Can You Freeze Crab Meat, Lobster & Other Shellfish?

It's the perfect season for coastal crabbing, lobster trapping, and oyster picking! But after the big haul, you’ll likely have extra shellfish to store between meals. With your FoodSaver® vacuum sealer, your freezer, and vacuum seal bags, you can easily stretch the shelf life of your best catch. But can you freeze crab meat at home? How do you store lobster long-term? And can you freeze oysters with the shell? We’ll show you how to seal and freeze your favorites from under the sea for weeks or even months at a time.

So grab your FoodSaver® Vacuum Sealing System and follow our helpful tips to seal and freeze your shellfish.

Can You Freeze Crab by Vacuum Sealing?

Do you enjoy indulging in crab meat even after the season has passed? With the right technique, you can preserve succulent crab between seasons until you’re ready to cook up your next dish.

Many restaurants advocate for flash-freezing live crabs, claiming it preserves freshness effectively. However, most homes don't have flash freezers—this means without the right equipment, bacteria can grow inside the crab and spoil your meat.

Instead, learning how to freeze crab meat with a regular freezer helps maintain flavor and texture while extending your seafood’s shelf life. So we recommend cooking your crab and sealing what you can. Here's how to save cooked crab:

  • Take out the cooked crab meat to prepare it for vacuum sealing.
  • Ensure that no liquid is inside before freezing as you would when vacuum sealing any other product.
  • Place the crab meat in your FoodSaver® vacuum seal bag or roll. Label the date of sealing.
  • Seal the bag or roll with your FoodSaver vacuum sealer before storing the bag in the freezer.

By learning how to vacuum seal, you can enjoy the crab meat in your cuisine and turn your kitchen into your new seafood spot.

Can You Freeze Lobster?

Cut the sharp edges of the lobster tail off before vacuum sealing.

When leftovers are unavoidable, no one wants to see a meaty lobster tail go to waste. But can you freeze lobster while preserving its quality and flavor? Despite their hard carapace, yes, lobster is relatively easy to seal and freeze right in your kitchen.

Whether you've caught a few from your local lobster trap or stocked up at the fish market, here's how to freeze lobster tails to store them for months of delicious dishes:

  • Cut the sharp spines on the bottom of the tail to keep the shell from puncturing the bag. You can do this easily with a pair of shears.
  • Place the lobster tail into a heavy-duty vacuum sealer bag. Ensure no liquid pools in the bag.
  • Vacuum seal the lobster in the vacuum seal bag and place it in your freezer.

With these few simple steps, you can freeze lobster to indulge any time you please, transforming what your kitchen can do with every coastal catch.

Can You Freeze Shrimp?

Freezing shrimp by vacuum sealing is another excellent way to preserve this delightful seafood, allowing you to enjoy its fresh taste long after purchasing. But can you freeze cooked shrimp? Yes! However, there’s a technique to vacuum seal and freeze peeled shrimp. For how to store cooked shrimp in the freezer, use our method for proper storage:

  • Rinse the shrimp carefully to prepare it for vacuum sealing.
  • Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels until fully dry to avoid freezer burn.
  • Distribute them evenly in the vacuum seal bag so they'll lie flat on a table.
  • Vacuum the air out and they're ready to freeze.

Pro tip: We recommend leaving the shell of the shrimp on as this helps maintain the flavor.

So transform any shrimp dish into a delicious celebration of taste and freshness whenever you want by freezing shrimp!

Can You Freeze Oysters and Clams?

Shuck raw clams and oysters before sealing and freezing for the best results.

If you want to preserve the fresh taste of oysters and clams for later use, freezing them is your best bet. However, there are differing opinions about how to freeze these shellfish. If you're wondering if you can freeze shucked oysters or clams, the answer is yes. Many fishermen swear by shucking them and freezing them raw instead of cooked or in the shell.

Similarly, we recommend freezing shucked clams and oysters instead of leaving them in shells. Unlike shrimp, you'll want to keep some water in the vacuum seal bag. Here's how to store clams and how to store oysters in your freezer:

  • Shuck the shellfish and rinse the meat thoroughly.
  • Put the meat into the vacuum seal bag.
  • Fill the bag with around an inch of salt- or freshwater.
  • Vacuum seal the bag and store it in the coldest part of the freezer, preferably at 0 degrees Fahrenheit or below.

You can now enjoy pre-shucked oysters and clams for a salty seafood snack or savory main ingredient in your next meal.

Vacuum Seal Your Shellfish Favorites

Freezing shellfish like crab meat, lobster, shrimp, oysters, and clams is a practical way to enjoy your seafood favorites for longer. Following the tips and best practices outlined in this guide ensures your seafood remains fresh and flavorful. Remember to label your containers with dates and consume the frozen shellfish within the recommended time frames for the best quality.

For more detailed guides and expert tips on food preservation, visit the FoodSaver Blog to start storing food like a preservation pro.!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can you freeze shrimp?

Shrimp can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months before thawing and cooking, making it an excellent option for future meals or impromptu dinners. Just remember that as with any food, fresher is always better for taste. With these helpful tips, you'll enjoy your favorite shellfish year-round without worrying about spoilage or quality loss through vacuum sealing.

How long can crab legs stay in the freezer?

Now that you know how to freeze crab meat, you're likely wondering how long can you freeze crab legs before you defrost and cook them up. With our technique, crab legs can stay in your freezer for around three months while retaining its quality and flavor.

How long can you freeze lobster tails?

Similar to frozen crab, you can store frozen lobster for an estimated three months without worrying about freezer burn. However, for the best quality, it is recommended to consume them within 1-2 months. Be sure to label and date your sealed lobster tails before placing them in the freezer for easy retrieval. And remember, always thaw frozen shellfish properly before cooking to ensure safety and optimal flavor. Enjoy!

How long can you freeze oysters and clams?

Freezing oysters and clams allows you to keep your shellfish fresh for at least three months. Alternatively, some choose to vacuum seal the shellfish in their liquor—just remember to wash the meat thoroughly after thawing if you do this.