Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients:
For the Lobster Bites:
- 1 lb lobster tails, meat removed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Saffron Mash:
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 tsp saffron threads
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Saffron Mash
- Boil the Potatoes: Begin by peeling and chopping the potatoes into equal-sized chunks to ensure even cooking. Place them in a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Allow the potatoes to cook for about 15-20 minutes or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Heat the Cream and Infuse with Saffron: While the potatoes are boiling, warm the heavy cream in a small saucepan over low heat. Once warmed, add the saffron threads to the cream and allow it to steep for about 5 minutes. This will give the cream a golden hue and a delicate saffron flavor.
- Mash the Potatoes: After the potatoes are fully cooked, drain them and return them to the pot. Add the unsalted butter to the potatoes, and begin mashing them with a potato masher or ricer. Slowly pour in the saffron-infused cream while continuing to mash until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Season the mash generously with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 2: Cook the Lobster Bites
- Melt the Butter: In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can turn bitter.
- Add the Lobster Bites: Add the bite-sized lobster pieces to the skillet, making sure they are spread evenly across the pan. Cook the lobster bites for 3-4 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they become opaque and are fully cooked through. Lobster cooks quickly, so be mindful not to overcook them to avoid a rubbery texture.
- Season the Lobster: Once the lobster bites are cooked, stir in the lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper. This combination of seasonings will enhance the natural sweetness of the lobster and give it a slightly smoky, tangy flavor. Toss the lobster gently in the butter sauce to ensure each piece is well-coated.
Step 3: Serve
- Plate the Dish: To serve, spoon a generous portion of the saffron mash onto each plate, creating a soft bed for the lobster bites. Carefully arrange the garlic butter lobster bites over the saffron mash, allowing the rich, buttery sauce to drizzle down into the potatoes.
- Garnish and Final Touches: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the lobster bites for a touch of color and freshness. You can also serve the dish with a wedge of lemon on the side for those who want an extra burst of citrus.
Notes
Cooking Note:
- When cooking lobster, it’s crucial to keep an eye on the timing to avoid overcooking. Lobster meat should turn opaque and be firm to the touch but not tough. Overcooking lobster can result in a rubbery texture, which detracts from the overall enjoyment of the dish.
- If you don’t have saffron on hand, you can replace it with a small pinch of turmeric for color, though the flavor will be different.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sodium: 420mg
- Protein: 30g