Bar Harbor, a picturesque coastal town in Maine, is renowned for its delicious seafood, particularly the succulent lobsters that are caught fresh from the Atlantic Ocean. One of the best ways to savor the flavors of Bar Harbor is by indulging in a classic lobster bake. This article will guide you through the steps of preparing the best and easiest Bar Harbor lobster bake recipe, ensuring a delightful culinary experience.
Ingredients:
– 4 live lobsters (1 to 1.5 pounds each)
– 2 pounds of small red potatoes
– 4 ears of fresh corn, husked and cut into halves
– 1 pound of steamer clams
– 1 pound of mussels
– 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 stick of unsalted butter, melted
– 2 tablespoons of Old Bay seasoning
– Fresh parsley, for garnish
– Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
2. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add the potatoes and cook for about 10 minutes until they are partially cooked. Drain and set aside.
3. In a separate pot, fill it with water and add the lobsters. Boil for about 8-10 minutes until they turn bright red. Remove the lobsters from the pot and set aside.
4. Place the partially cooked potatoes, corn, clams, mussels, and shrimp on a large baking sheet. Drizzle with the melted butter and sprinkle with Old Bay seasoning. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
5. Carefully transfer the baking sheet to the preheated grill, ensuring all the ingredients are in a single layer. Close the grill and cook for about 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the clams and mussels have opened.
6. While the lobster bake is cooking, split the lobsters in half lengthwise using a sharp knife. Brush the flesh with some melted butter and sprinkle with Old Bay seasoning.
7. After the 15-20 minutes, remove the baking sheet from the grill. Place the lobster halves, flesh side down, directly on the grill grates. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the lobster meat is cooked through and lightly charred.
8. Carefully remove the lobster halves from the grill and place them on a serving platter.
9. Arrange the cooked potatoes, corn, clams, mussels, and shrimp around the lobster halves. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Now, let’s address some common questions about this mouthwatering Bar Harbor lobster bake recipe:
1. Can I use frozen lobster instead of live lobsters?
Yes, you can use frozen lobster tails instead of live lobsters. Thaw them before cooking and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
2. Can I substitute the seafood in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the seafood selection based on your preferences. You can add scallops or crab legs, for example.
3. Can I cook this lobster bake recipe in the oven?
Yes, if you don’t have a grill, you can cook the lobster bake in the oven. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake for about 25-30 minutes.
4. How do I know when the clams and mussels are cooked?
The clams and mussels are cooked when their shells have opened. Discard any that remain closed after cooking.
5. Can I add vegetables like onions or bell peppers to this recipe?
Certainly! You can add any vegetables you like to enhance the flavors. Just make sure they are cut into bite-sized pieces.
6. How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe serves approximately four people, but you can easily adjust the quantities to accommodate more or fewer guests.
7. What can I serve as side dishes with the lobster bake?
Traditional sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or a fresh green salad complement the lobster bake perfectly.
With this easy Bar Harbor lobster bake recipe, you can recreate the flavors of this charming coastal town in the comfort of your own home. Enjoy a delightful seafood feast that will transport you to the idyllic shores of Bar Harbor, Maine.