Experience the flavors of Australia with this Grilled Balmain Bugs recipe, featuring succulent crustaceans cooked to perfection with a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce. Balmain Bugs, named after the iconic Sydney suburb of Balmain, are a prized seafood delicacy found along Australia's coastline. This recipe highlights their sweet, tender meat and pairs it with a rich, aromatic butter sauce for an unforgettable taste of Australian cuisine.
Balmain Bugs, also known as Balmain bugs or simply bugs, are a type of spiny lobster native to the coastal waters of Australia. They are named after the suburb of Balmain in Sydney, where they have been a local delicacy for decades. Known for their sweet and delicate flavor, Balmain Bugs are often enjoyed in various culinary preparations, from simple grilling to sophisticated dishes. This recipe showcases their natural sweetness and highlights their importance in Australian seafood cuisine.
Ingredients:
- 4 Balmain Bugs, cleaned and halved
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for garnish
Instructions:
1-Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2-In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
3-Stir in the lemon juice and chopped parsley into the garlic butter sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove the saucepan from heat and set aside.
4-Place the halved Balmain Bugs on the preheated grill, shell side down. Grill for about 3-4 minutes, until the shells turn opaque and the meat is cooked through.
5-Carefully flip the Bugs over, meat side down, and brush the garlic butter sauce generously over the exposed meat. Grill for an additional 2-3 minutes, basting with the sauce occasionally, until the meat is lightly golden and flavorful.
6-Remove the Balmain Bugs from the grill and arrange them on a serving platter.
7-Drizzle any remaining garlic butter sauce over the grilled Bugs and sprinkle with additional chopped parsley for a burst of freshness.
8-Serve immediately, accompanied by lemon wedges for an extra citrusy kick.
This grilled Balmain Bugs recipe is a simple yet elegant way to showcase the natural sweetness of the Bugs while complementing them with the rich flavors of garlic and butter. Enjoy this dish as a standalone delight or pair it with your favorite side dishes for a complete seafood feast.
Nutritional Values
The nutritional values for the ingredients listed in the Grilled Balmain Bugs with Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce recipe are approximate and can vary based on specific brands and preparation methods. Here's a general breakdown:
Balmain Bugs (4, cleaned and halved):
- Calories: Approximately 100 calories
- Protein: Approximately 20 grams
- Fat: Approximately 1 gram
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 0 grams
- Fiber: Approximately 0 grams
- Other nutrients: Balmain Bugs are a good source of selenium, zinc, and Vitamin B12.
benefits: Excellent source of lean protein, low in fat, and rich in minerals such as selenium, zinc, and Vitamin B12.
Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup):
- Calories: Approximately 814 calories
- Protein: Approximately 1 gram
- Fat: Approximately 92 grams
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 0 grams
- Other nutrients: Butter is a good source of saturated fat and contains small amounts of vitamins A and D.
benefits: Provides a rich and creamy texture to the dish; a source of saturated fats, which, when consumed in moderation, can contribute to overall energy and satiety.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced):
- Calories: Approximately 16 calories
- Protein: Approximately 1 gram
- Fat: Approximately 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 4 grams
- Other nutrients: Garlic is known for its potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
benefits: Known for its potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties; may support cardiovascular health and boost the immune system.
Lemon Juice (Juice of 1 lemon):
- Calories: Approximately 4 calories
- Protein: Approximately 0 grams
- Fat: Approximately 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 1 gram
- Other nutrients: Lemon juice is an excellent source of Vitamin C and contains small amounts of potassium.
benefits: Excellent source of Vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports immune function; adds a bright and citrusy flavor to the dish.
Chopped Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons):
- Calories: Approximately 2 calories
- Protein: Approximately 0 grams
- Fat: Approximately 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 0 grams
- Other nutrients: Parsley is rich in Vitamin K, Vitamin C, and antioxidants.
benefits: Rich in Vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting and bone health; a good source of Vitamin C and antioxidants.
Salt and Black Pepper (to taste):
- Nutritional values for salt and black pepper can vary based on individual preferences. It's recommended to use these in moderation.
benefits: Enhances the flavor of the dish; while excessive salt intake should be moderated, a balanced amount is essential for electrolyte balance and flavor enhancement.
Lemon Wedges (for garnish):
- Calories: Approximately 2 calories (per wedge)
- Protein: Approximately 0 grams
- Fat: Approximately 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 1 gram
- Other nutrients: Lemon wedges add a burst of citrus flavor and provide Vitamin C.
benefits: Adds a refreshing burst of citrus flavor; excellent source of Vitamin C, which supports skin health and immune function.
Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as specific product brands and portion sizes. Additionally, the nutritional content of the recipe may be affected by the cooking method used.
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