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.
As a seafood lover, I’m always looking for ways to make my lobster last as long as possible. There’s nothing worse than splurging on beautiful fresh lobster, only to have it go bad after just a day or two in the fridge.
Through plenty of trial and error, I’ve honed my lobster storage skills to keep this prized crustacean tasting delicious for up to 2-3 days when stored properly
Here are my tips and tricks for maximizing your lobster’s shelf life and enjoying the absolute freshest lobster meat right from your own fridge:
Cook it ASAP for Maximum Freshness
Ideally, you’ll cook your lobster the same day you bring it home. Cooking and eating it immediately ensures you get the absolute freshest, sweetest lobster meat.
If steaming it up on day one isn’t possible, don’t sweat it – you’ve got a couple days of lobster deliciousness ahead as long as you prep and store it right.
Prep It for Storage
Once you get your lobster home, prep it for optimal fridge storage:
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Rinse the lobster under cold running water to remove debris and dirt. Be gentle.
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Pat the lobster completely dry with paper towels. Moisture breeds bacteria.
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Wrap the body and claws separately in damp paper towels and place in resealable plastic bags. Separating them prevents the tail meat from becoming mushy from enzymes near the head.
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Squeeze out any excess air and seal the bags tightly.
Chill It Down Immediately
After prepping your lobster for storage, immediately place it in the coldest part of your fridge – the back bottom shelf.
The closer to the 32°F mark you can get, the longer your lobster will last.
I like to keep a small thermometer in my fridge to monitor the temp and make sure it’s consistently cold enough.
Avoid storing lobster anywhere near the door where the temp fluctuates.
Use Within 2 Days Max for Live Lobster
Keeping the fridge extra chilly and minimizing exposure to air will allow you to safely store a live lobster for 1-2 days max before cooking.
I don’t recommend trying to push it beyond 48 hours – the quality really starts to deteriorate.
Make sure you cook and eat any live lobster within this 2 day window for the best results.
Cooked Lobster Lasts 2-3 Days
If you’ve already cooked your lobster, you can stretch the storage time to 2-3 days until consumption.
The cooked meat will keep slightly longer than a live lobster.
Follow the same storage steps like chilling, air removal, and moisture control. Then eat or freeze within 3 days.
Storing Lobster? Avoid These Mistakes:
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Leaving lobster resting in melted ice water – leads to a waterlogged, mushy texture
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Storing in the main fridge area where temperature fluctuates – causes bacteria growth
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Leaving lobster parts connected – allows enzymes near head to break down meat
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Packing lobster tightly in sealed bags – restricting air circulation makes it spoil faster
Follow my tips and your lobster will stay delectably fresh! Got any other lobster storage tricks? Share below!
Storing Cooked Lobster Meat and Tails
If you’ve already cooked your lobster and removed the meat, you have a few storage options to maximize enjoyment of every succulent bite.
Here are your choices for prolonging the life of cooked lobster:
Refrigerate in an Airtight Container
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Place lobster meat in an airtight glass or plastic container, removing as much air as possible.
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Store in the coldest part of your fridge for up to 3 days.
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Eat within this timeframe for the best flavor and texture.
Freeze for Long Term Storage
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Portion lobster meat into freezer-safe bags or containers, with all air squeezed out.
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Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
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When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Vacuum Seal and Freeze
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Using a vacuum sealer machine, seal cooked lobster in special freezer bags.
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Vacuum sealing removes air and prevents freezer burn, keeping lobster super fresh.
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Freeze vacuum-sealed lobster for 4-6 months.
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Remember to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before eating.
Proper refrigeration and freezing let you enjoy every last morsel!
Frequently Asked Lobster Storage Questions
To summarize, here are answers to some common questions on maximizing lobster shelf life:
How long does raw lobster last in the fridge?
1-2 days when properly stored.
How long is cooked lobster good for in the fridge?
2-3 days when correctly stored in an airtight container.
Can you freeze raw lobster?
Yes, freeze live lobster for 6-8 months.
How long does cooked frozen lobster last?
Eat frozen pre-cooked lobster within 4-6 months for best quality.
How do you thaw frozen lobster?
In the refrigerator overnight. Do not thaw at room temp.
Can you refreeze lobster?
Refreezing is not recommended – cook thawed lobster immediately.
How can you tell if lobster has gone bad?
It develops an ammonia odor, mushy texture, or slimy film. When in doubt, throw it out!
With proper prep, chilling, and freezing, your lobster can stay fresh for maximum enjoyment. Just follow these guidelines to avoid wasted seafood and enjoy the most delectable lobster straight from your fridge or freezer.
When Should I Cut the Rubber Band from Lobster Claws?
The best time to cut your rubber band is after the Lobster is already cooked. If you do it too soon, you might get pinched!.
How Powerful Are Lobster’s Claws?
Lobster claws are powerful in the grasping direction. They can cut your finger if you are not careful. The claw bands will protect you and also prevent lobsters from injuring themselves or other lobsters. Although the claws are strong in the grasping position, they are weak in the opposite direction. We suggest leaving the bands on the claws until after it is fully cooked.