Are you looking for a delicious and healthy seafood option that won’t break the bank?
Look no further than surimi lobster!
Made from white fish and flavored to taste like crab, shrimp, scallops, and lobster, surimi lobster is a budget-friendly alternative to the real thing.
Not only is it low in calories and fat, but it’s also packed with protein, omega-3s, and other important nutrients.
But how do you cook it?
In this article, we’ll explore the best way to prepare surimi lobster tails for a soft and crispy texture that will have your taste buds singing.
So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
How To Cook Surimi Lobster?
The best way to cook surimi lobster tails is to bake them in the oven.
First, preheat your oven to 375°F.
Next, place the surimi lobster tails on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Brush the tails with melted butter to give them a soft texture on the inside and a crispy exterior.
Bake the surimi lobster tails for 10-12 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Serve with your favorite dipping sauce or alongside a side of rice and vegetables for a complete meal.
Understanding Surimi Lobster
Surimi lobster is a type of imitation lobster made from a combination of real lobster meat and Wild Alaska Pollock. The main ingredient in surimi lobster is a Japanese seafood paste called Surimi, which is made by grinding and salting leftover fish to preserve extra catch. Surimi lobster is a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to real lobster that can be enjoyed all year round in various recipes.
Surimi lobster is made by flavoring, shaping, and coloring the Surimi paste to resemble real lobster. The paste is typically made with Wild Alaska Pollock and can also be flavored to mimic other seafood such as crab, shrimp, and scallops. Surimi lobster is low-fat and a great source of protein, making it a healthy option for seafood lovers.
To cook surimi lobster tails, preheat your oven to 375°F and place the tails on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tails with melted butter to give them a soft texture on the inside and a crispy exterior. Bake the surimi lobster tails for 10-12 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce or alongside a side of rice and vegetables for a complete meal.
Choosing The Right Surimi Lobster Tails
When choosing surimi lobster tails, it is important to pay attention to the packaging and labeling. Look for surimi that is made from high-quality white fish, such as Alaska pollock, and is flavored with crab, shrimp, scallops, or lobster.
Check the ingredient list to ensure that the surimi does not contain any harmful additives or preservatives. It should be free of artificial colors and flavors as well.
Consider the size of the surimi lobster tails. Choose tails that are a suitable size for your recipe and serving size.
Lastly, always check the expiration date and storage instructions on the package. Surimi should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed before the expiration date for optimal freshness and flavor.
By following these tips, you can ensure that you are choosing the best quality surimi lobster tails for your cooking needs.
Preparing Surimi Lobster Tails For Cooking
Before cooking surimi lobster tails, it is important to ensure that they are fully thawed. This can be done by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or by placing them in a bowl of cold water for approximately 30 minutes.
Once the surimi lobster tails are thawed, they should be patted dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
To butterfly the tails, use a pair of sharp kitchen scissors to cut down the middle of the top shell, being careful not to cut through the meat. Then, slide your finger under the shell to gently separate the lobster meat from the shell. Once the meat is separated from the shell, pull it through the slit you cut and rest it on top. If needed, devein the lobster tail at this time.
After butterflying the surimi lobster tails, they can be seasoned with salt and pepper or any other desired seasoning. Then, brush them with melted butter to give them a soft texture on the inside and a crispy exterior.
Finally, place the surimi lobster tails on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Serve immediately with your preferred dipping sauce or alongside a side of rice and vegetables for a complete meal.
How To Cook Surimi Lobster Tails (Methods And Techniques)
Surimi lobster tails are a healthy and low-calorie seafood option that can be cooked using different methods. Here are some techniques that you can try to cook surimi lobster tails:
1. Boiling: To boil surimi lobster tails, first, completely thaw the lobster tail in the refrigerator. In a large kettle, bring enough water to a boil to cover the lobster tails. Add 1 tbsp. salt, if desired, for each quart of water. Place the thawed tails in boiling water. When the water returns to a boil, reduce heat and simmer (do not boil), covered, for 5 minutes for a 4 oz. tail. Add 1 minute for each additional ounce. Remove from pot and plunge into an ice bath to stop the cooking; drain.
2. Broiling or Baking: To broil or bake surimi lobster tails, cut the lobster tail lengthwise through the center of the hard top shell with kitchen scissors, being careful not to cut through the meat. Spread open and place on a broiler pan. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with salt. Broil 4-6 inches from heat or bake in a preheated 350°F oven until meat is firm (10-15 minutes, depending on size).
3. Air Frying: To air fry surimi lobster tails, first butterfly them using sharp kitchen scissors and your hands. Then, place them in your air fryer and spread some garlic butter over them. Close your air fryer and cook for 4 minutes at 380°F. After 4 minutes, open the air fryer basket and spread some more butter on top, and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
4. Searing: To sear surimi lobster tails, heat butter and oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Add the lobster tails and cook until golden brown on both sides (2-3 minutes per side). Add garlic and lemon juice to the skillet and stir until fragrant.
No matter which method you choose to cook surimi lobster tails, they are sure to be a delicious and nutritious meal that you can enjoy any time of the year!
Serving And Enjoying Surimi Lobster Tails
Surimi lobster tails make for a delicious and affordable seafood option that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Here are some tips on how to serve and enjoy surimi lobster tails:
1. As a snack: Surimi lobster tails can be enjoyed straight from the package with a side of cocktail sauce or your favorite dipping sauce. They make for a great low-calorie and protein-packed snack.
2. In salads: Add chopped surimi lobster tails to your favorite salad for an extra protein boost. They pair well with greens, avocado, and citrus fruits.
3. In pasta dishes: Surimi lobster tails can be added to pasta dishes for a seafood twist. Try them in a creamy alfredo sauce or a spicy arrabbiata sauce.
4. In sushi rolls: Surimi lobster tails are a great substitute for crab in homemade sushi rolls. Pair them with avocado, cucumber, and spicy mayo for a delicious roll.
5. As a main dish: Serve surimi lobster tails as the main dish alongside rice and vegetables for a complete meal. They can be baked or grilled and seasoned with your favorite herbs and spices.
