Best 3 Australian Grilled Moreton Bay Bugs Bay Lobster Recipes

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In the vibrant culinary landscape of Australia, seafood takes center stage, and among its many treasures are the succulent Moreton Bay Bugs. These delectable crustaceans, also known as Bay Lobsters, are a true delicacy, prized for their sweet and tender meat. Hailing from the pristine waters of Moreton Bay in Queensland, these bugs have become a symbol of Australian coastal cuisine. This article presents a tantalizing array of recipes that capture the essence of Moreton Bay Bugs, showcasing their versatility and allowing you to savor their unique flavor in a variety of enticing dishes. From the classic Grilled Moreton Bay Bugs with Garlic Butter, a symphony of flavors where the natural sweetness of the bugs is enhanced by aromatic garlic and rich butter, to the sophisticated Moreton Bay Bug Thermidor, a luxurious dish featuring a creamy and flavorful sauce, each recipe promises a culinary journey that will delight your taste buds. Whether you prefer the simplicity of Steamed Moreton Bay Bugs, allowing the delicate flavors to shine through, or the robust flavors of Moreton Bay Bug Curry, a vibrant and aromatic dish inspired by Southeast Asian cuisine, this collection of recipes caters to every palate. So, prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that celebrates the beauty of Moreton Bay Bugs, transforming them into unforgettable meals that will leave you craving for more.

Let's cook with our recipes!

MORETON BAY BUGS WITH GINGER MINT BUTTER



Moreton Bay Bugs With Ginger Mint Butter image

Moreton Bay "bugs" are really slipper lobsters, similar to rock lobsters. This recipe uses lobster tails instead. Adapted from the Barbecue Bible, which misspells it "Morton."

Provided by Chocolatl

Categories     Lobster

Time 26m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

8 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons chopped of fresh mint (or 1 1/2 teaspoons dried mint)
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon grated lime zest
3 tablespoons fish sauce (or soy sauce)
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
4 lobster tails, 8-9 ounces each, halved lengthwise and deveined (or Moreton Bay Bugs if you can find them)
salt
pepper

Steps:

  • Preheat grill to high.
  • Melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
  • Add mint, ginger, garlic and zest.
  • Increase heat to medium.
  • Cook until mixture is fragrant but not browned, about 3 minutes.
  • Stir in fish sauce and lime juice.
  • Bring to a boil and remove from heat.
  • Brush butter mixture over cut side of lobsters.
  • Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  • When ready to cook, oil the grill grate.
  • Arrange lobster on the grate, cut side down, and grill for 6-8 minutes.
  • Turn with tongs.
  • Grill for 6-8 minutes more, basting generously several times with butter mixture.
  • Serve with remaining butter, if any.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 213.7, Fat 23.1, SaturatedFat 14.6, Cholesterol 61.1, Sodium 1064.3, Carbohydrate 1.9, Fiber 0.3, Sugar 0.7, Protein 1.1

BBQ MORTON BAY BUGS OR LOBSTER TAILS



BBQ Morton Bay Bugs or Lobster Tails image

Adaptation of a BBC recipe I found. Morton Bay bugs are probably only available in Australia but small lobster tails would also be suitable (or one large lobster tail).

Provided by Peter J

Categories     Lobster

Time 25m

Yield 3 bugs, 1 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

3 morton bay bugs
1 teaspoon salt
60 g butter
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon chili sauce
1 teaspoon garlic, crushed
1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Blanch bugs in a small pot of water containing the teaspoon of salt for around two minutes.
  • Remove the tails ny tearing from the body as close as possible to the head without bringing any organs along.
  • Run a knife down the length of the belly of the tail and remove the thin sections to either side.
  • Melt butter by microwaving in a cup for 30 seconds or so.
  • Add parsley, chilli sauce, crushed garlic, chilli flakes and pepper and mix well.
  • Fill bug tails with plenty of the mixture.
  • Place tails shell side down over BBQ grill plate and cook around 10 minutes over medium heat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 444.5, Fat 48.7, SaturatedFat 30.7, Cholesterol 128.2, Sodium 2761.1, Carbohydrate 3.4, Fiber 1.1, Sugar 0.8, Protein 1.2

MORETON BAY BUGS



Moreton Bay Bugs image

The freshness of lime, garlic, chili and golden melted butter complements the tender flesh of the bugs. Grilled to perfection under the broiler. Fresh from the sea to you, enjoy this tender, sweet crustacean enhanced with the tang and freshness of lime zest!

Provided by Carol in Oz

Categories     Lobster

Time 31m

Yield 3-4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

3 green moreton bay bugs (raw)
2 birds eye chiles
2 garlic cloves
1/2 cup butter
salt
pepper
lime juice
lime zest
1/4 cup parsley

Steps:

  • Cut bugs in half lenthwise and clean out the 'yuck'.
  • Rinse well under running water, ensuring meat stays in shell.
  • Drain well and place on platter meat side up.
  • Season to taste with freshly cracked salt and pepper.
  • Melt butter being careful not to burn.
  • Put the zest of one lime into the melted butter, squeeze half the lime over the bugs, half into the butter.
  • Add garlic and finely diced chillis to the melted butter, heat gently to combine flavours.
  • Spoon butter mixture evenly over bugs reserving 1/4 of the mixture to spoon over just before serving.
  • Broil under griller for 15 minutes or until bugs are opaque. Cooking time will vary with your oven.
  • Spoon reserved butter mixture over hot bugs to serve, and sprinkle with finely chopped fresh parsley.
  • Serve with toasted turkish bread and extra melted butter for dipping.
  • Wouldn't hurt to have the Chardonnay on ice, either.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 288.1, Fat 30.9, SaturatedFat 19.5, Cholesterol 81.3, Sodium 223.8, Carbohydrate 3.6, Fiber 0.7, Sugar 1.7, Protein 1.2

Tips:

  • Choose the freshest Moreton Bay bugs you can find. Look for bugs that are lively and have a bright, glossy appearance.
  • Cook the bugs as soon as possible after purchasing them. The fresher the bugs, the better they will taste.
  • Do not overcook the bugs. Overcooked bugs will be tough and chewy. Cook them just until the meat is opaque and tender.
  • Serve the bugs with a variety of dipping sauces. Some popular choices include garlic butter, lemon butter, and mayonnaise.
  • Enjoy the bugs! Moreton Bay bugs are a delicious and unique seafood delicacy.

Conclusion:

Moreton Bay bugs are a versatile seafood ingredient that can be grilled, steamed, or boiled. They are a popular choice for seafood platters and appetizers, and they can also be served as a main course. With their mild, sweet flavor and tender texture, Moreton Bay bugs are a surefire hit with seafood lovers of all ages.

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