Chef's Masterclass: Whole Lobster with Curried Mustard Green and Poached Squash
If you're looking for a showstopping lobster recipe, look no further than our Whole Lobster with Curried Mustard Greens and Poached Squash. A blend of flavors and textures, this dish pairs the succulent sweetness of Maine lobster with a vibrant curried mustard green sauce and the delicate notes of poached squash, making it a culinary masterpiece.
This lobster recipe has become a fan favorite for both our clients and home cooks alike. Join us as we dive into each ingredient, step-by-step, and offer pro tips on breaking down lobster, perfecting the cook, and adding your own touch to this elegant dish. Be sure to check out our lobster cooking tutorial on YouTube to follow along!
The Ingredients and Why They Matter
Maine Lobster
At the heart of this dish is the Maine lobster, prized for its sweet, tender meat. Lobster is a luxurious yet versatile ingredient that takes center stage in this recipe, and its rich flavor is beautifully complemented by the other ingredients. Whether you're a novice or an expert, learning how to cook lobster properly is key to bringing out the best in this dish. In our tutorial, we break down the lobster and share a few essential tips for keeping it intact and perfectly cooked.
Curried Mustard Greens
Mustard greens add a punch of bitterness, and when paired with red curry sauce, they offer a spicy contrast to the sweetness of the lobster. The curry base, made with ginger, garlic, shallots, and a touch of turmeric, infuses the greens with layers of complex flavors. The greens wilt down perfectly, making each bite an explosion of flavor.
Poached Squash
Spaghetti squash, cooked with turmeric and olive oil, provides an earthy, comforting texture that complements the richness of the lobster. The squash adds not only flavor but also a visual appeal, thanks to its golden color. Poaching the squash ensures it stays tender while keeping its natural sweetness intact.
Breaking Down the Lobster
Before diving into the cooking process, you’ll need to prepare the lobster. To make this easier, we recommend chilling the lobster in the freezer for about 5-10 minutes. This process knocks the lobster "unconscious," making it much easier to handle.
Once ready, use a sharp knife to cut through the lobster's head and separate the body. Remove the claws and keep the shell intact, as it will be used to make the stock for the lobster sauce. Be sure to retain the lobster's innards, as this "lobster essence" adds incredible depth to the flavor profile of the sauce.
Next, skewer the lobster tail to keep it straight during cooking. This step is especially crucial if you plan to serve the lobster whole. The tail should cook for about 4-5 minutes, ensuring the meat stays tender and releases easily from the shell.
Cooking the Lobster
To cook the lobster, follow this simple process:
Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the lobster. Cook for about 4 minutes.
Remove the lobster and place it in an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
Once cooled, crack the lobster shells gently, and remove the lobster meat intact.
For that extra layer of flavor, finish the lobster on the grill for a smoky, charred finish.
Preparing the Lobster Stock and Sauce Américaine
The lobster’s shells, along with vegetables like fennel, tomatoes, and garlic, come together to create a rich stock. After simmering for about two hours, strain the stock and set it aside.
The next step is to create the sauce Américaine, which is a French lobster-based sauce. In this version, we start by rendering crispy bacon for a smoky flavor, then sautéing shallots and garlic. We deglaze the pan with white wine and simmer the lobster stock and heavy cream together, creating a rich and velvety sauce.
Curried Mustard Greens and Poached Squash
While the lobster stock simmers, prepare the mustard greens. Sauté garlic, shallots, and ginger in oil, then add red curry paste to build a complex, aromatic base. Stir in the mustard greens and let them wilt in the sauce.
For the spaghetti squash, season it with olive oil, salt, and turmeric. Wrap it in foil and roast it until tender, then scoop out the flesh to create delicate strands that resemble spaghetti.
Bringing It All Together
Once the lobster, stock, and sauce are ready, it's time to plate the dish. Start with a base of poached squash, followed by a generous serving of lobster. Top with the curried mustard greens and finish with a drizzle of the rich lobster sauce.
This lobster recipe is truly a labor of love, combining complex techniques with exceptional ingredients for a dish that’s sure to impress. Whether you're cooking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a luxury meal at home, this dish is bound to be a crowd-pleaser.
For the full lobster cooking tutorial, complete with tips and tricks from the chef, check out our YouTube video. Learn how to cook lobster like a pro and elevate your next dinner party with this sophisticated yet approachable lobster dish.
Watch the full tutorial here and dive deeper into the art of lobster cooking with us!