Lobster—a delicacy savored by many, but often reserved for high-end restaurants or special occasions. What if we told you that you could prepare and enjoy delicious lobster claw recipes in the comfort of your own home? What’s more, you can source fantastic one-pound lobster claws from none other than your neighborhood Costco.
We have two simple and quick lobster claw recipes for you to try—deep-fried lobster claws and lobster claw cakes. Not only are these recipes delicious, but they also allow you to bring a touch of gourmet cooking to your home kitchen. Let’s dive right in.
Table of Contents
Deep-Fried Lobster Claws
Transform your lobster claws into a crispy, flavorful delicacy with this easy-to-follow recipe. This dish serves 3 to 4 people and makes a great starter or main course.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 pounds washed and halved lobster claw
- 1/2 tsp. paprika
- 1/2 tsp. onion powder
- 1/2 tsp. ground cayenne powder
- 4 cups vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper
Procedure
- Start by cleaning your lobster claws carefully. Cut them in half, removing the shell but leaving it in place. It’s important to always wash the claws before cutting.
- Next, place all ingredients (except the vegetable oil) in a plastic bag, and shake thoroughly to ensure an even mix.
- Preheat a deep skillet or fryer to 360 °F, and pour the vegetable oil into the pan. Allow the oil to heat for about 5 to 10 minutes.
- While the oil is heating, place a piece of lobster claw in the plastic bag and shake it vigorously to coat it with the mixture.
- Transfer the coated claw to the skillet, and repeat the process with the remaining pieces. Remember, don’t overcrowd the skillet—give each piece of lobster claw room to cook.
- Once each piece turns light brown, flip it over and cook the other side.
- Remove the cooked pieces using a slotted spoon, and drain them on a platter lined with paper towels.
- Serve hot, preferably with a vegetable side dish.
Lobster Claw Cakes
Fancy something a little different? These lobster claw cakes are a delightful twist on the traditional crab cake.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds washed and halved lobster claw with meat scraped off
- 1/2 tsp. paprika
- 1/2 tsp. minced rosemary
- 1/2 tsp. chopped parsley
- 1/2 tsp. minced thyme
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- Salt and pepper
Procedure
- Combine all ingredients except the melted butter in a large mixing bowl.
- Spoon the mixture into small, oven-safe containers lined with melted butter.
- Preheat the oven to 375 ℉ and position the containers in the center of the rack.
- Lower the temperature to 350°F and bake for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Allow the cakes to cool for a few minutes after cooking before serving.
- Optional: If you prefer, you can broil the cakes and top them with extra melted butter before serving.
Insider Cooking Tips for Lobster Claws
When cooking with lobster claws, it’s not just about the recipe. The quality of your ingredients and your cooking technique can have a significant impact on the final dish. Here are some key tips to bear in mind:
- Always ensure your supplier is reputable and the lobster claws have not been treated with sodium tripolyphosphate or trisodium phosphate. While these substances are safe in small amounts, they can affect kidney function when consumed in large quantities. Be cautious of preserved lobster claws with high levels of these chemicals. When in doubt, buy from a trusted retailer like Costco.
- Exercise care when removing cooked lobster claws from the pot. They can be hotter than anticipated, so use tongs or heat-protective gloves.
- Cooking with lobster claws isn’t just a treat for your tastebuds; it’s also a boost for your health. Lobster is rich in essential minerals like phosphorus and magnesium.
- You can add an eco-friendly touch to your cooking by using the water from boiling your lobster claws to make a vegetable soup. Just ensure the lobster claws are thoroughly cleaned to remove any dirt or foreign particles.
- Before cooking, defrost the lobster claws completely and give them a good wash. Cooking the claws while still frozen may lead to tough meat.
- For a healthier option, you can prepare lobster claws without oil by boiling, steaming, broiling, or grilling them. Remember, non-vegetable oils and butter are high in saturated fats, which can raise your risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Pair your lobster claw dishes with complimentary sides like fresh salad, potato salad, pasta salad, corn, rice, steamed mussels, steamed clams, clam chowder, mashed potatoes, spaghetti, or toasted bread for a complete meal.
- After cooking, allow the lobster claws to cool before cracking them open. A lobster or nutcracker can be a handy tool for this process.
- Don’t overcrowd your cooking pot. If you’re cooking multiple lobster claws, either use a larger pot or cook them one at a time.
In the end, it’s about enjoying the process and the meal. So, don your chef’s hat and transform your kitchen into your own personal seafood restaurant.