How Long Can You Freeze Lobster Tail? The Complete Guide

Lobster tails are a delicious luxury that many seafood lovers crave. However fresh lobster can be quite expensive. One way to get your lobster fix on a budget is to buy lobster tails in bulk when they are on sale and freeze them to enjoy later. But exactly how long can you freeze lobster tails while maintaining quality? In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about freezing lobster tail including optimal storage times, how to freeze, thaw, and prep frozen lobster tails so they taste fresh from the sea.

Can You Freeze Lobster Tails?

The good news is that yes, you can absolutely freeze raw lobster tails for later use. In fact freezing is an excellent way to save money on this pricey protein. The key is proper freezing storage, and thawing techniques.

When frozen correctly, the quality and taste of the thawed lobster will be quite close to fresh. The texture may be slightly more mushy compared to never-frozen lobster, but still delicious. Frozen and thawed lobster tail is vastly superior to canned lobster meat.

So if you find lobster tails on sale at the market go for it and stock up! With proper freezing methods that lobster will keep for months in your freezer until you are ready to prepare it.

How to Freeze Lobster Tails

Freezing raw lobster tails is simple, but there are some important steps to follow for best quality:

• Make sure the lobster tails are ultra fresh when you buy them. They should look firm and shiny, and smell like the ocean. Discoloration, mushiness, or fishy odors indicate the lobster is past its prime. Only freeze the freshest lobster possible.

• Once home, store the uncooked lobster tails in the refrigerator and use within a day or two. Don’t let them sit in the fridge for over 48 hours before freezing.

• Rinse the lobster tails under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.

• Blanch the tails: Bring a pot of water to a boil with 1/2 cup of salt dissolved in it. Drop in the lobster tails and boil for 1 minute only. This helps sanitize the meat.

• Remove the tails and immediately plunge into an ice bath to stop the cooking. Let cool in the ice bath for 5 minutes.

• Pat the lobster tails completely dry with paper towels. Make sure no water remains on the surface before freezing.

• Double wrap each tail individually in plastic wrap, pressing out all air. Then place each wrapped tail in a freezer bag or airtight container. Squeeze out excess air before sealing.

• Label the package with the type and date. Pop in the freezer immediately.

• For longest freezer life, store at 0°F or below. Avoid repeated openings of the freezer to maintain consistent temperature.

Following these steps will ensure your frozen lobster tails retain quality and taste great when thawed.

How Long Does Lobster Tail Last In The Freezer?

How long can you freeze lobster tails while maintaining good quality? Properly frozen, lobster tails will last between 9-12 months in the freezer before quality degradation is noticeable.

The freezer time varies a bit based on these factors:

• Freshness before freezing – Lobster frozen at peak freshness lasts longer than lobster that sat in the fridge for several days before freezing.

• Freezer temperature – Colder is better for preservation. Lobster stored at 0°F may last a month or two longer than lobster stored at 10°F to 20°F.

• Packaging – Lobster stored in airtight vacuum sealed bags will maintain quality longer than lobster wrapped in plastic wrap or freezer paper.

• Opening the freezer – Repeated openings of the freezer door briefly raise the temperature and shorten frozen food lifespan.

While frozen lobster tails may still be safe to eat after 12 months, the texture and flavor will decline over time. For peak enjoyment, try to use frozen lobster within 9-12 months. Label your packages with dates so you know how old they are.

And of course, if the lobster develops any off colors, odors or visible ice crystals when thawed, it has been frozen too long and should be discarded.

Tips For Freezing Lobster Tail

Follow these extra tips to get the most out of your frozen lobster tail stash:

• Only freeze raw tails. Never refreeze thawed cooked lobster.

• Portion the tails into meal-sized servings before freezing individually. Avoid freezing all the tails together in a block.

• Use a deep freezer rather than a refrigerator freezer. The colder temperature better preserves quality.

• Vacuum seal the tails rather than only wrapping in plastic. This prevents freezer burn.

• Place a layer of plastic wrap between each tail before stacking to make separating them easier.

• Store the tails flat in a single layer rather than stacked for best freezing.

• Squeeze out all air from bags and containers before sealing to prevent ice crystals.

• Put a piece of masking tape right on the lobster tail plastic wrap labeling the date before bagging.

How To Thaw Frozen Lobster Tails

Thawing your frozen lobster tails properly ensures they taste fresh and luscious. Here are a few thawing options:

• Fridge thawing – For best flavor and texture, thaw frozen lobster overnight in the refrigerator. Place in a bowl or on a plate to catch drips.

• Cold water thaw – Submerge the vacuum sealed frozen lobster pouch in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes until thawed. Refrigerate immediately.

• Microwave thaw – For quick thawing, remove any plastic wrap and place the lobster on a microwave-safe plate. Defrost at 30% power in 30 second bursts, flipping halfway through. Cook immediately.

Do not thaw lobster tails on the counter or in hot water. This allows bacteria to multiply and compromises safety.

The thawed lobster meat will be sticky and mushy compared to fresh. This is normal after freezing. Handle it gently and avoid rough mixing to keep the texture intact.

How To Cook Thawed Lobster Tails

Thawed lobster can be prepared many ways, but gentle cooking methods are best to prevent the delicate meat from becoming rubbery.

• Bake, grill or broil for tender, juicy lobster tails. Brush with butter before cooking.

• Saute or pan sear over medium heat just until opaque, 2-3 minutes per side. Be careful not to overcook.

• Avoid boiling, as this can toughen the texture. If simmering in a soup or stew, add the lobster meat at the very end.

• Stuff thawed lobster tail meat into pastas, tacos, salad or wraps rather than heavy mixing into dishes.

• Use thawed meat within 2 days for maximum freshness. Do not refreeze thawed lobster tails.

Save Money and Enjoy Lobster Anytime

Freezing lobster tails enables you to enjoy this expensive seafood whenever the craving strikes, without breaking the bank. Follow these tips for properly freezing, storing, thawing, and cooking frozen lobster tails. With the right techniques, frozen and thawed lobster tastes remarkably sweet and delicious. Get your fill of lobster on a budget by buying on sale and freezing the bounty!