You might need to freeze one or two whole lobsters, like if you bought a lot of lobsters on sale and now have more than you need, or if some dinner guests had to cancel. There is a short window of time to cook live lobsters after you buy them, even though you’d rather keep them.
Knowing how to freeze lobster correctly can come in handy. Of course, you’ll also need to know how to thaw them safely to prevent contamination. Our guide will show you how to do both, so you’ll never have to worry about throwing away Maine lobster again.
The most common freezing method for lobster is freezing cooked meat. Probably the quickest, no-fuss way to cook lobster is to steam them.
Lobster is one of the most decadent and delicious seafood ingredients out there. With its sweet, briny flavor and tender texture, it’s no wonder why lobster is a luxury food item From lobster rolls to lobster pasta, there are so many amazing ways to enjoy this crustacean But because lobster can be expensive and not always readily available, you may be wondering if you can freeze lobster meat for later use.
The good news is, yes you can absolutely freeze lobster meat! Freezing is a great way to preserve the freshness and quality of lobster meat so you can enjoy it for months after purchasing it. Whether you have leftover cooked lobster meat or raw lobster meat you need to freeze, following proper freezing techniques will help the lobster meat retain its texture and flavor.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about successfully freezing lobster meat at home. We’ll cover
- How to Prep and Freeze Raw Lobster Meat
- Tips for Freezing Cooked Lobster Meat
- Proper Storage and Thawing
- How Long it Can Be Frozen
- Signs of Bad Frozen Lobster Meat
- Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s dive right into all the details on freezing lobster meat like a pro!
Prepping Raw Lobster Meat for the Freezer
Freezing raw, uncooked lobster meat is relatively simple. The key is making sure the meat is fresh and properly packaged Here are some tips
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Start with live lobsters if possible and cook them yourself. This guarantees the freshest meat. Discard any meat that looks discolored or smells unpleasant.
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Separate the raw meat from the shells once the lobster has cooled. Make sure to remove any fatty green tomalley, roe, cartilage or the stomach sac.
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Rinse the meat lightly under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. You don’t want excess moisture freezing on the meat.
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Portion the meat into freezer-safe bags or airtight containers, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace. Squeeze out excess air and seal.
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Label bags or containers with type and date of freezing. Raw lobster meat will last up to 6 months in the freezer.
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Place in freezer right away, preferably at 0°F or below. Freeze raw lobster meat as fast as possible to maintain quality.
That’s really all there is to prepping raw lobster for freezing. Always start with the highest quality, freshest meat for best results.
Freezing Previously Cooked Lobster Meat
Freezing cooked lobster meat requires a few extra steps to prevent it from becoming tough and rubbery. Here are some tips:
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Make sure cooked lobster meat has cooled completely before freezing. Warm meat will turn mushy when frozen.
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Do not freeze lobster meat immersed or coated in butter or sauce. This accelerates freezer burn.
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Pat lobster meat dry with paper towels before packaging to remove excess moisture.
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Portion into freezer bags or airtight containers, removing excess air. Leave 1/2 inch headspace.
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If freezing lobster tails, wrap each tail individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags.
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Freeze cooked lobster meat for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
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Label everything thoroughly with type of lobster meat and date.
The keys with previously cooked lobster are letting it cool completely, removing excess moisture, and portioning appropriately before freezing. Following these steps will give you great results.
Proper Storage and Thawing of Frozen Lobster
Once your lobster meat is safely frozen, proper storage and thawing is key. Here’s how to do it right:
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Store frozen lobster meat consistently at 0°F or below. Temperature fluctuations degrade quality.
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Avoid any signs of freezer burn or frost on your frozen lobster. This means it was improperly sealed.
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Allow frozen lobster to thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Never thaw at room temp.
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Place thawed lobster meat in a bowl to catch any liquid that may drain as it fully thaws.
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Cook thawed lobster meat immediately, within 24-48 hours max. Don’t refreeze thawed meat.
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Submerge frozen bags or containers in cold water if you need to thaw quickly. Change water every 30 mins.
