook lobster when it’s frozen?
The short answer is yes, you can absolutely cook frozen lobster! However, there are some important steps you need to take and cooking methods you should follow for the best results. Properly thawed and cooked frozen lobster can taste just as amazing as fresh live lobster.
In this complete guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about cooking frozen lobster tails, claws, and whole lobsters. We’ll cover:
- How to select high-quality frozen lobster
- The right way to thaw frozen lobster
- Preparing lobster for cooking after thawing
- Recommended cooking methods for frozen lobster
- Approximate cooking times and doneness tips
- Serving suggestions to make the most of your frozen lobster
Follow these tips and you’ll be enjoying tender, juicy lobster meat from the convenience of your freezer Let’s get started!
Choosing High-Quality Frozen Lobster
The first step is sourcing high-quality frozen lobster. Not all frozen seafood is created equal, so you want lobster that was properly handled and frozen for the best flavor and texture. Here’s what to look for:
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Flash frozen – Lobster should be “flash frozen” very rapidly to low temperatures like -10°F to preserve freshness, This is much better than slow freezing
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Raw, not pre-cooked – Buy raw frozen lobster, not lobster tails that were cooked then frozen. Raw frozen will cook up more tender.
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Frozen at sea – Lobster frozen right on the fishing boat is ideal. This minimizes time from catch to freeze.
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Reputable seller – Buy from a trusted seafood market with high turnover and standards for quality.
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Color – Lobster tails should look bright red or reddish-orange, not brown or gray. Leg/arm joints should be bright red.
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Texture – Meat should look firm and translucent, not mushy or opaque. Shells should be hard, not brittle.
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Size – Choose the size lobster you need for your meal or application. Common sizes are 3-5 oz tails or 1-1.5 lb live lobsters.
Following these guidelines will help ensure your frozen lobster cooks up tender and delicious.
Thawing Lobster Correctly Before Cooking
Once you’ve selected high-quality frozen lobster, the next key step is thawing it properly before cooking.
You should never cook lobster directly from frozen. Attempting to boil, grill, or steam frozen lobster will result in tough, rubbery meat. Thawing is essential for allowing the proteins to relax and retain moisture when cooked.
Here are a few recommended thawing methods:
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Refrigerator Thaw – The ideal method. Place frozen lobster in a bowl or shallow dish and thaw overnight in the fridge. This keeps things safe and prevents moisture loss.
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Cold Water Thaw – A faster thawing method. Seal the lobster in a plastic bag submerged in cold water, changing the water every 30 mins.
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Microwave Thaw – Much faster but can dry out the meat. Thaw lobster tails for 2-3 mins on defrost setting, claws for 1-2 mins.
No matter which method you use, thawed lobster should be cooked as soon as possible for best flavor and texture. Discard any lobster not fully thawed within 1-2 days.
Prepping Lobster for Cooking After Thawing
Once thawed, your lobster needs some prep before hitting the grill, steamer or boiler. Here are a few tips:
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Split lobster tails – Use kitchen shears to cut through the top shell without severing the meat. This allows seasonings to penetrate and helps meat cook evenly.
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Remove digestive tract – The digestive tract can taint the flavor, so pull it out of the tail undershell and rinse the meat before cooking.
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Remove rubber bands – Those rubber bands will melt and stick to the shell if not removed before cooking.
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Brush with oil or butter – Coating the shell helps keep the meat moist and adds flavor.
Your lobster is now prepped and ready for cooking using your method of choice!
Best Cooking Methods for Frozen Lobster
Frozen lobster can be cooked using most standard cooking methods. However, certain techniques are better suited than others. Here are some recommended cooking methods:
Boiling
Boiling is a quick, simple way to cook lobster tails or whole lobster. Use plenty of seasoned water, at least 1 gallon per lobster. Simmer for 5-8 minutes until bright red. Avoid overcooking which makes meat tough.
Steaming
Steaming locks in moisture and flavor beautifully. Use a couple inches of water or broth in a pot, steamer basket, and tight fitting lid. Steam for 8-10 mins for tender lobster.
Grilling
Get amazing smoky flavor by grilling thawed lobster tails or halved lobsters flesh-side down first. Grill 4-5 mins per side based on thickness. Baste with butter for extra richness.
Broiling
Similar to grilling but indoors, broiling’s intense heat cooks lobster in just minutes. Broil 4-6 inches from heat for 4-6 mins per side until opaque and warmed through.
Sautéing
To highlight lobster meat rather than shell, sauté bite-sized pieces in butter or oil over medium-high heat for just 1-2 mins until lightly browned but still tender.
