For tips on how to handle and take care of live lobsters at home, check out LobsterAnywhere. com.
Note our tips for storing lobsters apply mostly to hard-shell lobsters. You can buy soft-shell lobsters (lobsters that have lost their shells) in your area, but they are usually weak and break easily, so they don’t store or ship well.
Lobster is one of the most delicious and luxurious seafood treats out there. With its sweet, succulent meat and iconic look, it’s no wonder why lobster is a popular ingredient in many seafood dishes and feasts.
But because lobster is so perishable, proper storage is crucial for enjoying lobster at its best quality and flavor. So how long can you actually keep lobster in the fridge before it goes bad?
In this complete guide I’ll cover everything you need to know about refrigerating lobster including
- How long lobster lasts in the fridge
- Proper storage methods for raw, cooked, and live lobster
- Signs of spoiled lobster to watch out for
- Lobster freezer storage times
- Answers to common questions about storing lobster
Plus plenty of tips and recommendations from lobster experts for keeping your lobster as fresh as possible!
How Long Can Refrigerated Lobster Last?
Here’s a quick overview of how long lobster will last in the fridge
- Raw lobster: 1-2 days
- Cooked lobster: 3-4 days
- Live lobster: 1-2 days
- Lobster tails: 1-2 days
The fridge temperature (40°F or below) significantly slows down bacteria growth that causes lobster to spoil. But lobster is still highly perishable and should be used as soon as possible for best quality.
For optimal flavor and texture, lobster is best when consumed within these refrigerator time frames.
If you need to keep cooked or raw lobster longer than 3-4 days, the freezer is your best bet.
Proper Lobster Storage Methods
To get the most out of your lobster, it’s important to store it correctly. Here are some key tips:
Raw Lobster Storage
- Place raw lobster in an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap. This prevents moisture loss.
- Use thawed lobster within 1-2 days.
- Raw tails can last 1-2 days in the fridge.
Cooked Lobster Storage
- Allow cooked lobster to cool completely before refrigerating.
- Transfer lobster meat into a sealed container.
- You can also keep lobster in the shell. Simply wrap the entire lobster in plastic wrap.
- Use cooked lobster within 3-4 days.
Live Lobster Storage
- Keep live lobsters cold, between 36-42°F.
- Store in a breathable container like a cardboard box. Avoid airtight containers.
- Line the container with damp newspaper or seaweed to keep lobsters moist.
- Use live lobsters within 1-2 days for best quality.
Proper cold storage preserves lobster’s flavor, texture, and freshness. It also prevents harmful bacteria growth that can make lobster unsafe to eat.
Signs Your Refrigerated Lobster Has Gone Bad
Here are some telltale signs that indicate your refrigerated lobster has spoiled and should be discarded:
- Strong, unpleasant fishy odor
- Slimy texture and mucus-like substance on the meat
- Dull, faded color instead of vibrant red/orange
- Dry, stringy meat texture
Lobster that is past its prime may also have a mushy consistency in the tail meat or seem overly watery. Trust your senses – if something seems off about the lobster’s appearance, smell or texture, it’s better to be safe than sorry and not eat it.
How Long Does Lobster Last in the Freezer?
While the refrigerator gives you just a few days, the freezer greatly extends the shelf life of lobster.
Here are the freezer storage times:
- Cooked lobster: 2-3 months
- Raw lobster tails: 3-6 months
- Live lobster: 6-12 months
To freeze lobster:
- Double wrap lobster in freezer bags or foil. This prevents freezer burn.
- For raw tails, immerse in ice water before freezing for extra protection.
- Use frozen lobster within recommended times for best quality.
Properly frozen lobster can be stored for long-term use. But for maximum flavor and texture, stick to the shorter end of the freezer time frames.
Frequently Asked Questions About Refrigerating Lobster
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about storing lobster in the fridge and freezer:
Can you keep cooked lobster in the shell?
Yes, you can refrigerate cooked lobster in the shell. Simply wrap the entire lobster in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. It will maintain its quality for 3-4 days.
How long can live lobsters stay out of water?
Live lobsters can survive 1-2 days out of water when kept cold, moist, and in a breathable container in the fridge. For their health and quality, cook live lobsters as soon as possible.
How long is leftover lobster good for?
Cooked leftover lobster will last 3-4 days in the fridge. Place in an airtight container and make sure there are no signs of spoilage before eating it.
Can you freeze cooked lobster in the shell?
It’s best to remove the lobster meat from the shell before freezing. Freezing in the shell can cause damage to the meat. Simply crack the shell and remove the meat, then freeze.
What happens if you freeze live lobster?
Freezing live lobster will kill them humanely. Place them in the freezer for around 2 hours until fully frozen. Then they can be stored frozen for up to 12 months.
In Summary
- Store lobster at 40°F or below
- Raw, cooked, and live lobster last 1-4 days in the fridge
- Freeze for long-term storage of 2-12 months
- Check for signs of spoilage before eating
- Cook live lobster as soon as possible for best quality
With proper refrigeration and freezing methods, you can fully enjoy lobster’s delicious sweet taste without any worries about food safety. Feel free to refer back to this guide whenever lobster is on your menu!
What Should I Do If My Lobsters Aren’t Moving or Are Damaged?
Lobsters are packed to order, live and kicking, and shipped overnight. Since they have traveled a long way, they may be tired. (Note that cold temperatures make lobsters sluggish. When live lobsters are cold, they move very slowly. But when they warm up on your kitchen counter, they start to move again.
Cook lobsters even if they appear motionless. This is also true if a lobster is damaged or drops a claw in transport.
If, for some reason, a lobster has died, it is usually still safe to cook as long as it is cold to the touch and the other lobsters in the shipment are still alive. Cook them up! The lobster’s tail is the best way to tell if it’s still fresh; it should curl under the body and be mostly firm when cooked, not wet or mushy.
How Do You Store a Lobster?
Refrigerate lobsters immediately, and keep them cold until you’re ready to cook them (best around 40 degrees F). The colder the lobster is, the sluggisher it will become, and the less it will move around. Don’t put them in your freezer or a bathtub or tap water – it will kill them.
Keep lobsters moist with wet newspaper or seaweed that it was packed in. A dry lobster is an unhappy lobster. It’s best to cook lobsters the day they’re delivered. See below if you cannot cook your lobsters right away.