Description
This delightful recipe features tender garlic butter lobster bites served atop a luxurious saffron-infused Yukon Gold mashed potato. The combination of rich butter, fragrant garlic, and fresh lemon zest enhances the sweetness of the lobster, while the creamy saffron mash adds a vibrant, aromatic twist to the classic comfort food. Perfect for an elegant yet easy-to-make meal that serves four.
Ingredients
Scale
Lobster Bites
- 1 lb lobster tail meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Saffron Mashed Potatoes
- 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads
- 1/4 cup hot water
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare saffron infusion: Begin by infusing the saffron threads in 1/4 cup hot water. Let it steep while you prepare the potatoes to release the vibrant color and aroma.
- Cook the potatoes: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the cubed Yukon Gold potatoes and cook until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
- Mash the potatoes: Using a potato masher or ricer, mash the potatoes until smooth. Add the butter, heavy cream, and saffron-infused water (including the saffron threads). Mix until the mash is creamy and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and keep warm.
- Cook garlic butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook the lobster: Add the lobster pieces to the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lobster is opaque and fully cooked.
- Season lobster: Stir in the lemon zest and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing well to combine all flavors.
- Assemble the dish: Remove the skillet from heat. Spoon the garlic butter lobster bites over a bed of creamy saffron mashed potatoes.
- Serve: Present the dish with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the lobster, adding a fresh and zesty finish.
Notes
- For best flavor, use fresh lobster tail meat and fresh garlic.
- Saffron threads can be expensive; substitute with turmeric for a similar color, though the flavor will differ.
- If heavy cream is not available, substitute with whole milk or half-and-half for a lighter mash.
- Be careful not to overcook the lobster to maintain a tender texture.
- Prepare the saffron infusion early to allow full extraction of the flavor and color.
