Crispy Lemon-Fried Whole Lobster - A Gourmet Seafood Delight
Nutritional value per serving
Calories450kcal
Carbs5gram
Fat25gram
Protein45gram
Ingredients
- Whole live lobster (about 1.5 lbs) - fresh and lively for best flavor1 piece
- All-purpose flour100 g
- Cornstarch (for extra crispiness)20 g
- Eggs (large)2 piece
- Salt1 tsp
- Black pepper0.5 tsp
- Lemon (large, juiced and sliced)1 piece
- Fresh parsley (chopped for garnish, optional)1 tbsp
- Vegetable oil (for deep frying)1 liter
This recipe guides you through frying a whole lobster to perfection, infused with fresh lemon for a zesty flavor. It's a beginner-friendly, delicious way to enjoy seafood at home. Total cost approx: $25 / €23 / £20 / ₹2000. Total calories per serving: about 450 kcal. Suitable for pescatarian diet. Difficulty: Easy. Total cooking time: 25 minutes. You'll get a crispy, flavorful lobster with minimal fuss!
Preparation instructions
Prepare Lobster for Frying
1Start by placing the live lobster in the freezer for 15 minutes to sedate it humanely, making handling easier and safer (always handle with care). Using kitchen shears, split the lobster in half lengthwise carefully. Remove the stomach sac and intestinal vein for cleanliness. Rinse under cold water and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. Dry lobster will fry crisply.
Prepare the Breading Station
2In one bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, beat the eggs lightly. This setup will give your lobster an ultra-crispy coating.
Heat the Oil
3In a deep heavy-bottomed pan, heat the vegetable oil to 180°C (350°F). Use a thermometer to monitor temperature. Heating oil to the correct temperature ensures crispy, not greasy, lobster.
Coat and Fry the Lobster
4Dip lobster halves in the egg mixture, then dredge in the flour mixture, coating evenly. Carefully lower lobster into the hot oil with tongs. Fry for about 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway, until shell is golden brown and lobster meat reaches an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F) to ensure safe cooking. Use a kitchen thermometer to check temperature near the thickest part of the meat.
Drain and Serve
5Remove fried lobster halves from oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Immediately squeeze fresh lemon juice over lobster and garnish with lemon slices and parsley. Serve hot for the best flavor and texture.
Cooking Tips
-Make sure lobster meat reaches 145°F (63°C) internally to prevent any risk of foodborne illness.
-Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards and utensils for seafood and other foods.
-Drying the lobster halves well before frying avoids oil splatter and helps crispiness.
-Use fresh lemon juice for a bright, zesty kick but avoid adding lemon before frying to prevent bitterness.
-You can substitute vegetable oil with peanut oil for a higher smoke point and enhanced flavor.
Equipment Needed
- Sharp kitchen shears or chef's knife
- Kitchen thermometer
- Deep frying pan or deep fryer
- Two medium bowls for breading
- Tongs
- Paper towels
- Serving plate
Shopping List
- [ ] Whole live lobster (~1.5 lbs) - Fresh and lively lobsters have better taste and texture.
- [ ] All-purpose flour (100 g) - Choose good quality flour for light coating.
- [ ] Cornstarch (20 g) - Check expiry for best results; aids crispiness.
- [ ] Eggs (2 large) - Large fresh eggs help the batter bind well.
- [ ] Salt and black pepper - Freshly ground black pepper boosts flavor.
- [ ] Lemon (1 large) - Pick firm lemons with fragrant, bright skin.
- [ ] Fresh parsley (optional) - Look for vibrant green leaves.
- [ ] Vegetable oil (1 liter) - Use oils with high smoke points, e.g., canola or peanut oil.
Estimated total cost: $25
FAQ
Can I use frozen lobster for this recipe?
Fresh lobsters are preferred for frying, but if using frozen, thaw completely and pat dry before frying. Note that texture may differ slightly.
How do I know when the lobster is fully cooked?
Use a kitchen thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches at least 63°C (145°F). Cook until the meat is opaque and firm.
What if I don't have a kitchen thermometer?
Cook lobster until the shell is bright red and meat is opaque and firm. Frying time of 6-8 minutes usually suffices for a 1.5 lb lobster half.
Is it necessary to split the lobster before frying?
Yes, splitting the lobster helps it cook evenly and allows the heat to penetrate easily.