Delicious Dinners: How to Cook Aldi’s Frozen Lobster Tails to Perfection

Lobster is a delicious and decadent seafood treat. However, fresh lobster can be expensive and not readily available. Luckily, frozen lobster tails offer an affordable and convenient alternative to enjoy this delicacy at home. Aldi in particular sells high-quality frozen lobster tails at budget-friendly prices. With a few simple preparation techniques, you can cook frozen lobster tails from Aldi that rival dishes at five-star restaurants.

Selecting Frozen Lobster Tails at Aldi

The first step is choosing the right frozen lobster tails at Aldi. Look for the following signs of quality:

• Wild caught – Wild caught lobster will have better flavor than farmed. Aldi specifies wild harvest on the packaging.

• Cold water lobster – Tails from Maine and Nova Scotia are sweeter than warm water varieties.

• Raw, uncooked tails – Avoid pre-cooked or value added products. Go for raw tails to control seasoning.

• Minimal discoloration – Pick tails with bright red shells without dark spots

• Good size – 5-7 oz tails provide enough meat without being difficult to cook

Aldi often carries frozen lobster tails meeting this criteria for very reasonable prices. Stock up when you see them!

Proper Thawing of Frozen Lobster Tails

For the best texture and flavor, always thaw frozen lobster tails completely before cooking. Options include:

• Refrigerator thawing – Place tails in a bowl and let sit overnight. Safest method.

• Cold water – Submerge tails in cold water, changing water every 30 minutes until thawed. Takes about 1 hour.

• Running cold water – Place tails in colander and run cold water over. Fast but wastes water.

Avoid thawing lobster tails on the counter at room temperature where bacteria can multiply quickly.

Preparing and Seasoning Frozen Lobster Tails for Cooking

Take these steps once your lobster tails have thawed:

• Remove rubber bands – Allow seasonings to penetrate meat.

• Rinse and pat dry – Quick rinse removes ice crystals, dry thoroughly.

• Split shell lengthwise – Use kitchen shears to cut soft side of shell without cutting all the way through.

• Loosen meat – Gently loosen meat to prevent curling during cooking.

• Season generously – Use spices, herbs, butter, lemon, etc. Apply inside slit shell and over meat.

• Refrigerate 30 minutes – Give time to marinate before cooking.

Cooking Methods for Frozen Lobster Tails

Cooking brings out the sweet lobster flavor and tender texture. Aldi frozen tails can be prepared by:

• Broiling – Cook 4-5 inches from broiler on high, meat-side up first. Crisps shell, watch closely.

• Boiling – Simmer in seasoned water/broth for 5 minutes per 1 lb. Keep temperature gentle.

• Grilling – Skewer to prevent curling. Grill split-side down first to sear. Baste to prevent drying out.

• Air frying – Brush with oil/spices, cook at 400°F for 9-11 minutes flipping halfway.

• Poaching – Simmer gently in seasoned butter/broth for 9-11 minutes until opaque. Delicate texture.

The cooking method impacts the final flavor and texture. Experiment to find your favorite!

How to Tell When Lobster Tails Are Fully Cooked

Rely on these visual cues to test doneness instead of time alone:

• Meat is opaque throughout

• Interior temperature reaches 140°F

• Shell turns bright red

• Clear juices start to run from shell

Remove the tails as soon as these signs appear to prevent overcooking. Frozen tails may take a couple minutes longer.

Serving Your Cooked Frozen Lobster Tails

You have lots of options for an elegant presentation:

• Simple with drawn butter, lemon wedges, herbs

• On toasted bread for DIY lobster rolls

• In fresh salads for a protein punch

• Mixed into pastas or risottos

• Placed in decadent stuffed potatoes

• In lettuce wrap tacos along with avocado and slaw

The ease of cooking frozen lobster tails opens up countless quick, impressive entrées to enjoy this luxury food any night of the week.

Helpful Tips and Tricks

Follow these extra pointers for guaranteed success:

• Opt for Aldi’s pre-mixed seasonings like lemon pepper or crab boil to add lots of flavor with little effort.

• Brush with extra butter or olive oil midway through broiling or grilling to prevent drying out.

• Double check seasoning after cooking since frozen product tends to be less flavorful.

• Resist the urge to overcook – lobster gets tough and rubbery when cooked too long.

• Wash cutting board immediately after preparing to avoid cross contamination of foodborne illness.

Enjoy Restaurant Quality Lobster at Home

With frozen tails from Aldi, you can skip the take out and enjoy tender, juicy, flavorful lobster easily at home. Proper thawing, seasoning, and cooking transforms these budget frozen tails into a impressive culinary treat. Follow these tips to serve up seafood feasts that look and taste gourmet without breaking the bank.