New England Lobster Boil Recipe
New England Lobster Boil is a classic seafood dish that has been enjoyed in the Northeastern region of the United States for centuries. It originated as a way for fishermen to cook their catch of the day, which typically included lobster, clams, corn, and potatoes. Over time, this traditional meal has become a popular summertime staple for many New Englanders and seafood lovers around the world.
Before we dive into the recipe, it is important to note that this dish can be quite high in calories and may contain allergens such as shellfish. If you have any dietary restrictions, be sure to consult with a healthcare professional before consuming this dish. Additionally, if you are sensitive to spicy foods, you may want to adjust the seasonings in this recipe accordingly.
To make New England Lobster Boil, you will need the following ingredients:
4 live lobsters (1-1.5 pounds each)
1 pound of littleneck clams
6 ears of corn, shucked and cut in half
1 pound of small red potatoes, quartered
1 onion, quartered
2 lemons, halved
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tablespoon of Old Bay seasoning
4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
Salt and pepper, to taste
For kitchen equipment, you will need a large pot with a lid, a pair of tongs, and a colander. We recommend using this 8-quart stockpot from Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FLYWNYQ) for the best results.
To begin, fill the pot with enough water to cover the lobsters and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, carefully add the lobsters to the pot and cover with the lid. Allow the lobsters to cook for 12-15 minutes or until they turn bright red and the meat is cooked through.
Next, use the tongs to remove the lobsters from the pot and set them aside to cool. Add the clams, corn, potatoes, onion, lemon halves, garlic, Old Bay seasoning, butter, and salt and pepper to the pot. Bring the water back to a boil and cook for 10-12 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the clams have opened.
Use the tongs to remove the clams, corn, and potatoes from the pot and place them in a large serving dish. Discard any clams that did not open. Cut the lobsters in half lengthwise and arrange them on top of the vegetables. Serve the dish with the lemon halves on the side for squeezing over the seafood.
This recipe serves 4 people and can be easily doubled for larger gatherings. For a healthier alternative, you can omit the butter or use a smaller amount. Additionally, if you have any dietary restrictions, you can swap out the seafood for other protein sources such as chicken or tofu.
Here are the calorie and nutrient breakdown for this recipe per serving: Calories: 471 Total fat: 16g Saturated fat: 7g Cholesterol: 195mg Sodium: 1079mg Total carbohydrates: 40g Dietary fiber: 6g Total sugars: 7g Protein: 42g
If you are looking to make this recipe more heart-healthy, you can swap out the butter for heart-healthy oils like olive oil or avocado oil. You can also reduce the sodium content by using low-sodium versions of Old Bay seasoning or omitting it altogether.
For those with allergies, be sure to check that your seafood and any other ingredients do not contain any allergens that you may be sensitive to. Additionally, if you have a shellfish allergy, you should avoid this dish altogether.
If you prefer your food to be less spicy, you can reduce the amount of Old Bay seasoning in the recipe or omit it altogether. You can also adjust the seasoning to your liking by adding more salt, pepper, or other spices that you enjoy.
In terms of kitchen equipment, we recommend using a large pot with a lid for cooking the seafood and vegetables. We suggest using this 8-quart stockpot from Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FLYWNYQ) for the best results. You will also need a pair of tongs and a colander for removing the seafood and vegetables from the pot.
For ingredients, you can purchase live lobsters, littleneck clams, and fresh vegetables at your local seafood market or grocery store. If you do not have access to fresh seafood, you can order it online through sites like Amazon Fresh or FreshDirect. For the Old Bay seasoning, you can purchase it on Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OIZD7TW) or at your local grocery store.
Overall, New England Lobster Boil is a delicious and satisfying seafood dish that is perfect for summertime gatherings or special occasions. With a few modifications, this recipe can also be made to fit a variety of dietary needs and preferences.