Are you curious about trying something new and exotic for your next seafood dinner?
Look no further than the squat lobster!
Despite its name and appearance, this crustacean is not a true lobster, but it is just as delicious.
With its sweet, juicy tail and bite-sized claws, the squat lobster makes for a perfect starter or relaxed main course.
But how do you eat it?
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll explore the best ways to prepare and enjoy this tasty treat.
So grab a napkin and get ready to indulge in some delectable seafood.
How To Eat Squat Lobster?
First things first, you’ll need to cook your squat lobster.
There are many ways to do this, but one popular method is to boil them in salted water for about 5-7 minutes.
Once they’re cooked, you can chill them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
Now comes the fun part – eating!
Start by cracking open the claws and legs with a seafood cracker or nutcracker.
Inside, you’ll find small slivers of meat that are well worth the effort.
Next, twist off the tail and use a fork or your fingers to pull out the meat.
Squat lobster tails are sweeter than most other crustaceans, so savor every bite.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even break open the head and suck out the juices.
For a simple but tasty dinner party, serve your chilled squat lobsters with mayonnaise or other dips as an accompaniment.
They also make for an ideal tapas-style snack with drinks – just be sure to have a napkin and/or finger bowl nearby.
And there you have it – a delicious and unique seafood experience with the squat lobster.
So next time you’re looking for something new to try, give this little crustacean a chance. You won’t be disappointed!
What Is A Squat Lobster?
Squat lobsters are crustaceans that belong to the infraorder Anomura, which includes hermit crabs and mole crabs. Despite their name, they are not true lobsters, but are more closely related to crabs. They have a flattened body and a long tail that is curled beneath their cephalothorax.
Squat lobsters can be found worldwide in the oceans, from near the surface to deep sea hydrothermal vents. They come in a variety of colors and patterns, with over 900 species described in around 60 genera. Some species form dense aggregations on the sea floor or in the water column, while others occupy caves above sea level.
Their diet is highly variable, with some species feeding on small marine worms or crustaceans, while others scavenge on dead animals or feed on bacteria from hydrothermal vents. Squat lobsters have large, sharp claws that can grow to be twice as long as their bodies, which they use for defense and catching prey. Their long antennae help them locate surrounding objects and maintain individual distance from other squat lobsters.
While squat lobsters are not widely fished due to their small size, they can be used in seafood dishes and are sometimes used as feed stock for chicken and salmon farming or cheese processing. Their populations could be impacted by over-harvesting, a changing climate and ocean, and marine pollution. Currently, squat lobsters have a conservation status of “Least Concern.”
Where To Find Squat Lobster?
Squat lobsters are distributed globally in the oceans, except for very cold Arctic and Antarctic waters. They are found in two superfamilies, Galatheoidea and Chirostyloidea, which form part of the decapod infraorder Anomura. These creatures occur from near the surface to deep sea hydrothermal vents, with some species occupying caves above sea level.
In the United States, two species of squat lobster are found along California coasts. Species that are distributed from Alaska to Baja California may be found in one or more of the West Coast sanctuaries, including Olympic Coast, Cordell Bank, Greater Farallones, Monterey Bay, and Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuaries.
About 16 species of squat lobster have been found living near hydrothermal vents, adapted to living in one of the harshest environments in the ocean. They are believed to feed on the mats of chemosynthetic bacteria found at the vents.
When fishing for squat lobsters, they are usually found in large numbers and are usually found along the deep sea floor in canyons, seamounts, and hydrothermal vents. Juveniles sometimes visit the water column to prey upon blooms of plankton. While their populations are not widely fished, they can be used in seafood dishes, feed stock for chicken and salmon farming, and cheese processing.
Preparing Squat Lobster For Cooking
Before you can enjoy the delicious taste of squat lobster, you need to prepare it for cooking. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Rinse the squat lobster under cold running water to remove any debris or dirt.
2. If you’re using live squat lobster, you’ll need to kill them first. One humane way to do this is to place them in the freezer for about 30 minutes until they become lethargic and then quickly plunge them into boiling water.
3. Boil a large pot of salted water and drop the squat lobster in for about 5-7 minutes until they turn bright red.
4. Remove the squat lobster from the water and place them in a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
5. Once they’re cool, remove the meat from the claws and legs using a seafood cracker or nutcracker. Be sure to crack them gently so you don’t damage the meat inside.
6. Twist off the tail and use a fork or your fingers to pull out the sweet, succulent meat.
7. If you’re planning on making a bisque or soup with the shells, be sure to reserve them for later use.
Now that you know how to prepare and cook squat lobster, you can enjoy this unique and delicious crustacean in a variety of dishes. Bon appétit!
Cooking Squat Lobster: Best Methods
When it comes to cooking squat lobster, there are a few different methods you can try.
One popular option is to boil them in salted water for about 5-7 minutes. This method is quick and easy, and it allows the sweet flavor of the lobster meat to shine through.
Another option is to steam them. To do this, simply place the squat lobsters in a steamer basket over a pot of boiling water and cook for 5-7 minutes. This method is a bit gentler than boiling, which can help keep the meat tender and juicy.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try grilling or roasting your squat lobsters. To grill them, brush the lobsters with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Then, grill over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side until they’re cooked through. To roast them, place them on a baking sheet and roast in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes.
No matter which method you choose, be sure to handle the squat lobsters gently to avoid breaking the delicate shells. And remember, fresh is always best when it comes to seafood – so if you can find fresh squat lobsters at your local market or seafood shop, be sure to snap them up!
Pairing Squat Lobster With Wine
When it comes to pairing wine with squat lobster, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Like lobster, squat lobster has a delicate flavor that can easily be overwhelmed by heavy, full-bodied wines.
Instead, opt for lighter, more acidic wines that can complement the sweetness of the meat without overpowering it.
A dry Riesling is a great choice for pairing with squat lobster. This misunderstood grape is known for its great acidity and can range from sweet to very dry. A dry Riesling from Alsace in France or the Eden Valley in Australia is a great choice with squat lobster.
Another option is Sauvignon Blanc. Dry and crisp, Sauvignon Blanc is perfect for pairing with seafood dishes. Its lightness and acidity can bring out the sweetness of the squat lobster without overwhelming it.
If you prefer white Burgundy, choose one that has more acidity than a typical Chardonnay. A Puligny-Montrachet, a Chassagne-Montrachet or a Meursault would be great choices.
For those who prefer red wine, Pinot Noir can work well with grilled squat lobster. The toastiness of the wine can mirror the char of the grill, creating a unique flavor profile.
Ultimately, the key to pairing wine with squat lobster is to choose a wine that complements its delicate flavor without overpowering it. So go ahead and experiment with different wines to find your perfect pairing!