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 a delicious, luxurious seafood treat that many people save for special occasions. When you happen to have leftover lobster after a feast, or purchased lobster on sale with plans to use later, you’ll want to know the safest way to freeze the cooked meat for future use. Properly frozen, lobster can maintain quality in the freezer for up to 12 months.
Freezing is an excellent way to preserve cooked lobster meat long-term. With proper storage methods, you can enjoy frozen lobster without sacrificing texture or flavor when you’re ready to thaw and eat it. In this article, I’ll provide researched guidelines on how long you can freeze cooked lobster based on both food safety standards and quality retention.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
- How to prepare cooked lobster for freezing
- Recommended freezer storage times
- Proper freezing and thawing techniques
- Signs of spoiled lobster and when to toss it
- Serving ideas for thawed frozen lobster
With the right freezing and thawing approach, your delicious lobster can be savored again even months after initially preparing it. Let’s dive in!
Preparing Lobster for Freezing
To maximize shelf life, lobster meat should be frozen raw or cooked. Here are some tips:
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Cool cooked lobster completely before freezing, at least 1 hour.
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Separate meat from shells and cut into desired portions if needed
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Place meat in single layer in air-tight freezer bags or containers.
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Exclude as much air as possible and seal tightly,
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Label bags with type and date. Group together if freezing more than one package.
How Long Can Frozen Lobster Last?
According to USDA guidelines, properly stored frozen lobster can safely last:
- Raw lobster: 9-12 months
- Cooked lobster: 3-6 months
At 0°F or below with minimal air exposure, lobster can maintain optimal quality for up to 12 months frozen before noticeable degradation in texture and flavor. Monitor your freezer temperature and keep it consistently at 0°F or colder.
Portioning lobster into smaller packages can help extend freezer life. Thaw only what you need each time rather than the whole batch.
Proper Freezing and Thawing
Follow these tips for safely freezing and thawing lobster:
Freezing
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Freeze lobster as soon as possible after cooking and prepping.
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Ensure air is excluded from packages.
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Freeze quickly by placing packages against interior freezer walls.
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Don’t overfill freezer. Leave space for air circulation.
Thawing
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Thaw lobster for 24 hours in the refrigerator.
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Place package on a plate or in a bowl to catch drips.
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Do not thaw at room temperature or in warm water.
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Cook thawed lobster immediately; don’t refreeze.
When to Toss Frozen Lobster
Check frozen lobster for the following signs of spoilage before preparing:
- Unpleasant or sour odor
- Dry, mushy, stringy, or gelatinous texture
- Discoloration or graying of meat
- Mold or ice crystals inside package
Discard lobster immediately if any signs of spoilage. Don’t taste suspect lobster!
Tips for Serving Thawed Lobster
Thawed frozen lobster meat is tender and moist, ready to eat or incorporate into seafood recipes. Ways to enjoy:
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Dip in drawn butter or clarified garlic butter
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Mix into seafood pasta, risotto, frittata, etc.
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Make lobster rolls with mayo, lemon, herbs
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Enjoy in lobster bisque or chowder
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Top fresh green salads or stuff into tomatoes
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Grill briefly just to heat through
With proper freezing and thawing techniques, you can enjoy restaurant-quality lobster even when bought out of season. Follow these guidelines on how long cooked lobster lasts in the freezer. Then savor the sweet, delicious meat again whenever the craving strikes!
Steaming Lobster Before Freezing
Use a large pot that will hold all the lobsters you’re cooking comfortably without overcrowding them. In the bottom of the pot, add about 2 to 3 inches of salted water. Then, put a steaming rack inside the pot. Turn the heat up high and allow the water to come to a rolling boil.
Use long tongs to place lobsters on the rack, one at a time. Once you have them all in the pot, cover the pot with a lid. If you have 10 to 20 pounds of lobster in the pot, it should take about 10 to 20 minutes of steaming to cook them all the way through. You can always check a lobster’s meat by cutting it open. If it’s fully cooked, the meat will turn white instead of clear.
After the lobsters are fully cooked, you’ll need to take out the meat. If you need help, we have a full guide on how to de-shell lobster! Allow the lobster meat to cool completely and then place it in an air-tight freezer back or container. Vacuum bags are the best option if you have them.
Don’t add too much meat to one bag. Use several bags, if necessary. The meat should be able to lay in a single layer in the freezer.
Write the date on the bags and put them in the freezer so that air can flow around them. Don’t put them close to other frozen foods or in a tight space. Keep your freezer at 0 degrees F or colder. Lobsters can typically stay in the freezer for up to 12 months.
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.
Easy Steps to Cook a Frozen Lobster Perfectly Every Time!
Can you freeze cooked lobster meat?
To freeze cooked lobster meat, start by removing the meat from the shell. Once the meat is removed, place it in an airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Be sure to press out as much air as possible before sealing the container or bag to prevent freezer burn. Label the container with the date of freezing to keep track of its freshness.
Can You refreeze thawed lobster meat?
It’s not recommended to refreeze thawed lobster meat, as this can affect its taste and texture. It’s best to use the thawed meat within a day or two of thawing. 5. Can I freeze cooked lobster meat with mayonnaise? It’s best to freeze cooked lobster meat without mayonnaise or any other sauces.
How long does cooked lobster last in the freezer?
Cooked lobster meat will last for around four months in the freezer whereas lobster that has been frozen in the shell will last for around six to eight months. Both types of lobster will be fine to eat after this time, they just might not quite be of optimum quality.
How long can you keep cooked lobster meat in the fridge?
Lobster meat can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. To store cooked lobster meat, place it in a container and cover with cold water. Place the container in the fridge and change the water every 12 hours. The lobster meat will stay fresh for up to two days. How do you reheat frozen cooked lobster meat?