Steaming Frozen Lobster Claws: A Quick, Easy Guide

Lobster is a delicacy in many parts of the world, and steaming is one of the best ways to cook it. Lobsters can be bought frozen and are available in various forms, including whole, tails, or claws. Lobster claws are usually sold pre-cooked and are relatively easy to prepare. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to steam cook frozen lobster claws, ensuring they are cooked to perfection.

Defrosting frozen lobster claws

Overnight Defrosting in the Refrigerator

This method takes more time but is highly recommended for ensuring food safety and maintaining the best flavour and texture. Here's what you need to do:

• Place the frozen lobster claws in a sealable, leak-proof plastic bag. Remove as much air from the bag as possible before sealing it entirely.
• Put the bag on a plate, ensuring there is enough room in your refrigerator. Place the plate in the refrigerator, preferably on a lower shelf, away from fresh produce.
• Allow the lobster claws to defrost undisturbed for about 24 hours, depending on the number of claws. For larger quantities, use multiple bags and plates if needed, ensuring the claws are in a single layer.
• After defrosting, cook the lobster claws immediately. Do not refreeze them, as this may lead to bacterial growth and spoilage.

Quick-Thaw Method with Cold Water

If you're short on time, this method can defrost lobster claws in about an hour. However, it requires diligence and constant monitoring:

• Place the lobster claws in a leak-proof plastic bag, ensuring they form a single layer. Remove excess air from the bag before sealing it completely.
• Fill a large bowl or pot with cold water. Submerge the bag of lobster claws in the water, ensuring the water covers them completely.
• Every 15 minutes, check the water temperature, ensuring it remains between 30 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature rises, replace the water with fresh, cold water.
• Change the water every 30 minutes until the lobster claws are fully defrosted. The time required will depend on the number of claws; one or two claws may take 30 minutes, while three or more will likely need closer to an hour or more.
• Once the lobster claws are defrosted, cook them immediately. Do not refreeze, as this could compromise food safety.

Microwave Defrosting

Microwaving frozen lobster claws should be a last resort if you're truly pressed for time. This method carries a higher risk of partially cooking the meat, so exercise caution:

• Place the frozen lobster claws on a microwave-safe plate, preferably plastic or glass. Ensure they are in a single layer and not stacked or piled.
• Use the defrost setting on your microwave and defrost for 3 minutes. If your microwave lacks a defrost setting, microwave in 1-minute intervals.
• Check the lobster claws after the allotted time. The centre of the meat should be close to room temperature, with no ice or frozen parts. If they're almost defrosted, reduce the time to 1 minute and microwave again until fully thawed.
• Cook the lobster claws immediately after defrosting, as partial cooking may have occurred. Do not refreeze.

Boiling water preparation

If you're looking to prepare cooked frozen lobster claws using boiling water, here is a detailed guide to help you achieve delicious results:

• Thawing: Start by thawing your frozen lobster claws. Place them in the refrigerator overnight to defrost slowly and gradually. This step is crucial as it ensures the meat retains its texture and moisture.
• Prepare the Water: Fill a large pot with water, leaving about one-third of the pot empty. The amount of water you need will depend on the quantity of lobster claws you plan to cook.
• Boil the Water: Place the pot on the stove and turn the heat to high. Allow the water to come to a full rolling boil.
• Seasoning (Optional): You can add some seasoning to the boiling water to infuse extra flavour into your lobster claws. A simple option is to add a tablespoon of salt per quart of water. You can also experiment with other seasonings like pepper, paprika, or minced garlic.
• Steaming: Place the thawed lobster claws in a steamer basket. Carefully lower the steamer basket into the pot of boiling water, ensuring that the water level is below the basket. Cover the pot with a lid to trap the steam inside.
• Timing: Set a timer for approximately 5 minutes for thorough heating. The cooking time may vary depending on the number of lobster claws you are preparing, so adjust the timing accordingly.
• Temperature Check: To ensure food safety, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the lobster claws. The claws should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Serving: Once the lobster claws are cooked, remove them from the pot using tongs. The shells should be bright red, and the meat inside should be opaque and white. Serve your lobster claws with lemon wedges and melted butter for a classic taste sensation.

