The Florida Keys are famous for their fresh seafood, and at the heart of this culinary tradition is the delectable spiny lobster. Unlike its northern cousin, the spiny lobster lacks claws but makes up for it with its sweet, succulent tail meat. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a seafood lover experimenting in the kitchen, these top five recipes featuring spiny lobster from the Florida Keys are sure to impress.
1. Grilled Spiny Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter
A simple yet elegant dish, grilled spiny lobster tails bring out the natural sweetness of the meat while adding a smoky flavor.
Ingredients:
- 4 spiny lobster tails
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Split the lobster tails lengthwise and brush the meat with a mixture of melted butter, garlic, and lemon juice.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Place the tails flesh side down on the grill for 5 minutes, then flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes until the meat is opaque.
- Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Pro Tip: Pair this dish with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or an ice-cold beer.
2. Spiny Lobster Pasta in Creamy Tomato Sauce
This luxurious pasta dish combines the richness of spiny lobster with a creamy tomato sauce, making it a crowd-pleaser for special occasions.
Ingredients:
- 2 spiny lobster tails, cooked and chopped
- 12 oz pasta (linguine or fettuccine)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté the shallot and garlic until fragrant.
- Add crushed tomatoes and red pepper flakes, simmering for 10 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and cooked lobster meat, cooking until heated through.
- Toss with the cooked pasta and garnish with fresh basil.
3. Key Lime Lobster Ceviche
For a light, refreshing dish, try a Key lime lobster ceviche. This no-cook recipe is perfect for warm Florida evenings.
Ingredients:
- 1 spiny lobster tail, cooked and diced
- 3 Key limes, juiced
- 1 small red onion, finely diced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
- 1 small tomato, diced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
- Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled with tortilla chips or on a bed of lettuce.
Pro Tip: Add diced avocado for extra creaminess.
4. Spiny Lobster and Mango Tacos
Bring a tropical twist to taco night with this vibrant and flavorful recipe.
Ingredients:
- 2 spiny lobster tails, cooked and chopped
- 1 cup fresh mango, diced
- ½ cup red cabbage, shredded
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 8 small tortillas
- Lime wedges for serving
For the sauce:
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
Instructions:
- Warm the tortillas in a pan or oven.
- Mix sour cream, lime juice, and hot sauce for the dressing.
- Assemble the tacos with lobster, mango, red cabbage, and avocado slices.
- Drizzle with the sauce and serve with lime wedges.
5. Lobster Bisque
No seafood repertoire is complete without a creamy lobster bisque. This classic recipe elevates the natural flavors of spiny lobster into a comforting bowl of goodness.
Ingredients:
- 2 spiny lobster tails, cooked and chopped
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 cups seafood stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chives for garnish
Instructions:
- Melt butter in a large pot and sauté onion, carrot, and celery until softened.
- Add tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes.
- Pour in seafood stock and bring to a simmer. Cook for 15 minutes.
- Blend the mixture until smooth using an immersion blender.
- Return to the pot and stir in cream, paprika, and lobster meat.
- Simmer for 5 minutes and season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with chives before serving.
Tips for Working with Spiny Lobster
- Freshness is Key: Always choose fresh lobster for the best flavor. If you're purchasing from Key Largo Fisheries, you're guaranteed top-quality seafood.
- Cooking Time: Spiny lobster cooks quickly, so be careful not to overcook, as this can make the meat tough.
- Flavor Pairings: Citrus, garlic, butter, and tropical fruits like mango and pineapple complement the sweetness of spiny lobster.