Baking
For easy oven-cooked lobster, bake tails or whole lobster with lemon and butter at 425°F for 15-20 mins depending on size. Tent with foil to prevent overcooking.
Cook Times and Doneness for Frozen Lobster
Frozen lobster cooks a bit differently than fresh, so cooking times need to be adjusted. Here are some general guidelines for achieving perfect doneness:
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Lobster tails (4-6 oz): Boil/steam for 6-8 mins, grill for 5-6 mins, broil for 4-5 mins
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Lobster claws: Boil/steam for 5-7 mins, grill for 4-5 mins
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Small whole lobsters (1-1.5 lbs): Boil/steam for 9-11 mins, grill for 14-16 mins
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Large whole lobsters (1.5-2 lbs): Boil/steam for 11-13 mins, grill for 18-20 mins
Check for doneness by looking for an opaque, pearly white interior with no translucent spots. Meat should be juicy and flake easily with a fork. Refrain from overcooking, which makes lobster rubbery and dry.
For added convenience, consider buying pre-cooked frozen lobster and simply reheat until heated through. This minimizes risk of overcooking.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Once your frozen lobster is cooked to tender, juicy perfection, here are some quick tips for serving and pairing:
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Serve lobster meat drowned in melted butter or tossed in lemon butter sauce for rich flavor.
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Stuff lobster shells with crabmeat, breadcrumbs, herbs and butter then bake for easy stuffed lobster.
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Pair steamed or grilled lobster with fresh coleslaw, corn on the cob, and roasted potatoes for a classic summer meal.
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Contrast lobster’s richness with something acidic like lemon wedges or vinegar-based coleslaw.
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Compliment with light white wines like Pinot Grigio, dry Riesling, or Prosecco for an elegant seafood dinner.
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Garnish with fresh parsley, chives, or basil. Lemon and lime wedges add nice brightness.
So don’t be afraid to cook that frozen lobster in your freezer. With proper thawing and cooking methods, you can enjoy delicious gourmet seafood using the convenience of frozen. Just follow these tips for lobster that tastes fresh-cooked.
About This Article
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Put frozen lobster in a plastic bag and let it sit in a bowl of cold water for 30 minutes. This will help it cook. You can also try defrosting it in the microwave if youre in a hurry. If you have extra time, let the lobster slowly defrost in the fridge for 24 hours. This will keep the meat’s texture the same. There are several ways to cook lobster after it has been defrosted, such as boiling, steaming, or baking it. To learn how to cook lobster once its defrosted, scroll down!.
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- ↑ http://whatscookingamerica.net/Seafood/FrozenLobsterTails.htm
- ↑ Ed Kuoha. Chef. Expert Interview. 9 November 2021.
- ↑ http://www.lobsterfrommaine.com/freezing-and-thawing-whole-lobster/
- ↑ Ed Kuoha. Chef. Expert Interview. 9 November 2021.
- ↑ http://www.bhg.com/recipes/how-to/cooking-basics/how-to-boil-lobster-tails/
- ↑ http://www.lobsterfrommaine.com/steaming-lobster/
- ↑ Ed Kuoha. Chef. Expert Interview. 9 November 2021.
How to Cook Frozen Lobster Tails
How do you cook frozen lobster?
Boil enough water to cover the lobster, then add 1 tbsp (17 g) of salt per 1 quart (1 l) of water to the pot. Place the lobster inside and simmer for 5 minutes. Or, broil the lobsters on a broiling pan with their shells face up for 4 minutes. Buy frozen lobster that has never been thawed.
How do you thaw frozen lobster before cooking?
Thaw frozen lobster 24 hours before cooking. Place it in a plastic bag and set it in a bowl of water in the fridge. Boil enough water to cover the lobster, then add 1 tbsp (17 g) of salt per 1 quart (1 l) of water to the pot. Place the lobster inside and simmer for 5 minutes.
Can You Freeze frozen lobster?
Blanch the lobster in salted, boiling water for 2 minutes. Place the lobster in an ice bath for 20 minutes. Use a towel to dry off the lobster. Put the lobster in a freezer zip bag and squeeze out as much air as possible. Wrap the bagged lobster in freezer wrap or double bag it. Put the lobster in the freezer. It should keep for up to 12 months.
How do you defrost a frozen lobster?
To defrost a frozen lobster, place it in the refrigerator for about 24 hours. If you need to defrost it more rapidly, you can place the lobster in a sealed plastic bag and immerse it in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes until the lobster is fully defrosted. What cooking methods work well for frozen lobster?