Split Lobster

One of my favorite ways to cook a lobster is to split it in half and broil it in the oven. This is the best way to cook California spiny lobsters that have the majority of their meat in the bodies.

A few things you will need are a sharp knife, a towel, and tongs for breaking down the lobster. You always want to have live lobster so the meat won’t start to decay. The best way to humanely kill a lobster is by quickly piercing through the head, which kills them instantly. In my opinion, anyone who is a fish eater or meat eater, should know the process of butchery and be able to do it themselves.

The herb butter that goes with this lobster can be made with any herbs and aromatics of choice. I went the garlicky route with cilantro and parsley because those are a few of my favorite things. Other combinations that would be great with lobster is garlic, lemon, parsley, oregano. Also ginger, lemongrass, red pepper flakes and green onions would be delicious too! Get creative!

Ingredients:

• 1 spiny lobster, split in half lengthwise, I ordered mine from OC Wild Seafood
• Salt and pepper
• ½ cup butter
• 1 tbsp parsley, minced
• 1 tbsp cilantro, minced
• 1 lemon, zested
• 2 garlic, minced
• Pinch of red pepper flakes

Preparation:

STEP 1.

Preheat the oven to 450*F.

STEP 2.

To prepare the lobster, transfer the lobster to a cutting board, belly side down. Using a kitchen towel to hold down the lobster at the tail end, use a knife and insert it towards the head, cutting it in half right behind the eyes. Turn the lobster around and split it lengthwise the other way down the tail, making two halves. Gently wash under cool water to remove the tomalley. Transfer to a sheet tray.

STEP 3.

Make the butter by adding butter to the pot and bring to a low simmer, add the garlic, red pepper flakes, parsley, cilantro and lemon zest and mix in. Turn off the heat.

STEP 4.

Coat each half of the lobster with salt and a brush of the butter mixture.Transfer to the oven and cook for 10-15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 135*F. Remove from the oven.

STEP 5.

Serve and top with more of the butter mixture, enjoy!