How to Reheat Cooked Lobster - Seafood University (2024)

Photo by Edsel Little licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

We can’t think of many cases where we would not be able to finish our cooked lobster. But, in the rare event that you might have made too much for a get-together and don’t want your lobsters going to waste, you might want to save them as leftovers and reheat them a different day.

Like most foods, lobsters do best when you use specific reheating methods that don’t compromise their taste and texture, and this helpful guide is going to walk you through the steps to do so.

Is Lobster Safe to Eat When Reheated?

Lobsters can be safe to eat when it’s reheated when you use the right methods. Any leftover food can be harmful if it’s not heated to the proper temperature or with food-safe methods that keep it from getting contaminated by bacteria.

If you cooked your lobster to the right internal temperature the first time, then you shouldn’t have much to worry about as far as bacterial contamination. However, upon reheating lobster, you’ll need to make sure that you, once again, bring it to the right temperature to prevent the spread of bacteria that won’t agree with your gut.

You can learn how to reheat steamed lobster (or baked, grilled, or any other version!) in the microwave or oven – our two suggested methods – by following the below instructions.

How to Reheat Lobster Safely in the Microwave

Microwave reheating can be a safe method for just about any food, but you have to make sure you’re reheating them to the right internal temperatures. Cold spots in food can harbor unsafe bacteria that can later upset the stomach or even make you ill. Lobster is no exception, so learning how to reheat lobster safely in the microwave is important.

This method is best for learning how to reheat lobster in a shell, which can preserve its texture and flavor:

1. Wrap lobsters in damp paper towels and place them on a microwave-safe plate.
2. Place your microwave on its “High” setting.
3. Let the lobster heat for one to two minutes and check the meat with a digital meat thermometer. It should reach at least 140-degrees.

You can reheat lobster meat outside of its shell, too, but it may only need about 30 seconds to a minute. Again, be sure to check its temperature with a thermometer before eating!

How to Reheat Lobster Tail in the Oven

Although microwaving is quick and convenient, we recommend using the oven to reheat lobster if you have time. It takes a little more time to do, but it’s also a bit more reliable and can retain the flavors and texture of your lobster, making it feel like you’re enjoying your original meal all over again.

1. Preheat the oven to 350-degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Wrap shelled lobster or tails in aluminum foil and place a couple of pats of butter over the meat.
3. Place the wrapped lobsters on a baking pan and cook for five to ten minutes.
4. Remove from the oven and use a thermometer to check that the lobster’s reached at least 140-degrees.

You can also create small foil packets for lobster meat not in its shell. Add some butter and seasonings to keep it tasting fresh!

Conclusion: Guide to Reheating Lobster

Fair warning: Reheating your lobster can make it a bit tougher than it was the first round. But, by using the above methods, you’ll have the best chance at retaining its original flavor and texture without making it chewy. If you don’t want to take the chance of ruining your yummy lobsters, you can always use leftovers for lobster salad or lobster rolls! Be sure to check the Maine Lobster House collection of lobsters and other seafood you can have delivered to your door.