As a seafood lover, I’m always seeking out new ways to enjoy lobster Lobster balls, in particular, are one of my favorite appetizers. Biting into the crisp outer coating to reveal the sweet, tender lobster meat inside is sheer perfection While fresh lobster balls are sublime, the frozen variety offers convenience without sacrificing too much on flavor and texture.
Frozen lobster balls can be found at many grocery stores and specialty shops. But knowing how to properly cook them is key to achieving the ideal balance of textures and prevent overcooking the delicate lobster meat. In this guide, I’ll share my tried-and-true methods for cooking frozen lobster balls at home.
Step 1: Properly Thaw the Lobster Balls
I cannot stress this first step enough! Many novice cooks mistakenly try to cook frozen lobster balls straight from the freezer. But this often yields tough, rubbery meat and prevents the coating or breading from crisping up properly.
Instead, always make sure to thaw frozen lobster balls thoroughly before cooking. The best method is to place them in a single layer in the refrigerator for 8-12 hours The slow thaw in the fridge prevents moisture loss.
If you’re in a rush, place the frozen lobster balls in a colander and run cold water over them for 30 minutes to quickly thaw them on the outside. Thawed lobster balls will feel soft and pliable all the way through when gently squeezed.
Step 2: Choose Your Cooking Method
Once thawed, you have several options for cooking frozen lobster balls to maximize flavor and texture. The cooking method depends largely on the preparation of the lobster balls. Here are some of the most popular cooking techniques:
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Baked or Breaded: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place lobster balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake 15-18 minutes until golden brown. Turn halfway through cooking.
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Boiled: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Carefully add lobster balls and boil 3-5 minutes until they float to the surface. Remove with a slotted spoon.
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Sautéed: Heat 1-2 Tbsp butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add lobster balls and cook 4-5 minutes per side until browned. Baste with garlic butter.
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Steamed: Place lobster balls in a steamer basket over boiling water. Steam for 4-5 minutes until opaque and cooked through. Drizzle with lemon juice.
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Fried: Heat oil to 375°F in a deep fryer or pot. Fry lobster balls in batches 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Let drain on paper towel-lined plate.
No matter which cooking method you use, handle the lobster balls gently to keep them intact and avoid overcooking. The lobster meat should be just opaque throughout when done.
Step 3: Prepare Dipping Sauces and Garnishes
Lobster balls taste delicious on their own but pair even better with a tangy, creamy, or herbaceous dipping sauce. I love to serve mine with:
- Lemon garlic aioli
- Spicy sriracha mayo
- Sweet chili sauce
- Garlic lemon butter
- Seafood cocktail sauce
- Tartar sauce
- Ranch dressing
Fresh herbs like chives, dill, and parsley make flavorful garnishes. Lemon and lime wedges add brightness. For stunning presentation, build your lobster balls on a bed of shredded lettuce or fresh watercress.
Step 4: Enjoy Immediately While Hot and Crispy
Lobster balls are best devoured right after cooking while the exterior is ultra crispy and the interior is steaming hot. The contrast of temperatures and textures is part of what makes this appetizer so crave-worthy.
Letting lobster balls sit will cause the coating to soften and the meat to cool. If you do have leftovers, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before serving again.
Helpful Hints and Tips
Follow this advice when cooking frozen lobster balls for optimal enjoyment:
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Use a thermometer to monitor oil temp when frying – 375°F is ideal.
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Freeze extra homemade lobster balls for up to 3 months for easy weeknight meals.
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Form lobster meat into balls after cooking for best texture. Chilling firmed mixture helps.
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Add breadcrumbs or panko to coatings to boost crunch.
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Adjust bake times as needed based on size of lobster balls. Larger = longer cook times.
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Check for doneness after minimum cook time to avoid overcooking.
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Use homemade seafood seasoning to add flavor to coatings or dipping sauces.
Get Creative with Unique Lobster Ball Recipes
While classic lobster balls are delicious, you can also try more unique flavor combinations using different fillings and coatings. Some fun recipes to try:
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Lobster mac and cheese balls – coat with panko and parmesan
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Thai lobster balls – fill with lime, chili, and cilantro
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Bacon-wrapped lobster balls – wrap cooked balls with bacon before baking
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Southwestern lobster balls – fill with corn, black beans, peppers, and spices
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Surf and turf balls – add beef or sausage to the lobster filling
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Crab and lobster balls – use a blend of crab meat and lobster
The possibilities are endless when it comes to creative spins on lobster balls! I suggest experimenting with ingredients and global flavors you enjoy to invent your own signature recipe.
Enjoy a Taste of Luxury in Every Bite
When properly thawed and cooked using the right method, frozen lobster balls can deliver sweet, succulent meat encased in a crispy coating with minimal effort. Keep these tips in mind for lobster ball perfection.
ingredients6oz fresh lobster meat, cooked, chopped2oz cooked mashed Yukon gold potato2Tbsp red pepper, diced fine1Tbsp chives, chopped fine1Tbsp fresh Italian parsley, chopped fineSalt and pepper to taste
Breading station: Seasoned AP flour, Egg wash, Panko bread crumbs (Japanese bread crumbs)Step 2
Combine the lobster with the cooked mashed potato. Add the red pepper and fresh herbs and mix until incorporated. Season with salt and pepper and roll into bite sized round balls. Bread with flour, egg wash and then panko. Deep-fry in preheated oil until golden brown. Sprinkle with salt and serve.
Stay At Home Cooking – Lobster Balls
FAQ
Can you cook frozen lobster without thawing?
How long to cook frozen fish balls?
How long to boil lobster balls?
How do you cook frozen lobster pieces?
How do you deep fry lobster?
Heat 1/2 inch of oil in a heavy skillet to 375 F or preheat a deep-fryer. Roll lobster mixture into balls about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Deep-fry until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and serve immediately, (Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)
How do you cook frozen lobster tails?
There are five main ways that you can cook thawed frozen lobster tails. For all of these, I use a combination of salted butter (or unsalted and add salt separately), garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Broil – Split the tails with a pair of kitchen shears, brush with butter, and place on a baking sheet.
How do you cook lobster tails in a steamer?
Pour 3 inches of water into the bottom of a steamer. Add 1 Tablespoon of salt to the water. Bring the water to a full rolling boil. Place the steam basket on top of the steamer. Lay the lobster tails into the steam basket. Put the lid on. Allow the lobster tail to steam for 8 minutes. Serve with melted butter for dipping.
How do you thaw lobster tails?
Bag submerged in cold water on the counter – Submerge lobster tails in a bag in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes. This method is fairly fast (my tails were 5 ounces and took about 1 hour to thaw), but requires constant monitoring for safety.