Description
Enjoy a luxurious and flavorful seafood dish featuring tender garlic butter lobster bites served atop creamy saffron-infused Yukon Gold mashed potatoes. This elegant meal combines rich buttery lobster with aromatic garlic, fresh parsley, and a subtle hint of lemon, complemented perfectly by smooth, golden saffron mash. Perfect for a special dinner, this recipe offers a harmonious blend of textures and vibrant flavors in just 40 minutes.
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 Mash
- 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 the Saffron Infusion: Place the saffron threads in 1/4 cup of hot water and let them steep while you prepare the other ingredients, allowing the color and flavor to infuse.
- Cook the Potatoes: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the peeled and cubed Yukon Gold potatoes. Boil until the potatoes are fork-tender, approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Drain the potatoes thoroughly and return them to the pot.
- Mash the Potatoes: Using a potato masher or ricer, mash the potatoes until they reach a smooth consistency. Incorporate the butter, heavy cream, and the saffron-infused water along with the threads. Stir gently until the mash becomes creamy and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover the mash to keep warm.
- Cook the Lobster Bites: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté briefly until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the bite-sized lobster pieces to the skillet and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lobster turns opaque and is fully cooked through.
- Finish with Lemon and Herbs: Stir in the lemon zest and chopped fresh parsley. Season the lobster with salt and pepper to your preference.
- Assemble and Serve: Spoon the saffron mashed potatoes onto serving plates. Top generously with the garlic butter lobster bites. Garnish each plate with lemon wedges to squeeze over the lobster for an added citrus zing. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- To further enhance the saffron flavor, allow the saffron threads to steep in hot water for at least 10 minutes before adding to the mash.
- If fresh parsley is unavailable, you may substitute with dried parsley or fresh chives for a different herbal note.
- Ensure not to overcook the lobster to maintain its tender and juicy texture.
- Use Yukon Gold potatoes for their naturally creamy texture and buttery flavor, which complements the saffron mash perfectly.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative, though this may slightly affect richness.
