Are you a seafood lover looking for a new way to add some flavor to your dishes? Look no further than lobster paste!
This premium product, made from lobster tomalley and roe, is a staple in Atlantic Canada for its versatility and delicious taste. Whether you’re making chowder, soup, sandwiches, or dips, lobster paste is the perfect addition to take your dish to the next level.
In this article, we’ll explore how to use lobster paste in a mouth-watering recipe that will have your taste buds singing. So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
How To Use Lobster Paste?
Lobster paste is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes to add a rich and savory flavor. Here’s how to use it in a delicious lobster soup recipe:
Ingredients:
– 6 cans of lobster paste
– 2 lobsters
– 2 cloves of garlic
– 1 shallot
– 1 tablespoon of oil
– 1 tablespoon of dill
– 1 bay leaf
– 1 teaspoon of peppercorns
– 1 cup of white wine
– 4 cups of stock
– Salt to taste
– 2 stalks of celery
– 1 pinch of saffron
– 1/2 cup of cream
– 1 tablespoon of brandy
– Cayenne pepper to taste
– Endive and sprouts for garnish
Instructions:
1. Twist the lobster claws from the body or disconnect using a lobster cracker. Halve the lobster with a large sharp knife and carefully remove the meat from the body with scissors. Chop the lobster shells coarsely.
2. Peel the garlic and the shallot and chop coarsely. In a large pot heat the oil, the lobster shells, the garlic, and the shallot.
3. Sauté the dill, bay leaf, and peppercorns and let them take color for 5-10 minutes while stirring.
4. Deglaze with 1/3 of white wine, boil, and reduce. Add another 1/3 of the white wine and boil down again. Pour in the rest of the white wine and the stock and season with salt.
5. Let simmer for approximately 1 hour over medium heat.
6. Meanwhile, trim the celery, rinse, and cut into about 5 cm (approximately 2 inch) diagonal strips. Blanch in boiling salted water, rinse in cold water, and drain.
7. Strain the lobster stock through a fine sieve.
8. In a saucepan, melt the butter, sprinkle with flour, cook and pour in the stock. Add the saffron and let everything cook for 10-15 minutes.
9. Add the cream, lobster paste, brandy, and cayenne pepper, briefly boil, and season.
10. Place the lobster pieces in the broth and heat through.
11. Trim the endive, rinse, and cut into strips. Rinse and drain the sprouts.
12. Pour the soup into preheated soup bowls and garnish with celery strips, endive, and sprouts.
What Is Lobster Paste And How Is It Made?
Lobster paste, also known as tomalley or lobster pâté, is a soft, green substance found in the body cavity of lobsters that serves as both the liver and pancreas. It is considered a delicacy and is often used to add flavor and act as a thickening agent in sauces, chowders, soups, sandwiches, and dips. Lobster paste is made by combining premium lobster tomalley and roe. In some cases, it can also include lobster meat.
To make lobster paste, the tomalley and roe are extracted from the lobster’s body cavity and mixed together. The mixture can be eaten alone or added to other dishes. Some prefer to spread it on crackers or use it as a dip. Lobster paste can also be combined with other ingredients to make lobster pâté.
Imitation lobster is another alternative to real lobster that is made from a seafood paste called Surimi. This paste is typically made with Wild Alaska Pollock and then flavored, shaped, and colored to resemble lobster meat. It is a low-fat and affordable option that can be used in place of real lobster in many recipes.
Health Benefits Of Lobster Paste
Lobster paste is not only a delicious ingredient, but it also offers numerous health benefits. Lobster is a rich source of copper, selenium, zinc, phosphorus, vitamin B12, magnesium, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients have been shown to help reduce inflammation in the body and regulate cholesterol levels, which can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
In addition, lobster paste contains vitamins B and B12, which help keep the nervous system strong and increase brain function and efficiency. Choline, another nutrient found in lobster paste, increases neurotransmitter production, which can protect against neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
Lobster is also a low-calorie food that is high in lean protein. It contains complete essential amino acids in healthy proportions, making it an excellent source of protein. Eating seafood like lobster can decrease the risk of heart attack, stroke, obesity, and hypertension. It is also a good source of minerals such as phosphorus, iron, zinc, selenium, iodine, calcium, potassium, and magnesium.
How To Store Lobster Paste
If you have leftover lobster paste, it’s important to store it properly to ensure its freshness and flavor. One way to do this is to transfer the paste into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Alternatively, you can freeze the lobster paste by placing it in a freezer-safe container or bag and storing it in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready to use the frozen paste, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before adding it to your dish. Remember to always add salt to taste at the time of use, as salt is intentionally left out during the lobster stock preparation process. With these storage tips, you can enjoy the delicious flavor of lobster paste in your favorite recipes anytime!
Cooking With Lobster Paste: Tips And Tricks
Cooking with lobster paste can be a delicious and easy way to add a rich and savory flavor to your dishes. Here are some tips and tricks to make the most out of this versatile ingredient:
1. Use lobster paste as a base for soups and sauces. It adds depth and complexity to your dishes, and can be used in place of traditional seafood stock.
2. Lobster paste can also be used as a seasoning for meats, vegetables, and pasta dishes. Simply add a small amount to your recipe to enhance the flavor.
3. When using lobster paste in soups or sauces, be sure to dilute it with water or stock to prevent it from overpowering the dish.
4. Store lobster paste in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer for maximum freshness.
5. Experiment with different recipes and cooking techniques to find what works best for you. Whether you’re making a classic lobster bisque or trying something new, lobster paste can add a delicious twist to any dish.
Recipe: Lobster Paste Dip With Garlic Bread
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy way to use lobster paste, try making a lobster paste dip with garlic bread. This recipe is perfect for game day parties or any other occasion where you want to impress your guests with a tasty and unique appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cooked lobster meat
– 8 ounces light cream cheese, softened
– 2 shallots, minced
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon horseradish
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1 teaspoon sriracha
– Sourdough bread
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. In a bowl, combine the light cream cheese, minced shallots, minced garlic, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper, and sriracha. Mix well to combine.
3. Add the cooked lobster meat to the bowl and stir until the mixture is well combined.
4. Cut a circle into the top of the sourdough bread and remove the filling.
5. Spoon the lobster paste dip into the hollowed-out bread bowl.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes or until the dip is hot and bubbly.
7. While the dip is baking, slice the sourdough bread into thin slices and brush each slice with olive oil.
8. Sprinkle garlic powder on each slice of bread and bake in the oven for about 10 minutes or until crispy.
9. Serve the hot lobster paste dip with the garlic bread slices on the side for dipping.
This lobster paste dip with garlic bread is sure to be a hit at any party or gathering. The combination of savory lobster paste and crispy garlic bread is irresistible and will leave your guests wanting more.