Lobster Catalan-Style (Astice alla Catalana) Recipe
If youโre craving a refreshing and elegant seafood dish, Lobster Catalan-Style is a fantastic choice. This simple yet flavorful dish showcases the lobsterโs delicate sweetness combined with the fresh tang of lemon, olive oil, and a touch of vinegar, making it perfect for a light meal or a show-stopping appetizer. Served chilled and garnished with cherry tomatoes and red onion, itโs a celebration of the best that Mediterranean cuisine has to offer.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Lobster (live, if possible) | 2 kg |
| Cherry tomatoes | 250g |
| Red onions | 1 |
| Lemon juice | Half a lemon |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 150g |
| White wine vinegar | 1 tablespoon |
| Fine salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~250 |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Fat | 14g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 350mg |
Preparation Instructions
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Prepare the Lobster: If you have purchased a live lobster, start by securely tying the lobster’s claws with thick elastic bands to prevent any accidental pinches. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rapid boil. Once boiling, carefully submerge the lobster for a few minutes until its shell turns a bright red.
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Handling the Lobster: After the lobster is cooked, remove it from the pot and place it on a cutting board to cool slightly. For an even cleaner presentation, separate the lobsterโs head from its body. Using a seafood cracker or a nutcracker, gently break open the lobsterโs claws to extract the sweet meat. If you prefer a simpler method, you can also slice open the lobsterโs tail with a knife, making sure to keep the meat intact for easier removal.
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Slice the Lobster: Once the lobster is opened, slice the tender meat into thin, round slices. Use a lobster pick or a small fork to carefully extract the meat from the claws. You should have long, intact pieces of claw meat, perfect for garnishing your dish.
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Prepare the Vegetables: Thinly slice the red onion into rings. Then, slice the cherry tomatoes into halves or quarters, depending on your preference.
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Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the soft, flavorful lobster head meat (if youโre using a live lobster) with the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, white wine vinegar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir the mixture to form a smooth dressing.
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Assemble the Dish: On a serving platter, lay out the cherry tomato slices as a base. Arrange the lobster slices and claw meat on top of the tomatoes. Scatter the red onion rings over the lobster and tomatoes for a pop of color and crunch.
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Finish with Dressing: Pour the dressing made from the lobster’s head, lemon, and olive oil over the lobster, making sure it soaks into the fresh vegetables and seafood.
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Chill and Serve: For the best flavor, let the dish chill in the refrigerator for 15โ30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the dish to become wonderfully refreshing.
Tips for Success
- Fresh Lobster: If youโre able to find live lobster, it will provide the best texture and flavor for this dish. However, cooked lobster tails can also be used as a quicker alternative.
- Adjust Seasoning: The acidity of the lemon and vinegar balances the richness of the lobster, but feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste.
- Presentation: For a more dramatic presentation, serve the lobster salad in individual bowls or lobster shells.
This Lobster Catalan-Style recipe is an impressive yet simple dish that is perfect for dinner parties, holiday meals, or even a special family dinner. The combination of fresh ingredients and the luxurious lobster meat makes this dish a true Mediterranean delight!
