French Fried Lobster

French Fried Lobster with Coconut and Lime Juice Recipe from Bahamas and France

Region / culture: Bahamas, France, The Bahamas | Preparation time: 2 hours | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

French Fried Lobster is a delicious and indulgent dish that combines the delicate flavor of lobster with a crispy, golden crust. This recipe is perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress your guests with a gourmet meal.

History

French Fried Lobster is a classic dish that has been enjoyed for generations. The combination of tender lobster meat and crunchy coating has made it a favorite among seafood lovers around the world.

Ingredients

6 whole lobster tails
2 eggs
1 cup milk
4 oz (113 g) butter
cracker meal
salt and pepper
lime juice (from 6 limes)
2 cups evaporated milk
1 tbsp grated coconut

How to prepare

Break the shells on the back of the tails. Remove the meat from the tail. Cut lengthwise on the undersides and remove the vein. Wash in cold water.
Beat with a dull knife until tender. Place on a baking sheet lined with foil and season thoroughly. Sprinkle with lime juice.
Leave to stand for 2 hours. Crush crackers. Beat eggs and milk together. Dip lobster tails in the egg mixture and roll in cracker crumbs.
Fry in deep fat until golden brown. Place lobster tails on a baking sheet and baste with a butter-lime mixture.
Bake at 200°F (93°C) for 45 minutes.
Serve immediately.

Variations

Try adding a sprinkle of grated coconut to the breading mixture for a tropical twist on this classic dish.
Substitute the cracker meal with panko breadcrumbs for a lighter and crispier coating.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika to the seasoning mixture for a spicy kick.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to remove the vein from the lobster tails before cooking to ensure a clean and flavorful dish.

- Be sure to season the lobster tails generously before breading to enhance the flavor of the dish.

- Fry the lobster tails in hot oil to achieve a crispy and golden crust.

- Baste the lobster tails with a butter-lime mixture before baking to add a rich and tangy flavor to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

French Fried Lobster is best served hot and crispy, with a side of lemon wedges and a fresh green salad. It pairs well with a glass of chilled white wine or champagne.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to fry the lobster tails in hot oil to achieve a crispy and golden crust.

- Baste the lobster tails with a butter-lime mixture before baking to add flavor and moisture to the dish.

- Bake the lobster tails at a low temperature to ensure that they are cooked through without becoming tough or rubbery.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have lobster tails, you can use shrimp or scallops as a substitute.

- Substitute the evaporated milk with regular milk or cream for a richer breading mixture.

- Use breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes instead of cracker meal for a different texture.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the lobster tails up to the breading stage ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to fry.

- Store any leftover breading mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the French Fried Lobster on a bed of lettuce or arugula for a beautiful and elegant presentation. - Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for a pop of color and flavor. - Serve the lobster tails with a side of homemade tartar sauce or aioli for dipping.

Pairing Recommendations

French Fried Lobster pairs well with a crisp and refreshing white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.

- Serve with a side of garlic mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover French Fried Lobster in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- To reheat, place the lobster tails on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

French Fried Lobster is a high-calorie dish, with each serving containing approximately 400 calories. It is a rich and indulgent meal that is best enjoyed in moderation.

Carbohydrates

French Fried Lobster contains a small amount of carbohydrates, primarily from the cracker meal used in the breading. Each serving contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

French Fried Lobster is a rich and indulgent dish that contains a significant amount of fats. Each serving contains approximately 20 grams of fat, primarily from the butter used in the basting and baking process.

Proteins

French Fried Lobster is a protein-rich dish, with each serving containing approximately 30 grams of protein from the lobster meat and eggs used in the breading.

Vitamins and minerals

French Fried Lobster is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, zinc, and selenium from the lobster meat. It also contains calcium and vitamin D from the milk used in the breading.

Alergens

French Fried Lobster contains shellfish, eggs, milk, and wheat (from the cracker meal), which may be allergens for some individuals. It is important to check for any food allergies before preparing or consuming this dish.

Summary

French Fried Lobster is a delicious and indulgent dish that is high in protein and fats. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals, but should be enjoyed in moderation due to its high calorie content.

Summary

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of wonder. French Fried Lobster. The name alone sounded so decadent and delicious, I couldn't wait to learn how to make it. It was a hot summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Marie in the French countryside. Marie was an incredible cook, and she had promised to teach me one of her favorite recipes. As we sat in her cozy kitchen, surrounded by the sweet smell of fresh herbs and spices, she began to share the secrets of her famous dish.

"First, we must select the freshest lobster we can find," Marie explained, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "The key to a perfect French Fried Lobster is in the quality of the ingredients. We want the meat to be tender and sweet, not tough or fishy." We ventured out to the local market, where we carefully selected a large, plump lobster from the tank. Its shiny shell glistened in the sunlight, and I knew we had found the perfect one.

Back at Marie's kitchen, we began the process of preparing the lobster. With a quick and practiced hand, Marie expertly removed the meat from the shell, being careful to preserve the delicate texture. She then marinated the lobster in a mixture of herbs, garlic, and lemon juice, allowing the flavors to meld together and infuse the meat with a rich, savory essence.

As the lobster marinated, Marie moved on to the next step - the breading. She showed me how to create a light and airy coating for the lobster, using a combination of flour, breadcrumbs, and spices. With a gentle touch, she coated each piece of lobster in the mixture, ensuring that it was evenly covered and ready for frying.

The next step was the most exciting - the frying. Marie heated a large pot of oil on the stove, the golden liquid shimmering and sizzling in anticipation. Carefully, she placed each piece of breaded lobster into the hot oil, the fragrant scent of cooking seafood filling the kitchen. The lobster turned a beautiful golden brown, the coating crisp and crunchy, the meat inside tender and succulent.

Once the lobster was cooked to perfection, Marie removed it from the oil and placed it on a plate, garnishing it with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice. The dish looked absolutely stunning, like a work of art on a plate. I couldn't wait to taste it.

As we sat down to eat, the first bite of French Fried Lobster was a revelation. The crisp, flavorful coating gave way to the delicate sweetness of the lobster meat, a perfect harmony of textures and flavors. I savored every bite, feeling grateful for the opportunity to learn from such a talented chef.

That day with Marie was one I would never forget. Not only did I learn how to make a delicious and decadent dish, but I also gained a deeper appreciation for the art of cooking and the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones. I carried the recipe for French Fried Lobster with me, a treasured memory of a day filled with laughter, friendship, and culinary delight.

Over the years, I have made French Fried Lobster for many special occasions, each time remembering that sunny day in Marie's kitchen and the magic of learning something new. It has become a favorite among my family and friends, a dish that never fails to impress and delight. And every time I make it, I think of my dear friend and the joy she brought into my life through her love of cooking and sharing her knowledge with others.

So, if you ever find yourself craving a taste of something truly special, I encourage you to try your hand at making French Fried Lobster. It may seem daunting at first, but with a little patience and practice, you too can create a masterpiece that will be remembered and cherished for years to come. And who knows, maybe one day you'll be the one sharing this recipe with someone special, passing on the magic and joy of cooking to the next generation. Bon appétit!