We’ve all been there. You cook up a big batch of delicious lobster from Cape Porpoise Lobster Co. but you just can’t finish it all, despite your best efforts. You sigh and put it in a Tupperware, hoping it will still taste good the next day. We can tell you that your lobster will make a great lunch (or midnight snack) if you know how to cook it right.
Lobster rolls are a classic New England delicacy that offer sweet, succulent lobster meat tucked into a toasted bun. Their popularity has spread across North America, with restaurants offering their own unique takes.
Leftover lobster rolls can be tricky to reheat at home. The bun can become soggy while the lobster meat dries out. With proper technique, you can revive those leftovers to be just as delicious as when you first ordered them.
In this guide, you’ll learn foolproof methods to reheat lobster rolls using the oven, microwave, air fryer and skillet. Follow these simple steps and tips for enjoying your lobster roll like it just came fresh off the grill.
Why Proper Reheating is Essential
To achieve the perfect texture and flavor when reheating a lobster roll. it’s important to
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Gently warm the lobster meat without overcooking it Lobster can become rubbery and chewy if exposed to high heat for too long,
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Crisp the exterior of the bun lightly while keeping the interior soft Direct heat methods work best for this
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Add back any lost moisture to the lobster meat and bun so it doesn’t dry out.
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Allow any chilled butter to fully melt and absorb into the bread.
With the right technique, you can revive that leftover lobster roll to be restaurant-quality once again.
Oven Method
The oven allows you to reheat a lobster roll gradually without overcooking the delicate seafood.
To use the oven:
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Preheat oven to 300°F.
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Place lobster roll on a small baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper.
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Heat roll for 10-12 minutes until warmed through.
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For added crispiness, turn broiler to high and broil 1-2 minutes.
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Watch closely to avoid burning.
The gentle oven heat revives the chilled lobster meat and melts the butter into the bun without drying it out. Broiling at the end crisps up the surface.
Microwave Method
For a quick reheat, you can use the microwave on a low setting with short cooking times.
To microwave:
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Place lobster roll on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a paper towel.
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Microwave on 50% power in 30 second intervals until warmed through, 1-2 minutes total.
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Allow to sit 1 minute before eating.
The paper towel prevents the bread from drying out. Letting it rest afterward allows the heat to evenly distribute.
Air Fryer Method
An air fryer can mimic the crispiness of a freshly grilled lobster roll thanks to the circulating hot air.
To use an air fryer:
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Set air fryer to 300°F.
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Place lobster roll directly on air fryer basket.
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Cook 4-5 minutes until roll is warmed and surface is crisped.
The exterior will become browned and crunchy while the interior gently heats. Don’t overcook or the lobster meat will toughen.
Skillet Method
For ultimate flavor and texture, reheating in a skillet allows you to crisp the entire surface while warming the filling.
To use a skillet:
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Heat 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium heat.
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Add lobster roll and cook 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
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Add a spoonful of water to the pan, cover and steam 1 minute.
Browning in butter gives incredible flavor. The steam at the end ensures the lobster fills with moisture.
Tips for Reheating Lobster Rolls
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Brush the bun with melted butter or olive oil before reheating for added richness and sheen.
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If the lobster meat seems dry, add a teaspoon of lemon juice or seafood stock before heating.
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Place a sheet of foil loosely over the top to prevent over-browning if needed.
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For food safety, reheat fully until lobster meat reaches 145°F internally.
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Don’t reheat more than once to avoid drying out the delicate seafood.
With the right reheating method and a little care, you can enjoy your leftover lobster roll as if it were fresh from the coast! Use this guide to keep the bun crispy and filling tender.
Enjoy Lobster Rolls Hot or Cold
Lobster rolls are delicious reheated to hot. But don’t forget you can also enjoy them chilled!
For a cold lobster roll:
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Store assembled roll tightly wrapped in the fridge up to 2 days.
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Let sit at room temperature 15 minutes before serving.
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If bun is slightly soggy, toast lightly before adding lobster.
The fresh, cool flavors of a chilled lobster roll are stellar on hot summer days. Toss the lobster meat with a little mayo and lemon juice to coat before assembling for maximum flavor.
Get Creative with Leftover Lobster Meat
Don’t limit yourself to just lobster rolls! Explore new ways to savor leftover lobster meat:
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Toss with pasta and herbs for lobster pasta salad.
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Fill omelets, frittatas or quiche.
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Top salads or wedge lettuce with a lobster salad dressing.
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Mix into seafood bisque for extra richness.
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Fold into risotto along with peas and tarragon.
Lobster is decadent on its own or adds luxury to countless dishes. Reheating leftovers lets you get your money’s worth from pricey seafood.
With the proper reheating method for your preferences, you can breathe new life into leftover lobster rolls. Crisp up the bun and revive the succulent meat with these easy tips.
Reheat your lobster in the frying pan
Put the boiled meat in a pan with a teaspoon of butter if you only want to warm it up. Sauté over medium heat and check for doneness after 5 minutes.
Here’s a handy guide to reheating lobster:
To reheat a whole lobster, wrap it in heavy-duty aluminum foil and place it belly-up on a baking tray. Add a pat or two of butter to the foil wrap to keep the lobster moist and reheat for 5 to 10 minutes at 350 degrees.
WARM & BUTTERY LOBSTER ROLLS AT HOME | SAM THE COOKING GUY
FAQ
Do you warm up a lobster roll?
How do you reheat lobster without drying it out?
Can you eat a lobster roll the next day?
What’s better, warm or cold lobster roll?
How do you reheat lobster in a shell?
This method is best for learning how to reheat lobster in a shell, which can preserve its texture and flavor: Wrap lobsters in damp paper towels and place them on a microwave-safe plate. Place your microwave on its “High” setting. Let the lobster heat for one to two minutes and check the meat with a digital meat thermometer.
Can You reheat lobster in a microwave?
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.
How to reheat lobster claws?
Here are the steps that you need to follow to reheat leftover lobster claws: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Use some aluminum foil to nicely wrap the lobster claws. Put the wrapped claws on a baking pan or sheet. Heat the lobster claws in your oven until they are warm. It’ll take around 10 minutes or more depending on the oven.
How long does lobster tail take to reheat?
The lobster tail warms up nicely in about 10 minutes, depending on the oven. To reheat lobster claws, simply use the oven for excellent results. Begin by preheating the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Wrap the lobster claws securely in foil to preserve moisture. Then, arrange them on an oven-safe baking sheet or pan.