how do you cook frozen lobster claws from costco

Mastering the Art of Cooking Costco’s Frozen Lobster Claws

As a seafood aficionado, I’m always seeking new ways to enjoy succulent lobster meat. On a recent trip to Costco, I discovered packages of frozen cooked lobster claws. The convenience and value were appealing, but I wasn’t sure how to properly prepare them at home.

Embarking on a tasty mission, I set out to find the ideal methods for cooking Costco’s frozen lobster claws After trial and error, I emerged victorious with foolproof techniques to beautifully prepare these frozen crustacean treats

In this article, I’ll share my tested tips for thawing, heating, and enhancing Costco’s ready-to-eat lobster claws. With the right approach, these frozen claws can deliver sweet, tender meat with that signature fresh-from-the-sea flavor Let’s get cracking!

Deciphering the Frozen Claws

Costco’s frozen lobster claws might seem mystifying at first, but a little decoding reveals what you’re working with:

• They are fully cooked – no need to boil or steam. Heating just warms and enhances flavor.

• Sold raw then cooked so they retain natural sweetness. Not previously frozen then thawed.

• Fresh flavor preserved by fast blast freezing shortly after cooking.

• Claw and knuckle meat only – no tail or body.shell already cracked for easy meat access.

• Wild caught from cold North Atlantic waters – Maine and Canada.

• Sold vacuum-packed in 1 lb. or 2 lb. bags.

So essentially, we have freshly cooked premium lobster claws quickly frozen at their peak to deliver sweet, succulent meat. Now let’s unlock the best ways to prepare them!

Thawing Tips

Proper thawing ensures the claws retain moisture and avoid freezer burn. Here are some thawing tips:

• Fridge thawing over 24 hours is ideal – keeps meat juicy.

• Submerge bag in cold water for faster 2 hour thaw. Replace water every 30 mins.

• Microwave defrost works in a pinch – use defrost setting in 1 minute bursts.

• Don’t thaw at room temperature – can breed bacteria.

• Once thawed, use within 1-2 days for optimal freshness.

Heating Methods

With frozen claws thawed, it’s time for heating. Lobster meat overcooks easily, so gentle warming is key. Consider these heating options:

• Steaming – place claws in steamer basket over simmering water for 8-10 minutes. Preserves moisture beautifully.

• Poaching – simmer claws for 5-6 minutes in seasoned liquid like broth, wine or butter. Infuses flavor.

• Sautéing – cook gently in browned butter for 2-3 minutes. Imparts nutty notes.

• Grilling – quick grill or broil for 1-2 minutes with basting. Adds smoky char.

• Microwaving – zap claws on MEDIUM in 30 second bursts just until hot. Fast but can dry out meat.

Regardless of method, check claws after 2 minutes then frequently. Stop heating as soon as meat is hot – should reach 165°F internally. Overcooking makes lobster meat rubbery.

Dress Up Your Claws

For extra flair, dress up plain heated claws with one of these easy finishes:

• Lemon garlic butter – melt some herb butter and spoon over claws.

• Dipping sauces – supply melted butter, aioli or cocktail sauce for dipping.

• Crunchy coating – coat claws in panko or cornflake crumbs for texture.

• Crispy shallots – top claws with fried shallots for crunch and flavor.

• Amount of chowder – cut up claws and add to creamy seafood chowder.

• Lobster roll – pile heated meat onto a toasted hot dog bun with dressing.

• Eggs benedict – top poached eggs and muffins with chopped lobster.

The crispy coatings and sauces pair especially well with the rich, sweet lobster meat. Feel free to get creative and try your own fun topping combos!

Pro Lobster Claw Tips

Through cooking many frozen lobster claws, I discovered some handy tips for lobster success:

• Thaw claws completely before cooking – no icy spots.

• Remove rubber bands before heating. They can melt and stick.

• Crack shells fully before cooking to allow heat penetration.

• Warm claws gently to prevent overcooking rubbery meat.

• Use immediately after heating for ultimate freshness and flavor.

• Accompany with clarified butter, lemon wedges and shell crackers.

• Switch up heating methods like grill, steam and sauté for variety.

• Buy sustainable wild caught vs farmed claws for better taste.

With the right prep and handling, Costco’s frozen pre-cooked lobster claws can be a convenient and affordable way for home cooks to enjoy tender, sweet lobster meat. No need to boil these babies alive!

The Joy of Lobster Anywhere

Thanks to modern freezing methods, we can enjoy fresh-tasting lobster claws from the cold northern waters at home year round. With my tried and tested tips, you can unlock the full flavor potential of Costco’s ready-to-eat frozen claws. They’re perfect for easy weeknight dinners, summer cookouts and indulgent appetizers with minimal effort.