Here is a question that many people ask. Can I freeze both cooked and raw lobster to eat later? The short answer is no, you can’t freeze raw lobster. Here is why:
Lobster is one of the most decadent and delicious seafood treats out there. Whether boiled, grilled, or baked into luscious dishes, lobster meat is always a hit at special occasions and indulgent dinners. But if you have leftover cooked lobster meat, freezing is the best way to preserve its sweet flavor and tender texture for as long as possible.
When frozen and stored properly cooked lobster meat can last in the freezer for up to 4-6 months. Follow these tips and guidelines to maximize its shelf life and enjoy your frozen lobster haul for months to come.
Storing Cooked Lobster Meat in the Freezer
Freezing cooked lobster meat is simple if you take a few important steps:
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Make sure the lobster meat is fully cooked through before freezing. Undercooked meat will deteriorate faster.
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Cool the cooked lobster completely before freezing Freeze meat within 2 hours of cooking
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Package the lobster meat in airtight containers or freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible.
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Portion into usable amounts so you can thaw only what you need
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Label packages with contents and freeze date so you know how long it’s been frozen.
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Freeze lobster meat quickly at 0°F or below. Use the coldest part of your freezer.
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Once frozen, store packages together to prevent freezer burn.
Following these tips prevents freezer burn and damage from exposure to air. They help lock in the quality of the lobster meat for months.
How Long Does Frozen Lobster Meat Last?
Frozen properly, cooked lobster meat will last for 4-6 months in the freezer before losing quality. However, it remains safe to eat for longer than that if continuously frozen.
Here are some freeze-by dates to go by for maximum freshness and flavor:
- Vacuum-sealed lobster meat: 6 months
- Airtight packaged or wrapped: 4-6 months
- Commercial frozen lobster: 6 months unopened
The freeze-by dates refer to quality rather than safety. Frozen lobster stored consistently at 0°F may be safe beyond these timeframes, but its texture and taste will decline over longer storage.
Signs Your Frozen Lobster Has Gone Bad
It’s easy to tell if frozen cooked lobster meat has spoiled or lost quality over time. Look for these signs:
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Dry, stringy texture instead of moist and tender
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Discoloration and dull, grey hues
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Frozen bits or ice crystals
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Odd or sour smell when thawed
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Mold growth
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Unusual soft or slimy texture
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Rancid or off tastes
If you notice any of these characteristics, it’s best to discard the frozen lobster meat rather than risk foodborne illness.
Thawing Frozen Lobster Meat Safely
To retain the quality of frozen lobster meat, proper thawing is also key. Here are some safe ways to thaw:
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In the refrigerator: Thaw overnight in the fridge in a container to catch drips.
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In cold water: Seal frozen lobster in bag and submerge in cold water. Change water every 30 mins.
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In the microwave: Use the defrost setting and cook immediately after thawing.
Always cook thawed lobster meat right away rather than refreezing. Never thaw lobster at room temperature or in hot water, which allows bacteria to multiply rapidly.
Freezing Cooked Lobster Tails, Claws, and More
You can freeze any cooked lobster products using the same methods:
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Lobster tails: Split lengthwise before freezing in airtight bags.
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Lobster claws: Crack shells prior to freezing. Freeze meat separately.
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Lobster legs: Freeze in a single layer on a sheet pan then transfer to bags.
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Lobster meat: Freeze in usable portions in vacuum seal bags or airtight containers.
Storing Thawed Lobster Meat
Once thawed, cooked lobster meat must be handled properly to prevent bacterial growth.
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Store thawed lobster meat in the fridge at 40°F or below. Use within 1-2 days for best quality.
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Do not refreeze thawed lobster meat. Refreezing causes texture and flavor loss.
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Keep cooked lobster chilled on ice or refrigerated platters for serving. Do not leave out over 2 hours.
Follow strict refrigeration guidelines once the lobster is thawed. Eat within a day or two for the freshest taste and texture.
Enjoying Frozen Lobster Beyond the Freeze Dates
Even if frozen lobster meat is kept past the recommended freeze-by dates, it can still be enjoyed in some dishes. The texture and flavor will decline but it can be safe to eat if continuously frozen solid. Here are some ideas:
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Lobster bisque or chowder – Use long-frozen lobster to make smooth, creamy soups or chowders.
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Seafood casseroles – Combine with breadcrumbs, cheese, vegetables and sauce for a baked casserole.
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Lobster rolls – Mask any diminished flavor in lobster rolls with lots of butter and seasoning.
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Seafood pasta dishes – Toss bits of previously-frozen lobster into pasta dishes with bold sauces.
So you can still put old frozen lobster to use creatively in flavor-packed recipes even if the quality isn’t peak.
Storing Uncooked Lobster Differently
It’s important not to confuse guidelines for cooked versus uncooked lobster storage.
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Live lobsters: Store live lobsters for no more than 24 hours before cooking. Keep damp and chilled.
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Raw lobster tails: Freeze for 2-3 months in airtight packaging with shells on.
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Raw lobster meat: Freeze up to 4 months but it will suffer more texture loss.
Always freeze cooked lobster meat for the longest shelf life and best results.
Enjoy Lobster Anytime With Proper Freezing
With proper freezing and storage methods, you can enjoy fresh-tasting lobster for months after purchasing or preparing it. Follow these guidelines to maximize the shelf life of your frozen cooked lobster. Thaw and serve it safely using the recommendations provided. You’ll be able to indulge in this luxurious seafood anytime!
The meat will stick
The meat inside the lobster shell sticks to it when it is frozen and then thawed. It’s almost impossible to get out. If you cook a lobster ahead of time and then let it thaw, the meat won’t stick to the inside of the shell. It actually tastes very fresh and still remains juicy when you do sit down to enjoy it.
How long should I reheat the frozen cooked lobster meat?
How long can you keep cooked lobster meat in the freezer?
The precise answer to that question depends to a large extent on storage conditions – keep cooked lobster meat frozen at all times. Properly stored, frozen cooked lobster meat will maintain best quality for about 6 months in the freezer, although it will usually remain safe to eat after that.
How long does cooked lobster meat last?
When stored in the freezer, cooked lobster meat can last for up to 6 months or even longer. 5. How should I thaw frozen cooked lobster meat? Thaw frozen cooked lobster meat in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water. Avoid thawing at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth. 6. Can I reheat cooked lobster meat?
How long does cooked lobster last in the fridge?
The answer is that cooked lobster can last for up to three days in the fridge. Lobster, like all seafood, is susceptible to bacterial growth if it is not stored properly. So, it’s essential to refrigerate your cooked lobster within two hours of preparing it.
Does frozen lobster meat have a ‘best by’ date?
Yes, if properly stored – commercially frozen cooked lobster meat will typically carry a “Best By,” “Best if Used By,” “Best Before”, or “Best When Used By” date but this is not a safety date, it is the manufacturer’s estimate of how long the cooked lobster meat will remain at peak quality.