Grilled Lobster
Jamaican culture is rich in flavors, spices and a love for seafood – especially lobsters. The beauty of Jamaican grilled lobster recipe is in the simplicity of the ingredients and the cooking method that allows the natural flavors of the lobster to shine through.
Lobster has been a staple in Jamaican cuisine for centuries, often enjoyed as a luxurious dish on special occasions or as a daily catch for fishermen. Jamaican lobsters, also known as Caribbean spiny lobsters, are a delicacy that can be found all across the island.
The Jamaican grilled lobster recipe takes inspiration from the island’s jerk seasoning and the love for grilling. The jerk seasoning is a combination of spices such as allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, thyme, and scotch bonnet peppers that is commonly used on grilled meats in Jamaica. This recipe uses a homemade jerk seasoning to add a unique and flavorful twist to the lobster dish.
The star of this dish is the lobster, which is grilled to perfection and served with a tangy lime and herb butter sauce. The recipe is best enjoyed with a side of grilled corn on the cob or a fresh salad.
To prepare this dish, one would first need to acquire two lobsters or more depending on the number of people being served. The lobsters should be live, as it is essential that they are freshly caught and prepared before cooking. The lobsters are typically split in half before being grilled, ensuring that they cook evenly and enhance the texture and flavor.
The homemade jerk seasoning is then prepared by blending all the spice ingredients together in a food processor. Once mixed, the jerk seasoning is generously rubbed onto the lobster flesh, allowing the flavors to penetrate and fully coat the meat. The lobsters are then left to marinate for at least an hour to absorb the flavors.
Grilling is the preferred cooking method for the Jamaican grilled lobster dish. The lobsters are placed on the barbecue grill, flesh side down for about four to six minutes. They should then be turned over and cooked for an additional three to four minutes on the shell side.
While the lobsters are being grilled, the lime and herb butter sauce is prepared. This sauce is not only used to add a fresh punch of flavor to the lobster but also serves as a perfect accompaniment to the grilled corn and salad.
The lime and herb butter sauce is made from a mixture of butter, chopped herbs such as parsley, and lime juice that is whipped together to create a creamy and tangy sauce. The sauce is then poured over the grilled lobster, which is decorated with a wedge of lime on the side.
Overall, the Jamaican grilled lobster recipe is a perfect dish for seafood lovers looking for a unique and flavorful twist on the classic lobster meal. Whether you are looking for an elegant dish for a dinner party or a flavorful meal for a family barbecue, the Jamaican grilled lobster recipe is a perfect choice that is sure to please.
Ingredients:
- 2 whole lobsters, split in half
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, garlic, thyme, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Brush the lobster halves with the spice mixture, making sure to coat both the meat and the shell.
- Place the lobster halves on the grill, meat side down. Grill for 3-4 minutes, until the meat is lightly charred and starting to turn opaque.
- Turn the lobster halves over, shell side down. Grill for an additional 3-4 minutes, until the shell is lightly charred and the meat is cooked through.
- Remove the lobster halves from the grill and transfer to a serving platter. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or cilantro, if desired.
- Serve immediately, with additional lime wedges and melted butter on the side if desired. Enjoy your Jamaican grilled lobster!