Imagine a culinary journey that transports you straight to the crystal-clear waters of the Bahamas with just one bite! This Bahamian Lobster Buena Vista isn't just a recipe - it's a tropical escape on a plate that will make your taste buds dance with excitement. Prepare to unlock the secrets of a seafood masterpiece that combines the freshest lobster with a zesty garlic-lime butter sauce that'll have your dinner guests begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Bahamian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 whole lobsters
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the lobsters by carefully splitting them in half lengthwise using a sharp chef's knife. Clean out the digestive tract and remove the gills.
- Pat the lobster halves dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning and seasoning adherence.
- Season the lobster meat generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both the meat and shell sides.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Remove butter from heat and stir in fresh lime juice and chopped parsley, creating a vibrant citrus-herb sauce.
- Preheat a large cast-iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat until very hot.
- Place lobster halves shell-side down first, cooking for approximately 4-5 minutes to develop a beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Carefully flip lobster halves and brush generously with the prepared garlic-lime butter sauce.
- Cook meat-side down for an additional 3-4 minutes, basting frequently with the sauce.
- Check that lobster meat is opaque and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Remove from heat and transfer to a serving platter, drizzling any remaining garlic-lime butter over the lobster.
- Garnish with additional fresh parsley and serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Lobsters: Select live lobsters from a reputable seafood market for the best flavor and texture.
- Knife Skills Matter: Use a sharp chef's knife when splitting lobsters to ensure clean, precise cuts.
- Temperature is Key: Ensure your skillet or grill pan is very hot before cooking to achieve that beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Don't Overcook: Lobster meat cooks quickly. Watch for the opaque color and internal temperature of 145°F to prevent toughness.
- Basting is Essential: Frequently brush the lobster with the garlic-lime butter sauce to keep the meat moist and infuse maximum flavor.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed hot, straight from the pan, to preserve its delicate texture and vibrant flavors.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh parsley and lime wedges aren't just decoration - they add a bright, fresh finish to the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 180mg
