Lobster is delicious, but like any seafood, it doesn’t reheat well if you don’t follow the proper techniques. Here are simple methods for reheating lobster tails or a whole lobster using a microwave, oven, or stove so you can enjoy leftover lobster without drying it out or ruining the texture.

Reheating Lobster in the Microwave

The microwave provides a quick and easy way to reheat lobster.

Instructions

• Unwrap the lobster tails or lobster meat and place in a microwave-safe dish.
• For tails, wrap the ends of the tails with a damp paper towel to prevent overcooking.
• For whole lobster, remove any rubber bands and cover the claws with damp paper towels.
• Microwave on high power for 1-2 minutes per tail. A whole lobster may need 3-5 minutes.
• Check frequently and stop when the lobster is heated through.
• Take care not to overcook the lobster or it will become rubbery.

Tips:

• Add a tablespoon of water or butter to the dish to help prevent overcooking.
• Cut lobster tails in half lengthwise before reheating for more even heating.
• Let the lobster rest for 1-2 minutes after microwaving before serving.

Reheating Lobster in the Oven

The oven allows you to reheat lobster slowly and gently to avoid drying out the meat.

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 325°F.
• Place lobster tails or whole lobster in a baking dish. Tuck the tails under to prevent overcooking.
• Add a tablespoon of water or butter to the dish. Cover with foil.
• Bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• For a whole lobster, bake for 15-20 minutes.
• Check frequently to avoid overbaking.
• Let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.

Tips:

• Use the defrost setting on the oven or set temperature to 300°F if reheating from frozen.
• Add lemon, herbs, or other seasonings to the dish for extra flavor.
• Reheat baked or broiled lobster tails only 5-10 minutes.

Reheating Lobster on the Stovetop

The stovetop allows you to quickly reheat lobster in butter or sauce for added flavor.

Instructions

• In a skillet or saucepan, heat 1-2 tablespoons butter over medium heat.
• Add lobster tails or whole lobster and sauté for 2-3 minutes per side until heated through.
• You can also add a bit of seafood stock, wine, or lemon juice to the pan.
• For lobster tails, baste the cut side of the tail with the pan juices as it reheats.
• Once heated, transfer to a platter and spoon any pan sauce over the lobster.

Tips:

• Use a lower heat for larger pieces of lobster to prevent burning the outside.
• Splash cooked lobster with white wine or lemon juice before reheating for extra moisture.
• Top with fresh herbs or seasonings after reheating for added flavor.

Reheating Lobster on the Stove

Instructions

• Remove meat from shells. Pat dry.
• Heat skillet over medium heat. Add nob of butter.
• Place lobster flesh-side down when butter melts.
• Spoon melted butter over tails as they reheat, about 4-5 mins.
• Check frequently. Lobster is done when heated through.
• Transfer to plate when reheated. Spoon over pan butter.
• Squirt lemon juice over. Sprinkle with parsley.
• Eat immediately. Do not overcook.
• For more flavor, briefly warm empty shells under broiler.
• Refrigerate leftovers. Only reheat once more.

Tips:

• Remove lobster meat from shells first for faster reheating.
• Use a nonstick skillet lined with foil to prevent sticking.
• Place a nob of butter in the skillet before adding lobster.
• Reheat lobster flesh side down over medium heat for 4-5 mins.
• Spoon melted butter over tails while reheating to keep moist.
• Check frequently and stop when lobster is heated through. Do not overcook.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the lobster is done reheating?

Check the thickest part of the lobster meat to see if it is heated through. The meat should be hot and opaque. Lobster tails are done when the flesh is firm yet still tender. Avoid reheating too long or the meat can become rubbery.

Can I reheat cooked lobster that was already shelled?

Yes, you can reheat lobster meat that has already been removed from the shell. Place the meat in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in 30 second intervals, checking frequently. On the stovetop, quickly sauté the lobster meat in butter just until warmed through.

What is the best way to reheat a whole lobster?

The oven is ideal for reheating a whole cooked lobster gently and evenly. Place it on a baking sheet, tent with foil, and bake at 325°F for 15-20 minutes until hot. The stovetop also works well—simply simmer the lobster in a sauce or broth for 5-8 minutes until warmed through.

