Indulge in the exquisite flavors of the Caribbean with our Cayman Style Lobster recipe, a culinary journey that captures the essence of the Cayman Islands' rich gastronomic heritage. Bursting with vibrant spices and succulent seafood, this dish embodies the fusion of local ingredients and traditional cooking techniques, delivering a taste sensation that transports you to the sun-kissed shores of this tropical paradise.
In this recipe, we pay homage to the island's bounty of fresh seafood, particularly its prized lobster, celebrated for its sweet, tender meat. Infused with a blend of aromatic herbs, zesty citrus, and a hint of fiery Scotch bonnet pepper, our Cayman Style Lobster promises a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more. Whether you're hosting a special occasion or simply craving a taste of the Caribbean, this dish is sure to impress even the most discerning palates. So, gather your ingredients and embark on a culinary adventure to the enchanting shores of the Cayman Islands, right in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 2 fresh lobsters (about 1 1/2 to 2 pounds each), cleaned and halved
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, diced (preferably red or yellow for sweetness)
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, finely chopped (adjust to taste for spiciness)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
- Cooked rice or crusty bread for serving
Instructions:
1- Preheat your grill or broiler to medium-high heat.
2- In a large skillet or pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, chopped onion, diced bell pepper, and Scotch bonnet pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3- Stir in the diced tomatoes, fresh thyme leaves, paprika, allspice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4- Place the halved lobsters on the preheated grill or under the broiler, shell side down. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the shells turn bright red and the flesh becomes opaque.
5- Spoon the prepared Caymanian-style sauce over the grilled lobsters, ensuring each half is generously coated. Squeeze the lime juice over the lobsters for a refreshing citrus kick.
6- Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the lobsters to soak up the flavors of the sauce and finish cooking through.
7- Once done, remove the lobsters from the grill or broiler and transfer them to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.
8- Serve the Cayman Style Lobster hot, alongside cooked rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Enjoy the explosion of Caribbean flavors with every bite!
Nutritional Values:
Here's an approximate breakdown of the nutritional values for the listed ingredients:
Lobster (per 1/2 pound):
- Calories: 100-120 kcal
- Protein: 20-25 g
- Fat: 1-2 g
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 50-60 mg
- Sodium: 350-400 mg
benefits: Rich in protein, low in fat, and a good source of vitamins and minerals such as selenium and vitamin B12.
Unsalted Butter (4 tablespoons):
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Fat: 44 g
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 0.5 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
- Sodium: 4 mg
benefits: Provides energy and essential fatty acids, along with fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K.
Garlic (2 cloves):
- Calories: 10 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.1 g
- Protein: 0.4 g
benefits: Contains compounds with potential health benefits, including lowering blood pressure, reducing cholesterol levels, and boosting the immune system.
Onion (1 medium):
- Calories: 44 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1.9 g
- Protein: 1.2 g
benefits:High in antioxidants and vitamins C and B6, onions also have anti-inflammatory properties and may help improve heart health.
Bell Pepper (1 medium):
- Calories: 25 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 1 g
benefits:Packed with vitamin C, vitamin A, and antioxidants, bell peppers support immune function and promote healthy skin and vision.
Tomato (2 medium):
- Calories: 50 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 2 g
benefits:Rich in lycopene, an antioxidant linked to reducing the risk of certain cancers, tomatoes also provide vitamins C and K, potassium, and folate.
Scotch Bonnet Pepper (1 pepper):
- Calories: 10 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 0.5 g
benefits:Contains capsaicin, which may aid in pain relief, weight loss, and boosting metabolism, along with vitamins A and C.
Thyme Leaves (1 tablespoon):
- Calories: 3 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 0.6 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 0.1 g
benefits:A good source of vitamins C and A, thyme also contains compounds with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Paprika (1 teaspoon):
- Calories: 6 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 1.2 g
- Fiber: 0.7 g
- Protein: 0.3 g
benefits:Rich in antioxidants, paprika may help improve digestion, reduce inflammation, and support heart health.
Allspice (1/2 teaspoon):
- Calories: 3 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 0.9 g
- Fiber: 0.6 g
- Protein: 0.1 g
benefits:Contains antioxidants and may have antimicrobial properties, along with potential benefits for digestion and pain relief.
Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon):
- Calories: 3 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 1.1 g
- Fiber: 0.7 g
- Protein: 0.1 g
benefits:Known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, cinnamon may also help regulate blood sugar levels and improve heart health.
Nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon):
- Calories: 6 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 0.6 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 0.1 g
benefits:Contains antioxidants and essential oils that may have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, along with potential benefits for digestion and brain health.
Lime Juice (Juice of 1 lime):
- Calories: 10 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0.1 g
- Protein: 0.2 g
benefits:High in vitamin C and antioxidants, lime juice supports immune function, aids digestion, and may promote healthy skin and weight loss.
Nutritional values for parsley or cilantro and cooked rice or crusty bread may vary depending on portion size and preparation method.
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