It's Lobster Season, no wait... It's Holiday Season!
Firstly, a bit of science
From July to December every year, the red spiny lobsterseason is open in the Galapagos Islands, this delicious crustaceous is part of good monitoring and preserved fishery on the islands. If you are lucky to visit the islands this time of the year, will witness how locals get them directly from the fishermen and prepare the most delicious lobster recipes. Most restaurants in town include the red spiny lobster as part of their special menus so if you haven't' tried one yet, it is the time to start thinking about doing it.
Thanks to my younger sister, who works and lives in Santa Cruz island, for giving my wife and I a big red spiny lobster this past weekend, so we had the chance to cook it and enjoy a delicious meal for the holidays.
My parents taught me how to cook the lobster and, now it is my time to share it with you. Today, I will replicate my family's recipe using a few ingredients which you can also get at home. It's very easy, so hands on!
My dad remembers that it was not easy to get a lobster when he arrived on the islands back in the 70's because there were not many fishermen catching this crustacean, so it was an even more special treat to have it for a meal. Nowadays, it is a productive and sustainable business for locals since there are more inhabitants on the islands, more restaurants, and tourism ships offering lobsters as part of their menus.
If you are wondering about fishing control, don't worry!
Only certified fishermen can do the catching and they have to follow specific measures and other strict restrictions implemented by the National Park authorities.
My dad Marcos getting the freshest seafood from the fishermen, in his early years on the islands. Photos by Roberto Peralvo
My family and I are friends of an expert fisherman from whom we buy lobsters, he always gives us good prices for the biggest lobsters, and when the fishing is plentiful he even gives us a "yapa" (Ecuadorian word for "an extra portion") on our purchase, a very sweet deal!
So, how does the lobster trade work?
After you choose the lobster you will be buying, the fisherman reports to the on-duty park ranger controlling the exchanges, and he gives the ok to the transaction, and only then you can take your lobster home, and this is when he funny part begins.
Keep reading to learn how to cookthis delicacy - I've included a short and tempting video at the end with the making of our famous Galapagos Lobster on the Grill.
But before we start cooking, imagine yourself sitting in an ocean-view restaurant, on a sunny and hot day, and a fresh breeze touching your face... Your waiter approaches and you're served an appetizing grilled red spiny lobster with a cold beer to accompany. Salud! 🍺
Ok, now let's head to the kitchen. Here is how I did it:
Yep! that's me, doing what I love... cooking!
After washing the lobster very well (be aware of not hurting yourself with the spiny parts), cut the tail in two pieces, and clean the inside.
Cook the pieces in a pot with boiling water, that is previously seasoned with onions, garlic, parsley, green peppers, salt, and black pepper.
You will know the lobster is ready, once the tail's shell turns red and the meat white.
Melt some butter, mixing it with garlic and oil. This mixture you will use during the frying part.
Before putting the tails on the grill, make sure it is very hot, smoking hot. This will give your lobster a nice color.
TIP: I always put the butter mix on the tails before it goes on the grill together with some salt and pepper.
While grilling the tails, keep adding the mixture and flipping the lobsters to both sides to give them an equal color and grill time. Since the tails are precooked, grill them until the meat turns golden.
Lobster tails, patacones and beer
A portion of crispy and salty "patacones" (Spanish word for "fried green plantains") is a good side dish for this seafood. (Next time, I will show you how to cook these).
As you see, it is simpler than it looks! the idea is to keep the lobster's flavor as much as possible. So now, it is your time to try it!
If you need any extra cooking tips, or would like to learn more about Ecuadorian meals, just leave your comments below. I would love to hear from you!
Oh! before I go, here's my video, spread the word and enjoy!
Sending you all the best wishes for the holidays! 🎄🎅🎇
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