Cooked lobster, just like any other type of sea food can lead to food poisoning if stored the wrong way. Therefore, it is important to master the technique of storing cooked lobster in order to avoid such catastrophic incidences. Below is a guide on how to store cooked lobster. Carefully follow it in order to grasp the concepts.
Contents
Store cooked lobster in the fridge
NB: this method stores cooked lobster for 2 to 4 days. So only resort to this method if you are certain that you will consume cooked lobster in a short space of time.
Step 1
In order to store leftover cooked lobster in the fridge you need to start by wrapping it. You can use aluminium foil to wrap the cooked lobster. If you do not have aluminium foil then simply place the cooked lobster in an air tight container. This will help to prevent air and moisture from getting inside.
Step 2
The next step is to store cooked lobster in the fridge. Make sure you do not place the cooked lobster on the door shelves of the refrigerator. This is mainly because once the fridge is opened they will be exposed to high temperatures which can compromise their shelf life.
Store cooked lobster in the freezer
NB: this is the best method of storing cooked lobster. This is because it preserves the leftover cooked lobster for up to 6 months.
Step 1
There are 2 ways of freezing cooked lobsters. You can either freeze it as a whole or remove the meat and freeze it on its own. However, removing the shells is the best thing to do since you can easily store the cooked lobster without having to worry about space. In order to do this simply let the cooked lobster cool down. This is because if you store leftover cooked lobster in the freezer while hot it can alter the temperature of the freezer.
Step 2
When the cooked lobster has cooled down simply wrap it with plastic wrap or aluminium foil. This will help to prevent air and moisture from getting inside. Once you have wrapped it place it into a freezer bag. If you are freezing a whole lobster make sure claws do not puncture the freezer bag. If the cooked lobster is exposed to air or moisture it could ultimately lead to premature spoilage.
Step 3
Label the freezer bag with the date in which you are storing cooked lobster in the freezer. This will help you to recall when it is most likely to turn bad.
Step 4
Store cooked lobster in the freezer. It will last for 6 months in the freezer. Therefore, you need to eat it before it turns bad.
How to thaw cooked lobster
In order to thaw cooked lobster simply transfer it from the freezer into the fridge. It will need approximately 24 hours to thaw. Therefore, you need to be someone who plans ahead. Thawing cooked lobster in the fridge is the best method since it does not expose the cooked lobster to bacteria. If you had forgotten to remove the cooked lobster from the freezer in time then you can always thaw the cooked lobster using cold water. The process can take you about 30 minutes but you need to constantly change the water. Once you have thawed cooked lobster you need to reheat it immediately in order to avoid exposing it to bacteria.
How to reheat cooked lobster
Reheat cooked lobster in the oven
NB: this is the most recommended method for reheating cooked lobster. This is because it really preserves the texture and taste of the cooked lobster.
In order to reheat cooked lobster in the oven start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees. The next thing is to place the cooked lobster in an oven safe dish or baking tray. Add 2 pats of butter or you can add sauce to the cooked lobster. This will help the lobster to reheat properly. Cover the dish with aluminium foil, this will really help to trap heat inside. Reheat the cooked lobster for 10 minutes. When it is done serve it immediately.
Reheat cooked lobster using a stove
NB: this method is ideal for reheating cooked lobster meat that has been removed from its shell.
When using the stove to reheat cooked lobster start by taking a pan and placing it on medium heat. Add a teaspoon of butter to the pan and when it starts showing signs that it has heated up add the cooked lobster meat. Sauté it for about 5 minutes. When you are satisfied with the temperature of the cooked lobster remove it from the pan and serve immediately. You should not leave cooked lobster at room temperature as it is vulnerable to bacteria.
Reheat cooked lobster in the microwave
NB: this is the fastest and easiest method for reheating leftover cooked lobster. However, this method is not widely recommended as it tends to sacrifice the texture and flavours of the cooked lobster.
When reheating leftover cooked lobster in the microwave you need to start by ensuring that the lobster shells are removed. The next step is to place the cooked lobster in a microwave safe bowl. Cover the bowl with a wet paper cloth or towel. This will help to protect the texture of the cooked lobster. Place the cooked lobster in the microwave and reheat it for one minute. Check the temperature of the cooked lobster. If you are satisfied then you can eat it but if not, microwave it for an additional 30 seconds.
NB: do not reheat cooked lobster meat more than once. This is because you might affect its texture and flavour. Furthermore, it exposes the cooked lobster to bacteria.
Conclusion
Cooked lobster can be stored in either the fridge or the freezer. The article has noted that the freezer is the best method for storing cooked lobster. This is because it really extends its shelf life. Remember to always store cooked lobster within an hour or 2 after preparation. This is because if you leave it exposed to room temperature it may get affected by bacteria.
