The Absolute Best Ways To Reheat Lobster

Lobsters gained a reputation for being the poor man's protein years ago when the Europeans came to North America, according to History. Today, they are enjoyed as a delicacy around the globe. Though lobster's status has changed throughout the years, one thing is for sure. According to Mua Lobster, it is always one of the most expensive items on a restaurant's seafood menu, and prices fluctuate depending on the market, date, and time.

Since lobster can be expensive, you'll want to save and enjoy any leftovers you have for the next day. Reheating lobster doesn't have to be time-consuming or ruin the taste of the large, luscious crustacean. According to Limitless Cooking, reheating lobster the wrong way may result in a tough texture or lost flavor.

There are ways to reheat this seafood and retain its sweet, soft texture. We have collected the best ways to reheat lobster using the oven, microwave, stovetop, and grill. Keep in mind that FoodSafety.gov says that lobster is kept safely in the refrigerator for two to four days. Keep scrolling for everything you need to know.

The oven method for reheating lobster is simple and effective. According to Cape Porpoise Lobster, you can quickly reheat a whole lobster or tail in the oven by following the following steps. First, grab a baking tray, heavy-duty foil, a few pats of butter, and seasonings if desired. The butter will help keep the lobster moist while reheating, also adding flavor. Place the lobster inside a large piece of foil, belly side up, and lay the butter on top. Wrap the foil around the lobster and place it on the baking sheet. Heat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for five to ten minutes.

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meat is cooked through. Doing so will help you avoid food-borne illnesses. The FDA says that seafood such as lobster, crab, shrimp, and scallops must be cooked until the flesh is opaque and pearly white. According to the FDA, most seafood must be cooked until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

Reheating lobster in the microwave is another easy way to prepare your leftovers quickly. Heating the lobster through is crucial to avoid cold spots within the lobster. According to the Washington State Department of Health, cold spots may harbor bacteria and pathogens that can cause illness and upset stomach. The FDA recommends using a food thermometer to ensure that microwaved foods reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

According to My Live Lobster, this is the best way to preserve texture and flavor when reheating lobster in its shell: Wrap the lobster in dampened paper towels, then place the lobster on a microwave-safe plate. Heat the lobster on high for one to two minutes until the food thermometer reaches an FDA-recommended safe 165 degrees Fahrenheit. According to My Live Lobster, you can reheat the meat outside of its shell by microwaving it in 30-second increments. Again, check the meat temperature with the food thermometer before consuming the lobster.

The stovetop method for reheating lobster works well if you don't mind removing its meat from the shell. According to Thrive Global, this method is by far the easiest way to warm the seafood. According to First For Women, reheating lobster on the stovetop can be done in under 15 minutes. First, you need to remove the lobster meat from the shell, as stated above. Next, add a small amount of lobster, clam, chicken stock, or broth to the pan or skillet. Bring the stock to a simmer, then add the lobster meat and sauté for about 10 minutes until warm. Last, you'll want to add a little butter for flavor and cook until the lobster is heated thoroughly and the internal temperature reaches a safe, FDA-recommended 145 degrees.

Lobster meat makes a delicious ingredient for recipes such as Lobster Mashed Potatoes, Lobster Grilled Cheese, and Curried Lobster. You can also toss it over salad or inside a Lobster Roll.

According to Limitless Cooking, reheating steamed lobster on the grill is possible, adding a "touch of lovely torches flavor." For the grilling method, First For Women recommends turning the grill heat to high and drizzling olive oil over the lobster meat. Sprinkle it with salt and pepper and heat until the meat is warmed all the way through.

If the lobster is still in its shell, lay it on the grill with the shell side facing down. Do not flip the lobster, and allow it to cook until the meat is thoroughly warmed. Test the temperature of the lobster meat to make sure it has reached 145 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the FDA's temperature recommendation for safe seafood consumption. Remove the lobster from the grill and allow the meat to cool, then serve.

Grilled lobster recipes often call for lemon juice, butter, and garlic for added flavor. However, you choose to season your seafood, make sure it is thoroughly cooked to avoid illness.