Are you looking for a truly impressive and delicious seafood dish that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This recipe for crab-stuffed lobster tails will elevate your dinner party or romantic night in to a culinary masterpiece. It's the perfect blend of sweet lobster meat and savory crab, creating a flavor explosion in every bite. This recipe offers a fantastic balance of quick preparation and impressive results, making it perfect for those busy weeknights or special occasions. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this easy yet elegant healthy meal.
Ingredients:
- 4 large lobster tails, thawed if frozen
- 1 cup lump crab meat, picked over for shells
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the lobster: Carefully cut the lobster tails lengthwise, leaving the shell intact. Remove the meat, leaving about a 1/4 inch attached to the shell. You might need kitchen shears to help with this step. Gently devein the lobster meat.
Make the crab stuffing: In a medium bowl, combine the crab meat, mayonnaise, bread crumbs, parsley, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until well combined. Don't overmix, as this can make the stuffing tough.
Stuff the lobster: Spoon the crab mixture evenly into the lobster tail shells.
Bake to perfection: Drizzle the melted butter over the stuffed lobster tails. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the lobster is cooked through and the stuffing is golden brown. You'll know it's done when the lobster meat is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Serve and enjoy: Carefully remove the baked lobster tails from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Garnish with extra parsley or a lemon wedge, if desired. These delicious dishes are best served immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Buy fresh: Using high-quality, fresh lobster tails will significantly enhance the flavor of your dish.
- Don't overstuff: Overstuffing the lobster tails can prevent them from cooking evenly.
- Watch the baking time: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on your lobster tails to avoid overcooking.
- Garnish creatively: Experiment with different garnishes, such as chives, dill, or a squeeze of lime.
Variations:
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the crab stuffing for a spicy twist.
- Cheese please: Incorporate some shredded Gruyère or Parmesan cheese into the stuffing for extra richness and flavor.
- Herby delight: Experiment with different herbs, such as thyme, oregano, or basil, to customize the flavor profile.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
This crab-stuffed lobster tail recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a delicious weeknight meal. The homemade cooking process is surprisingly simple, allowing you to create a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own kitchen. Enjoy the delicious results of this best recipe!