Remember, lobster claws are typically sold pre-cooked, so this preparation method is primarily for reheating and infusing flavour into your frozen lobster claws. Enjoy your delicious boiled lobster claws!

Steamer preparation

Steaming is a healthy way to cook lobster claws as it brings out their natural flavour and allows you to cook them properly without worrying about burning them. It's also a lower-fat cooking method as you don't need to add any oil.

First, if your lobster claws are frozen, you will need to thaw them. To do this, put them in the refrigerator overnight or hold them under running water for 30 minutes or more.

Fill a large pot with enough water to submerge the claws. You can add some seasoning to the water, such as salt, pepper, paprika and minced garlic. Bring the water to a full boil.

Wash the lobster claws thoroughly and place them in a steamer. Cover the pot and steam for 8 to 10 minutes. You can steam for longer if you prefer. For each additional pound of lobster claw, add three more minutes of cooking time.

When cooked, place the lobster claws in an appropriate container and allow them to cool before eating.

Lobster claws can be served with lemon wedges and melted butter.

Cooking time

Lobster claws are usually sold pre-cooked, so they do not take as long to prepare as a whole lobster. If your lobster claws are frozen, it is important to defrost them before cooking. Place them in a plastic bag and submerge in a bowl of cold water for 30 minutes, or leave them in the refrigerator overnight.

Once thawed, the cooking time for lobster claws will depend on the cooking method and the weight of the claws. As a general rule, allow 10 minutes for a one-pound lobster claw, and add an extra three minutes for each additional pound.

Boiling is the most common way to cook lobster claws. Fill a large pot with enough water to submerge the claws. You can add seasoning to the water, such as salt, pepper, paprika, and minced garlic. Bring the water to a boil, then add the lobster claws and cover the pot. Boil for 13 minutes for one pound of lobster claws, adding three minutes for each additional pound.

Steaming is another popular method for cooking lobster claws. Place the thawed lobster claws in a steamer basket and place the basket inside a pot of boiling water. Cover the pot and steam for five to 10 minutes, depending on the weight. You can also add some salt and spices before steaming.

Grilling is another option, which will allow the natural flavour of the lobster to shine through. First, rub the lobster claws with salt and lemon, then wrap them carefully in foil. Preheat your grill and place the wrapped claws on the upper tier. Grill for 20 minutes for one pound of lobster claws, adding three minutes for each additional pound.

Baking lobster claws in the oven is convenient, as you can set the temperature and leave them to cook without constant checking. Preheat your oven to 360 °F (182 °C). Place the thawed and washed lobster claws on an oven-safe dish lined with foil. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then bake for 13 minutes for one pound of lobster claws, adding three minutes for each additional pound.

Finally, you can fry lobster claws in a large skillet. Glaze the claws with lemon juice and rub with salt, onion, and garlic powder. Leave to sit for 30 minutes so that the flavours can seep in. Heat a large skillet to 360 °F (182 °C) and add enough vegetable oil. Fry the lobster claws for 10 minutes for one pound, turning them over after five to seven minutes.

Serving suggestions

Lobster claws are a delicious treat and can be served in a variety of ways. The sweet and tender meat is best not overcooked, so take care when timing your cooking.

The simplest way to serve lobster claws is with melted butter and lemon wedges. You can also serve with a garlic sauce, or a dipping sauce of your choice. A classic combination, the butter and lemon wedges complement the natural sweetness of the lobster meat.

Lobster claws can be chopped and added to a salad for a luxurious twist on a healthy dish. You could also add the lobster meat to a pasta dish, or serve with a side of steamed vegetables.

For a more indulgent meal, lobster mac and cheese is a great option. Lobster rolls are another popular choice, or you could try making lobster claw cakes.

If you are feeling adventurous, you could try a lobster claw bisque, or a lobster claw and avocado salad.

There are many ways to serve lobster claws, so get creative and enjoy this delicious seafood treat.

Frequently asked questions