We’ve all been there. You cook up a big batch of delicious lobster from Cape Porpoise Lobster Co. but you just can’t finish it all, despite your best efforts. You sigh and put it in a Tupperware, hoping it will still taste good the next day. We can tell you that your lobster will make a great lunch (or midnight snack) if you know how to cook it right.
Lobster is one of the most decadent and delicious seafood treats out there. When prepared fresh, the sweet meat is absolute heaven. But can you still enjoy lobster if you have some leftover from a previous meal? The answer is a resounding yes!
Leftover lobster can be just as tasty as the original meal, as long as you store and reheat it properly. Here is your ultimate guide to making the most out of every last morsel.
Storing Leftover Lobster for Later
The first step is making sure you store your cooked lobster correctly after your initial meal. Here are some tips
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Let the lobster cool completely before storing it Putting hot lobster straight into the fridge can cause bacteria to grow,
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Store the lobster meat in an airtight container. This prevents it from absorbing unwanted flavors or odors from the fridge.
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If the lobster is in the shell, wrap it in plastic wrap or foil before refrigerating. This keeps the meat from drying out.
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Only keep leftover lobster for 2-3 days maximum in the fridge. The quality deteriorates quickly after that.
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Do not freeze lobster meat that was previously cooked. Freezing again ruins the texture.
Follow these storage guidelines, and your leftover lobster will stay fresh and delicious for a few days until you are ready to reheat and eat it.
Reheating Leftover Lobster to Perfection
Once you are ready to enjoy your leftover lobster, it’s important to reheat it properly to preserve that wonderful taste and texture. Here are some reheating methods to try:
Oven
Reheating lobster in the oven is simple and effective. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the lobster pieces on a baking sheet. Add a little butter or oil to prevent drying out. Heat for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. The gentle oven heat stops the meat from becoming rubbery.
Stovetop
For a quicker reheating method, you can heat your lobster on the stovetop. Add a bit of butter or oil to a skillet and warm it over medium heat. Once hot, add your lobster pieces. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, just until heated through. Be careful not to overcook it.
Microwave
The microwave provides the fastest reheating option. Place your leftover lobster on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Microwave in 30 second intervals until just warmed through, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
Steaming
Steaming is how fresh lobster is prepared, so it makes sense you can use this method to reheat it too. Place your lobster pieces in a steaming basket or colander. Bring about an inch of water to a gentle simmer in a pot. Steam the lobster for about 5 minutes, until hot. The steam keeps the meat tender.
Serving Suggestions for Leftover Lobster
Once your leftover lobster is reheated, you have a few options for how to serve it and make it feel like a whole new meal:
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Enjoy it as-is with some fresh lemon wedges and clarified butter for dipping. A simple yet delicious approach.
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Use the lobster meat in salads, pasta dishes, stir fries, omelets or sandwiches. Get creative with recipes!
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Pair it with rich sauces like hollandaise, beurre blanc or melted garlic butter to keep it moist and flavorful.
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Mix pieces into soups, chowders or bisques for extra richness.
With the proper storage, reheating and serving techniques, you can stretch your lobster treats into several meals. Never let good lobster go to waste again. Follow this guide, and you will become a master at savoring every last bit of your leftover lobster. Bon appetit!
Reheat your lobster in the frying pan
Put the boiled meat in a pan with a teaspoon of butter if you only want to warm it up. Sauté over medium heat and check for doneness after 5 minutes.
Here’s a handy guide to reheating lobster:
To reheat a whole lobster, wrap it in heavy-duty aluminum foil and place it belly-up on a baking tray. Add a pat or two of butter to the foil wrap to keep the lobster moist and reheat for 5 to 10 minutes at 350 degrees.
How to Prep and Cook Pre Cooked Lobster
Can you eat leftover lobster?
Boil that in a 2% brine solution the next morning. You can eat leftover lobster the next day, as long as it has been properly kept in the fridge. The lobster has gone bad when you see it looks like cottage cheese, has a pungent odor, and changes in color or slime on top. You can make Lobster Rolls or Lobster Bisque with the leftover lobsters.
How do you cook leftover lobster?
Here’s how: Find a pot large enough for your leftover lobster and add water. Make sure it has a steamer basket in it. Bring the water to a boil. Place the lobster in the basket (on its back) and cover. Reheat on medium heat for about five to eight minutes. Take the lobster out of the pot and let it cool before serving. Want extra flavor?
Can You refrigerate leftover lobster?
You can refrigerate leftover lobster in the fridge or freezer. To defrost the frozen lobster, simply transfer the freezer bags from the freezer to the ref. Let it sit in the fridge overnight. Boil that in a 2% brine solution the next morning. You can eat leftover lobster the next day, as long as it has been properly kept in the fridge.
What to do with leftover lobster meat?
By choosing a gentle cooking technique such as steaming, oven warming, or sautéing with butter, you can ensure that the lobster retains its tenderness and succulence. Adding leftover lobster meat to tried and true recipes like chowder, pasta or risotto is another great option for making your leftovers really shine.