Following these guidelines will keep your frozen lobster in optimal, safe condition so it’s ready to cook and enjoy!
How Long Can Lobster Meat Be Frozen?
Here are the recommended time limits for freezing lobster meat:
- Raw lobster meat: 6 months
- Cooked lobster meat: 2-3 months
- Lobster tails: 3-4 months
Lobster can technically be frozen longer than these times and still be safe to eat. However, the quality and texture will deteriorate so it’s best to stick within these timeframes for optimal freshness and flavor.
Portioning the lobster meat into meal-sized bags or containers prevents you from having to re-freeze and compromise the quality. Thaw only what you need and leave the rest frozen.
Signs Your Frozen Lobster Has Gone Bad
While frozen lobster can last for months in the freezer, it can eventually spoil. Here are signs to watch out for:
- Unpleasant odors, slimy texture or mushiness
- Discoloration or graying of the meat
- Presence of ice crystals or freezer burn
- Dry, stringy or tough texture
Frozen seafood like lobster can harbor bacteria and pathogens if left frozen too long. Always inspect frozen lobster carefully and watch for these signs before consuming. If in doubt, it’s best to be safe and toss it out.
Frequently Asked Freezing Lobster Questions
Freezing lobster meat may seem intimidating, but have no fear! Here are answers to some of the most common questions about the process:
How do I thaw frozen lobster meat properly? Thaw lobster overnight in the refrigerator, never at room temperature. Submerge bags or containers in cold water if thawing quickly, changing water every 30 mins.
Can I freeze cooked and raw lobster meat together? It’s best to freeze them separately since they have different time limits. Cooked meat doesn’t last as long.
Is it safe to refreeze thawed lobster meat? Refreezing thawed lobster meat can make it rubbery and increase risk of bacterial growth. It’s best not to refreeze thawed lobster.
Should I freeze lobster whole or as meat? Freezing whole lobsters can damage the texture of the meat. It’s much better to freeze processed lobster meat.
Can I use previously frozen lobster meat in recipes calling for fresh? Yes, just make sure to thaw it properly and account for any differences in moisture content. Adjust recipe as needed.
What happens if lobster meat has been frozen too long? Lobster meat frozen past recommended times risks potential spoilage and food safety issues. Always inspect closely and watch for signs it has gone bad.
Enjoy Frozen Lobster Anytime
One of the best aspects of properly freezing lobster meat is that you can enjoy delicious, restaurant-quality seafood from the comfort of your own kitchen on a moment’s notice! Whether using it in lobster rolls, pasta, chowder, or any other recipe, frozen lobster is a real treat.
Now that you know how to easily freeze lobster meat at home, you can stock up while it’s in season or buy in bulk when prices are lower. Freezing lets you savor every last sweet, briny bite! Simply thaw, prepare, and impress your family and friends with this luxurious ingredient.
Can I Freeze Live Lobster?
Yes and no. You can prepare live lobsters to be frozen, but you shouldn’t put them in the fridge right away. If you don’t want to remove the meat before freezing, here’s what you can do instead:
- Blanch lobsters for one minute in water that is very hot and salty.
- Put lobsters in a bath of ice for at least 15 minutes to cool them down. Then, pat them dry and squeeze out any extra water.
- Take out as much air as you can from freezer bags or vacuum-sealed bags before putting lobsters in them.
- Make sure there is a lot of space around the bags in the freezer so air can flow. It’s important that your freezer is at least 0 degrees F.
How to Thaw Lobster
It takes about 24 hours in the fridge for lobster meat to thaw, so plan ahead before you want to use it.
Put the bags on a towel or plate on the bottom shelf of the fridge, away from any other meats or things that could get them dirty. Keep the bags flat.
If you need to thaw lobsters quicker, you can, in a pinch, thaw them under cold, running water. It should take between 30 minutes to an hour for the meat to thaw completely.
Once thawed, you can warm the meat in the oven for a few minutes.
Allow lobsters to thaw in the fridge for 24 hours before putting them in a pot of salted boiling water for about 15 minutes to finish cooking them all the way through.