How to Defrost Lobster Tails in the Fridge

Lobster tails allow you to enjoy the juicy shellfish without spending a lot of money. Lobster tails are often available frozen because the seafood only lasts for two to three days in the refrigerator before it begins to spoil. While you can cook the frozen lobster tails, they will take longer to prepare and it might alter the texture. Thawing the tails in the refrigerator is the safest way to prevent a food borne-illness. Lobster tails will last for two to three months in the freezer before they diminish in quality.

Things You'll Need

• Shallow bowl

Instructions

1. Remove the lobster tail from the freezer. Keep the tail in its packaging until you are ready to prepare it.

2. Place the lobster tail inside a shallow bowl. The bowl will catch any juices from the thawing lobster so that they do not contaminate your refrigerator.

3. Allow the lobster tail to thaw overnight. Remove the lobster and prepare it once it thaws.

Tips & Warnings

• Thaw the lobster tail quickly and without a refrigerator by placing it in a plastic storage bag. Seal the bag tightly and place the lobster tail in a bowl of cold water. Empty the cold water every 30 minutes and replace it until the lobster tail thaws. Cook the lobster tail immediately and do not refreeze it. Place the lobster tail back into the freezer as soon as possible if you do not plan to prepare it once it thaws in the refrigerator.

• Do not consume the lobster tail if it has a foul odor because it may have spoiled.

References

• Ohio State University; Freezer Storage; Lesley Fisher; 2010
• Clemson University Extension; Safe Handling of Seafood; P.H. Schmutz, et al.; June 1999
• O Chef: How to Cook Lobster Tails