Here is a question that many people ask. Can I freeze both cooked and raw lobster to eat later? The short answer is no, you can’t freeze raw lobster. Here is why:
Lobster is a delicious, luxurious seafood that can also be pricey. Being able to buy lobster tails in bulk when they go on sale and freeze them for later is a great way to enjoy lobster without breaking the bank. But can you actually freeze raw lobster tails in the shell? And how do you do it properly to maintain texture and flavor?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover if and how to freeze lobster tails in the shell, step-by-step instructions, how long they last frozen, how to thaw them, and tips for best results. Let’s dive in!
Can You Freeze Raw Lobster Tails in the Shell?
The good news is yes, you can absolutely freeze raw, uncooked lobster tails while they are still in the shell This preserves the quality and presentation of the lobster tail for cooking and eating later.
Freezing in the shell helps protect the delicate lobster meat during the freezing process. The shell prevents the meat from drying out or becoming damaged
Many professional chefs and home cooks recommend freezing lobster tails in the shell over freezing just the lobster meat alone.
So if you come across a great deal on raw, shell-on lobster tails at the seafood market or grocery store, stock up and toss them in the freezer!
Step-By-Step Guide to Freezing Lobster Tails
Follow these simple steps for perfectly frozen lobster tails every time:
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Purchase Fresh Raw Lobster Tails – Make sure tails are fresh and raw, not previously frozen or cooked. The shell should be hard and intact.
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Clean Thoroughly – Rinse tails under cold water, scrubbing the shell carefully with hands or a brush to remove any debris.
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Blanch Quickly – Drop tails in boiling salt water for just 1 minute then transfer immediately to an ice bath to stop cooking.
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Pat Dry – Dry lobster tails thoroughly with paper towels, inside shell and out. Moisture leads to freezer burn.
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Package Tails – Place each tail in a freezer bag or airtight container, squeezing out all excess air before sealing.
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Label & Freeze – Label package with date and contents. Freeze lobster tails immediately at 0°F or below.
And that’s it – you now have perfect frozen lobster tails ready to cook whenever cravings strike!
How Long Do Lobster Tails Last Frozen?
One of the biggest advantages to freezing lobster tails in the shell is that they will keep much longer than lobster meat alone.
Lobster tails kept continuously frozen at 0°F or below will maintain quality and freshness for:
- Raw in shell – 9-12 months
- Raw meat removed – 3-6 months
Properly frozen lobster tails stay safe to eat beyond these timeframes, but the texture and flavor will gradually decline over longer periods.
For absolute best quality and taste, use frozen raw tails within 3-6 months. But even at 12 months, they will still cook up deliciously!
Thawing Lobster Tails
Always thaw frozen lobster tails safely in the refrigerator, not on the counter or in warm water. Thaw tails overnight in the fridge until completely thawed all the way through.
To quick thaw, place vacuum sealed tails in a bowl of cold water, changing water every 30 minutes until they can be easily opened.
Once thawed, cook immediately – do not refreeze. Cook thawed tails just as you would fresh raw tails. They are ready for steaming, broiling, grilling, or any cooking method you prefer.
Tips for Freezing Lobster Tails
Follow these pro tips when freezing lobster tails in the shell for best quality:
- Purchase fresh, raw tails as close to freezing as possible
- Wrap each tail individually in plastic wrap before bagging to prevent punctures
- Exclude air and moisture by vacuum sealing or pressing out all air
- Blanching before freezing helps flavor and texture
- Label package with contents and freeze-by date
- Store frozen tails below 0°F at all times for longevity
With the proper prep and freezing methods, you can enjoy delicious lobster year-round straight from your own freezer. Freezing lobster tails in the shell lets you take advantage of sales and stock up on this decadent seafood. Give it a try and you’ll never have to pay full price for lobster again!
The meat will stick
The meat inside the lobster shell sticks to it when it is frozen and then thawed. It’s almost impossible to get out. If you cook a lobster ahead of time and then let it thaw, the meat won’t stick to the inside of the shell. It actually tastes very fresh and still remains juicy when you do sit down to enjoy it.
How to Freeze and Preserve your Lobster Tail
Can lobster tails be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze lobster tails. Pat dry the tails and place them in airtight freezer bags, removing excess air before sealing. Label the bags with the date of freezing and store them in the coldest part of your freezer.
How do you prepare lobster tails before freezing?
To prepare lobster tails for freezing, blanch them in a brine mixture first. To make the brine, whisk together half a cup of non-iodized salt and 2 quarts of water until smooth. Bring the mixture to a boil to ensure the salt has dissolved. Submerge the lobster tails in the boiling water for a minute, then place them in a dish of ice-cold water.
Can you freeze thawed lobster?
To freeze lobster cook your fresh lobster first, then cool it in an ice bath. You can freeze it as a whole, just the tails, or extracted meat. Use a freezer bag or vacuum sealer, removing as much air as possible. Thaw it safely in the refrigerator or a cold water bath before cooking. Why Freeze Lobster? Can you refreeze thawed lobster?
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.