Should I add anything to the lobster when reheating?

Yes, adding a bit of liquid or fat helps prevent the lobster meat from drying out. Try using butter, olive oil, white wine, lemon juice, seafood stock, or broth. Herbs, garlic, and seasonings can also enhance the flavor.

What temperature should I reheat lobster to?

Aim to reheat lobster to an internal temperature of 140-165°F. This is hot enough to kill any bacteria but won’t overcook the meat. Check the temperature with a food thermometer poked into the thickest part of the meat.

Can I reheat lobster in the shell or should I remove the meat?

You can reheat it either way. Leaving the meat in the shell helps retain moisture. Be sure to remove any rubber bands and cover the claws with damp paper towels before reheating a whole lobster.

Recipes

Lobster Tails with Garlic Herb Butter

Ingredients:

• 2 lobster tails, split lengthwise
• 4 tablespoons butter, softened
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix together butter, garlic, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Spread herb butter mixture over cut side of lobster tails.
3. Place on baking sheet and broil for 5-7 minutes until butter is bubbling and lobster is heated through.
4. Remove from oven, tent with foil, let sit 5 minutes before serving.

Lobster Rolls

Ingredients:

• 1 cup lobster meat, cut into chunks
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 cup celery, finely diced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 hot dog buns, split and toasted
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix together lobster, mayonnaise, lemon juice, celery, salt and pepper.
2. Divide lobster mixture between the two toasted buns.
3. Brush outside of buns with melted butter.
4. Place on baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes until buns are browned and lobster is heated through.
5. Remove from oven and serve immediately.

Baked Stuffed Lobster

Ingredients:

• 2 cooked lobster tails, meat removed and chopped
• 4 oz cooked lobster meat, chopped
• 1⁄4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1⁄4 cup cream or milk
• 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1⁄4 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 lobster shells

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a bowl, mix together chopped lobster meat, breadcrumbs, cream/milk, parmesan, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Spoon the lobster mixture evenly into the 2 lobster shells.
4. Place stuffed shells on baking sheet or oven-safe dish.
5. Bake for 10-15 minutes until lobster mixture is piping hot and tops are lightly browned.
6. Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
7. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Here are some specific model recommendations for reheating lobster:

Microwaves:

1. Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor (1100W)
2. Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN966S (1250W)
3. GE JES2051DNBB 2.0 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Countertop Microwave (1000W)
4. Breville Quick Touch BMO735XL 1800W Microwave (1800W)
5. LG NeoChef LMV2031ST Countertop Microwave Oven (1000W)

Ovens:

1. Bosch Benchmark Series Electric Single Oven BOV5301UC (5.3 cu ft)
2. LG LDE4415ST Electric Double Oven (7.3 cu ft)
3. GE JT5000SFSS 30″ Single Electric Wall Oven (5.3 cu ft)
4. Frigidaire Gallery Series FGET2765PF Double Electric Wall Oven (5.7 cu ft)
5. Whirlpool WOS31ES7JS Single Electric Wall Oven (4.3 cu ft)

Stoves:

1. Bosch 800 Series 36″ Induction Cooktop NIT8066UC
2. Frigidaire Gallery Series FGIC3067MB Gas Cooktop (5 burners)
3. GE JP3030SJSS 30″ Smoothtop Electric Cooktop (4 burners)
4. KitchenAid KCGS556ESS 30″ Gas Cooktop (5 burners)
5. Whirlpool WCG97US0DS 30″ Electric Cooktop (4 burners)

Stovetops:

1. Wolf 36″ Dual Fuel Professional Range with 6 Burners – DF366
2. Bosch 800 Series 36″ Induction Cooktop – NIT8066UC
3. GE Profile 30″ Gas Cooktop – JP3030SJSS
4. KitchenAid 30″ Even-Heat Gas Cooktop – KCGS556ESS
5. Frigidaire Gallery 30″ Smoothtop Electric Cooktop – FGEC3047LS

Following these simple methods using your microwave, oven, or stove will yield tender, flaky reheated lobster. Just avoid overcooking and let it rest before serving. Enjoy your leftovers!