Canned lobster can elevate your meals and make high-end seafood more accessible While live, steamed lobster tail with drawn butter is delicious, canned lobster also has its merits. The meat is pre-cooked so it’s ready to eat or add to recipes right from the can. With creative ways to eat canned lobster, it can be the star of appetizers, main dishes, salads, and more
Canned lobster contains chunks of cooked lobster meat packed in oil or brine. It’s most often made from claw and knuckle meat. While not as luxurious as fresh steamed lobster it still has that sweet briny, tender lobster flavor. The meat holds its shape well when added to hot dishes or served chilled.
Brands like Scout offer high-quality canned lobster sustainably sourced from Canada’s cold Atlantic waters. It’s often found at upscale markets like Whole Foods. Online retailers like Amazon also carry various canned lobster products. Prices range from $15-$30 for a 3-5 ounce can.
Simple Ways to Eat Canned Lobster
If you want to keep things simple, canned lobster shines when served:
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On crackers or crostini – Top crackers or crostini with canned lobster meat. Add a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of parsley or dill.
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In a lobster roll – Mix lobster meat with mayo and lemon juice. Serve in a split-top bun.
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In a salad – Toss chilled lobster chunks into any green or pasta salad.
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With drawn butter – Heat canned lobster in melted butter. Serve with lemon wedges.
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Right out of the can – Drain and eat the lobster meat as-is for a quick snack or appetizer.
Get Creative with Canned Lobster Recipes
You can also use canned lobster in more elaborate recipes like:
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Lobster mac and cheese – Fold chunks of lobster into cheesy macaroni and bake until golden on top.
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Lobster quesadilla – Sauté lobster with onions and peppers. Add to a tortilla with cheese and pineapple-mango salsa.
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Lobster bisque – Simmer canned lobster in cream, sherry, onion, garlic, and tomato. Blend and garnish with fresh lobster.
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Lobster pizza – Top pizza dough with canned lobster, tomatoes, spinach, and mozzarella.
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Lobster tacos – Mix lobster with pico de gallo, avocado, lime juice, and cilantro. Serve in corn tortillas.
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Lobster grilled cheese – Create a gourmet sandwich with lobster, havarti, and tomato between buttery grilled bread.
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Lobster risotto – Stir canned lobster into creamy arborio rice with Parmesan cheese, garlic, and white wine.
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Lobster eggs benedict – Poach eggs and serve on English muffins topped with lobster-spinach hollandaise sauce.
Complementary Flavors for Canned Lobster
Canned lobster partners beautifully with certain ingredients and flavors:
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Dairy – Cheese (havarti, cheddar, Parmesan), cream, butter
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Herbs – Chives, dill, parsley, tarragon
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Citrus – Lemon, lime
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Vegetables – Tomato, spinach, onion, garlic
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Carbs – Bread, pasta, tortillas, pizza dough
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Tropical flavors – Pineapple, mango, coconut, cilantro
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Spices – Old Bay, paprika, cayenne, black pepper
Serving Suggestions for Canned Lobster
Here are tips for serving canned lobster:
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Drain oil before eating. Rinse if desired.
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Chill lobster for cold preparations like salads and sandwiches.
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Heat lobster gently in recipes to prevent overcooking.
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Garnish with fresh herbs, greens, or edible flowers.
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Accompany with lemon or lime wedges, butter, and crusty bread.
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Pair canned lobster dishes with crisp white wine or wheat beer.
With creative recipes, high-quality ingredients, and thoughtful presentation, canned lobster can be elegant and delicious. It provides an accessible way to enjoy lobster any night of the week. Keep these tips in mind as you experiment with new ways to savor canned lobster at home.
Scout Canned Lobster | Canned Fish Files Ep. 57
FAQ
How to serve canned lobster?
Is canned lobster cooked?
Is canned lobster good for you?
How to prepare frozen canned lobster?
What is canned lobster?
Canned lobster is exactly what it sounds like: lobster meat (specifically claw and knuckle meat) preserved in olive oil and stored in tins (much like tuna, the more common canned fish). By picking up a few cans of lobster, you can easily integrate it into your home cooking and elevate your seafood dishes.
How do you eat a whole lobster?
Whole lobster is a seafood luxury, and while eating it can be a messy process, it’s worth the effort. Use your hands or a nutcracker to pull off the claws and split them open, then dig out the meat with your seafood fork. Do the same with the tail and the head, then finish up by pulling off the legs and sucking out the flavorful meat.
Can you buy canned lobster?
However, what you may not know is that you can buy canned lobster. Canned lobster is exactly what it sounds like: lobster meat (specifically claw and knuckle meat) preserved in olive oil and stored in tins (much like tuna, the more common canned fish).
Can you eat a lobster?
Lobsters have various edible parts, with the majority of the meat found in the tail and claws. The legs and body also have some meat, but in smaller amounts. However, it’s best to avoid eating the tomalley, a green substance found in the body, as it may contain toxins. What Are the Health Benefits of Eating Lobster?