We can’t think of many cases where we would not be able to finish our cooked lobster. But if you made too much for a party and don’t want your lobsters to go to waste, you could save them as leftovers and reheat them another day.
It’s best to reheat lobsters in a way that doesn’t change their taste or texture, just like with most other foods. This helpful guide will show you how to do that.
Lobster rolls are a delicious New England specialty – flaky lobster meat lightly dressed and served on a toasted bun. Their popularity has spread across the country, with restaurants all over serving their take on these indulgent sandwiches.
But what if you don’t finish your lobster roll in one sitting? I often find myself taking home leftovers after getting one of these hearty sandwiches Which leaves me wondering can you reheat a lobster roll?
As a lobster roll and seafood lover, I did some research to find the best way to reheat lobster rolls so I could enjoy them again later. Here’s what I learned about reheating lobster rolls safely and correctly so that the texture and flavor stay the same:
Can You Microwave Lobster Rolls?
If you have leftover lobster rolls, you can heat them up in the microwave. While this is a good way to heat up the lobster meat, it’s not the best way to keep its original texture.
Microwaving tends to make lobster meat rubbery and dry. The delicate flakes become tough and chewy. Microwaving can also make the hot dog bun soggy.
While zapping your lobster roll in the microwave will get it hot and kill any bacteria, you’ll sacrifice quality. The lobster will be safe to eat, but the texture will be off.
Only microwave lobster rolls if you’re in a pinch and don’t mind it not tasting exactly the same as it did fresh. Heat it for 20-30 seconds at a time until warmed through.
Use the Oven for the Best Results
For best results, I recommend reheating lobster rolls in the oven. This method evenly heats the bun and filling without making the lobster meat tough.
Here’s a simple process for reheating lobster rolls in the oven:
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Preheat oven to 300°F.
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Place lobster roll on a small baking sheet or oven-safe plate.
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Heat for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
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For extra browning on the bun, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end.
The gentle oven heat brings out the buttery toasted notes of the bun while warming the lobster filling. The meat stays tender and flaky, retaining its fresh texture.
Reheating Lobster Roll Filling Stovetop
If you have leftover lobster salad without the bun, you can reheat just the filling on the stovetop.
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Heat a skillet over medium heat.
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Add a bit of butter or olive oil.
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Gently warm the lobster meat, stirring frequently, for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
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Be careful not to overcook.
This quick stovetop method works well for lobster salad you may have leftover after making lobster rolls at home. Warming the prepared salad preserves the texture.
Tips for Reheating Lobster Rolls
Here are some top tips to keep in mind when reheating leftover lobster rolls:
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Don’t reheat more than once – reheat only what you plan to eat within a couple days.
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Check internal temperature with a food thermometer – lobster should reach 165°F.
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Add a splash of lemon juice or dressing before heating to restore moisture.
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Place a damp paper towel over the bun while microwaving to prevent drying out.
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For maximum indulgence, add a pat of butter on top of each lobster roll before reheating.
Enjoy Leftover Lobster Rolls Hot or Cold
One of the great things about lobster rolls is that they taste delicious both hot and cold. The bun and lobster filling pair nicely whether served chilled or warmed up.
So if you don’t have time to properly reheat your leftover lobster rolls, don’t sweat it. They make for an excellent cold sandwich the next day.
Simply store leftover lobster rolls in the fridge and enjoy them cool. The creamy lobster salad melds even more overnight for great flavor.
Safety Tips for Leftover Lobster Rolls
To enjoy your leftover lobster rolls and prevent foodborne illness:
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Refrigerate within 2 hours of preparing
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Store in airtight container for up to 4 days
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Discard if lobster develops off smells or textures
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Reheat to 165°F internal temperature
Following food safety best practices ensures your reheated lobster rolls don’t pose a health risk. Handle seafood properly and you can safely enjoy lobster roll leftovers.
Make More Lobster Rolls!
I never mind having lobster roll leftovers because it means I get to enjoy the iconic sandwich again later. There are several good reheating methods that retain that fresh flaky lobster texture.
Now that you know how to properly reheat lobster rolls, you can feel confident making a big batch for summer gatherings. Just be prepared for the delicious sandwich to disappear fast!
Reheating lobster rolls at home is quick and easy. With these simple tips for the oven, microwave, and stovetop, you can safely enjoy leftover lobster rolls that taste just as amazing as they did originally. Get ready to indulge in happy lobster roll leftovers.
Is Lobster Safe to Eat When Reheated?
Lobsters can be safe to eat when it’s reheated when you use the right methods. Any food that is left over that isn’t heated to the right temperature or cooked in a way that keeps bacteria from growing can be harmful.
If you made sure the lobster was cooked all the way through the first time, you shouldn’t have to worry about bacteria getting into it. You’ll need to make sure to bring the lobster back to the right temperature, though, so that bacteria that won’t be good for your gut don’t spread.
Follow the steps below to learn how to reheat steamed lobster (or baked, grilled, or any other type!) in the oven or microwave, which are the two methods we recommend.
How to Reheat Lobster Safely in the Microwave
Putting food back in the microwave can be safe for most foods, but you need to make sure you heat them to the right temperature. When food gets cold spots, bacteria can grow that are bad for you and can later make you sick or upset your stomach. Lobster is no exception, so learning how to reheat lobster safely in the microwave is important.
This is the best way to learn how to reheat lobster in its shell so that the flavor and texture stay the same:
- Place lobsters on a plate that can go in the microwave. Wrap them in damp paper towels.
- Place your microwave on its “High” setting.
- Warm the lobster for one to two minutes, then use a digital meat thermometer to check the temperature of the meat. It should reach at least 140-degrees.
Also, you can heat up lobster meat that isn’t in its shell. It might only need 30 seconds to a minute. Again, be sure to check its temperature with a thermometer before eating!.