Cooking lobster can be intimidating, especially if you're a beginner. However, cooking pre-cooked lobster is a lot easier than you might think. Whether you're reheating a lobster that you've already cooked or cooking pre-cooked lobster from the store, there are a few simple steps you can follow to ensure that your lobster is cooked to perfection.
Before you start cooking your pre-cooked lobster, make sure to thaw it completely if it's frozen. You can do this by placing it in the refrigerator overnight. Once it's thawed, remove the lobster meat from the shell and set it aside. If you're using a whole cooked lobster, you'll need to remove the meat from the claws and tail.
There are several ways to cook pre-cooked lobster, including boiling, steaming, baking, broiling, and grilling. Boiling is the most common method and involves bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and then adding the lobster meat. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the meat is heated through. Steaming is another popular method and involves placing the lobster meat in a steamer basket over boiling water for 5-7 minutes.
Baking and broiling are great options if you want to add some extra flavour to your lobster. Grill your lobster meat for a few minutes on each side until it's heated through and slightly charred.
Key Takeaways:
- Thaw your pre-cooked lobster before cooking it.
- Boiling and steaming are the most popular cooking methods for pre-cooked lobster.
- Baking, broiling, and grilling are great options if you want to add some extra flavour.
Preparing Your Lobster
Selecting the Right Lobster
When selecting a lobster, it's important to choose one that's fresh and alive. If you're purchasing a live lobster, look for one that's active and moving around in the tank. The lobster should also have a hard shell and its tail should be tightly curled under its body.
If you're purchasing a cooked lobster, make sure it was cooked recently and stored properly. Check the lobster's shell for any cracks or damage, which could indicate that the meat inside has spoiled.
Thawing Frozen Lobster
If you're using frozen lobster, it's important to thaw it properly before cooking. The best way to thaw frozen lobster is to place it in the refrigerator overnight. If you're in a hurry, you can also thaw the lobster by placing it in a sealed plastic bag and submerging it in cold water for 30 minutes to an hour. Do not thaw lobster in warm water or in the microwave, as this can cause the meat to become tough and rubbery.
Preparing Lobster for Cooking
Before cooking your lobster, you'll need to prepare it by removing the rubber bands from its claws and tail. If you're cooking a live lobster, it's important to kill it humanely before removing the bands. This can be done by placing the lobster in the freezer for 15-20 minutes, or by quickly inserting a sharp knife into the head just behind the eyes.
Once the lobster is dead, you can remove the rubber bands and prepare it for cooking. If you're cooking a whole lobster, you can use kitchen shears to cut through the shell and remove the meat. If you're cooking just the tail, you can use a sharp knife to cut through the underside of the tail and remove the meat.
Remember to save the lobster shell for making stock or broth, which can be used in a variety of dishes. And don't forget to enjoy the delicious meat inside your cooked lobster!
Cooking Techniques
Cooking lobster is a delicate process that requires a bit of finesse to get right. There are a few different techniques that you can use to cook your lobster, each with its own unique set of benefits.
Boiling and Steaming
Boiling and steaming are both popular methods for cooking lobster. To boil lobster, fill a large pot with water, adding sea salt (1/4 cup of salt per gallon of water) to enhance the flavour. Once the water is boiling, add the lobster and cook for 8-12 minutes depending on the size of the lobster. When it's done, the internal temperature of the lobster should be 140°F.
Steaming lobster is a gentler method that helps to preserve the flavour and texture of the meat. To steam lobster, fill a steamer pot with water and bring it to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the lobster and steam for 10-12 minutes depending on the size of the lobster. When it's done, the internal temperature of the lobster should be 140°F.
Grilling and Baking
Grilling and baking are both great options for cooking lobster if you want to add a bit of smoky flavour to your meal. To grill lobster, preheat your grill to medium-high heat and brush the lobster with melted butter. Grill for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature of the lobster reaches 140°F.
To bake lobster, preheat your oven to 400°F and place the lobster in a baking dish. Brush the lobster with melted butter and bake for 12-15 minutes until the internal temperature of the lobster reaches 140°F.
Reheating Cooked Lobster
If you have leftover cooked lobster, you can easily reheat it for a quick and easy meal. To reheat cooked lobster, place it in a steamer basket and steam for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can wrap the lobster in foil and bake it in the oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to heat up pre-cooked lobster?
If you have pre-cooked lobster, the best way to reheat it is by steaming it. Simply place the lobster in a steamer basket and steam it for about 5-7 minutes until it's heated through. You can also reheat it in the oven by wrapping it in foil and baking it at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes.
Can you recommend a method for preparing lobster that's already been cooked and frozen?
If you have frozen, pre-cooked lobster, the best way to prepare it is by thawing it in the refrigerator overnight. Once it's thawed, you can reheat it using the same methods as mentioned above.
What are some good ideas for serving cooked lobster at a dinner party?
Cooked lobster is a great addition to any dinner party menu. You can serve it as a main course with a side of butter and lemon wedges, or you can incorporate it into a salad or pasta dish. Another great idea is to serve it as a lobster roll, with a toasted bun and a side of fries.
Is it better to steam or boil lobster when reheating?
When reheating cooked lobster, it's best to steam it rather than boil it. Steaming will help to prevent the meat from becoming tough and rubbery.
How long should you cook a lobster that's already been cooked?
If you're cooking pre-cooked lobster, you only need to heat it through for a few minutes until it's hot. If you're cooking fresh lobster, it will take about 10-12 minutes to cook a 1-2 pound lobster.
What are some simple yet delicious lobster recipes suitable for a casual meal?
For a casual meal, you can't go wrong with a classic lobster roll. Simply mix cooked lobster meat with mayonnaise, celery, and lemon juice, then serve it on a toasted bun. Another idea is to make a lobster and corn chowder, which is easy to make and always delicious.