When it comes to preparing lobster tails, steaming offers a fantastic way to achieve tender, succulent results. Our moist-heat cooking method not only keeps the lobster’s delicate flavor but also makes the cooking process more manageable.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to steam lobster tails and give you important tips for making a delicious meal.
Lobster is one of the most decadent and delicious seafood treats out there. When you have leftover cooked lobster tails in the freezer, steaming is a fantastic way to reheat them for a quick and easy meal. But is steaming frozen lobster tails really doable? And if so, how do you do it right to end up with tender, juicy meat instead of overcooked rubber?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about steaming previously cooked frozen lobster tails. You’ll learn how to assess your frozen tails, set up a steamer, determine cooking times, and more. We’ll also answer common questions people have on preparing frozen lobster this way.
Let’s dive in so you can start enjoying tender steamed lobster from your own freezer!
Can You Steam Frozen Lobster Tails?
The short answer is yes, you absolutely can steam frozen pre-cooked lobster tails with excellent results.
Steaming is actually an ideal method for reheating leftover lobster tails that have been stashed in the freezer. The gentle moist heat rewarms the delicate seafood evenly without drying it out or making it tough.
Just be sure your tails were fully cooked before freezing. Steaming works for reheating, not for cooking raw lobster from scratch
When done properly, steaming frozen tails preserves the succulent texture and amazing fresh flavor you look for in quality lobster. Follow the guidance below and you’ll be enjoying tasty steamed lobster in no time.
How to Prepare Frozen Lobster Tails for Steaming
Before steaming, take the time to properly assess and prepare your frozen tails:
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Defrost fully: Thaw frozen tails overnight in the fridge or in a bowl of cold water for 30 minutes. Never steam tails while still frozen.
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Check condition: Inspect for signs of freezer burn like dried out, discolored meat. Avoid using damaged tails.
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Weigh each one This determines individual steaming times Larger tails need more time than smaller ones
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Separate shell: Use kitchen shears to carefully cut lengthwise along the bottom shell to expose more meat.
Proper prep is crucial for even steaming and the best texture. Now let’s look at how to set up your steamer.
Steaming Equipment Needed
Steaming frozen lobster tails only requires a few simple pieces of equipment you likely already own:
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Large stock pot with lid – Should be big enough to fit all tails with space between each one.
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Steamer basket – Elevates tails so they don’t sit directly in water and get soggy.
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Metal tongs – For safe transfer of delicate tails in and out of steam.
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Kitchen timer – To track exact steaming times. Avoid over or undercooking.
Filling the Pot with Water
Add about 1-2 inches of water to the bottom of the pot. You want enough to generate steam but too much will make the lobster meat soggy and diluted.
For extra flavor, toss in lemon slices, garlic, Old Bay seasoning or other aromatics into the water as it heats up. Their essence will gently infuse into the lobster.
Bring the water to a rapid boil over high heat. This ensures steam starts immediately when adding the frozen tails.
Placing Tails in the Steamer
Once your steaming water is boiling rapidly, it’s go time!
Carefully place the steamer basket into the pot, then arrange the thawed lobster tails inside. Make sure tails aren’t crowded together.
Use metal tongs to safely transfer the delicate thawed tails from the freezer or fridge into the steamer. Avoid puncturing the meat.
Position the tails meat-side up so seasonings in the water can penetrate and flavor the meat.
Steaming Times for Frozen Lobster Tails
Steaming times will vary based on the weight of each individual frozen tail.
For the most tender results, always steam for the minimum recommended time then check doneness frequently. It’s easy to add more steam time but you can’t reverse overcooking!
Follow these general time guidelines:
- 4-5 oz tails: 5-7 minutes
- 6-7 oz tails: 7-9 minutes
- 8-10 oz tails: 9-11 minutes
- 12-14 oz tails: 11-13 minutes
- 16-20 oz tails: 13-15 minutes
How to Tell When Lobster Tails Are Done
Checking doneness is crucial when steaming previously frozen tails. Look for these signs your lobster is perfectly reheated:
- Meat is opaque and cooked through
- Interior temperature reaches 140°F
- Meat separates easily from shell
- Surface looks moist, not dried out
The meat should be warmed through but still retain its signature tender texture.
Serving Your Reheated Frozen Lobster Tails
Once your frozen lobster tails are steamed to hot, juicy perfection, here are some fantastic ways to serve them:
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Crack the shell and serve with melted lemon-garlic butter for dipping.
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Cut into chunks and toss with pasta, fresh herbs and olive oil.
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Pair with chicken or steak for an easy surf and turf dinner.
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Layer in seafood chowders, bisques or tacos.
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Create indulgent lobster rolls on buttery toasted buns.
However you choose to enjoy them, perfectly steamed frozen lobster tails make for a delicious, fuss-free meal that’s ready in under 15 minutes.
Handy Tips for Steaming Frozen Lobster Like a Pro
Keep these tips in mind to master steaming frozen pre-cooked lobster tails:
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Thaw tails completely before steaming for even cooking.
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Weigh tails individually and refer to times in the chart.
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Cut underside of shell before steaming to expose more meat.
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Check doneness early – it’s easy to add more steam time.
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Prevent overcooking by immediately removing tails when opaque.
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Allow to rest 5 minutes before cracking shells or serving.
Frequently Asked Questions About Steaming Frozen Tails
Still have questions? Here are answers to some common queries on this cooking method:
Can you steam raw frozen lobster tails?
No, only pre-cooked frozen tails should be steamed. Raw frozen tails must be cooked fully from scratch.
How do you thaw frozen tails safely?
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, or in a bowl of cold water for 30 minutes. Never thaw at room temp.
Do you need to add butter or oil before steaming?
No, steam alone is sufficient for reheating. Brush with butter after for extra flavor.
What if my tails aren’t fully thawed before steaming?
Add a couple extra minutes per half pound of frozen lobster to allow the heat to fully penetrate.
Is it safe to re-freeze tails after steaming?
Yes, any leftover steamed tails can be tightly wrapped and frozen again for up to 3 months.
Enjoy Restaurant-Quality Lobster From Your Freezer
Steaming makes reheating leftover cooked frozen lobster tails an absolute breeze. Following proper thawing, prep, cook times, and safety tips will ensure you end up with tender reheated tails boasting amazing flavor.
Now you can conveniently enjoy steamed lobster meats in soups, pastas, rolls and more without needing to cook a whole lobster every time. Just defrost what you need from the freezer, steam to heat through, and dive into delicious seafood in minutes.
So go ahead – get those frozen lobster tails from your freezer into a hot steamy bath and treat yourself to the ultimate seafood indulgence anytime.
Lobster Tail Steaming Time Chart
How Long to Steam Lobster Tail (By Oz.)
The steaming time for lobster tails depends on their size. Make sure to use the weight of your individual tail—not the total weight of all tails being cooked. Start your timer when the steaming water returns to a boil.