Cold Lobster With Basil Vinaigrette Recipes

COLD LOBSTER WITH BASIL VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Put the water, peppercorns, salt, thyme, bay leaves and pepper flakes in a kettle large enough to hold the lobsters. Cover and bring to a boil.
• Add the lobsters quickly, one at a time, and cover. When the water returns to a boil, cook the lobsters for 10 minutes and drain thoroughly. When the lobsters are cool enough to handle, break off the tails and remove the meat from each in one piece. Crack the large claws and remove the meat from each in one piece. Remove the meat from the remaining claw shells. Put all the meat in a bowl.
• Stack the basil leaves and cut them into fine shreds. There should be about 1/2 cup. Add to the bowl.
• Put the olive oil, shallots, vinegar and salt in a small mixing bowl and toss to blend well.
• To serve, cut each piece of tail meat on the bias into 1/2-inch-thick medallions. Reassemble the slices from one lobster tail on a plate. Arrange two of the large pieces of claw meat at the top of the tail meat to resemble a lobster shape. Spoon about a quarter of the sauce over the tail and claw meat. Scatter a quarter of the small pieces of lobster meat around. Garnish each side of the tail meat with a quarter of the recipe for three-salad chiffonade. Repeat with the remaining lobster meat and three-salad chiffonade.

LOBSTER SALAD WITH GREEN BEANS, TOMATOES AND BASIL

Steps:

• In a large pot or in batches, so as not to crowd them, steam or boil the lobsters in seawater or heavily salted water. Add the bay leaf, peppercorns and allspice berries, if you wish. Depending on their size, cook the lobsters for 13 to 15 minutes. (Ask your fishmonger for recommended cooking time.) Let lobsters cool to room temperature on rimmed baking sheets.
• Using lobster crackers, kitchen shears or a mallet, crack shells and remove meat. Place the claw meat and knuckle meat in a container. Slice tail meat 1/2-inch thick and add to the container. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
• Make the vinaigrette: Add garlic, mustard, vinegar, olive oil, parsley and basil leaves to a blender jar or food processor. Whiz until slightly thickened. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Put cherry tomatoes in a small bowl, season with salt and pepper and add 3 tablespoons vinaigrette. Toss to combine. To another small bowl, add green beans and 3 tablespoons vinaigrette. Toss to combine.
• Arrange lobster meat in the center of a platter or divide among individual plates. Surround with tomato slices, and season lightly with salt and pepper. Spoon cherry tomatoes over the tomato slices. Scatter green beans artfully. Tuck eggs and potatoes here and there (or serve potatoes separately). Finish with arugula or salad leaves.
• Drizzle remaining vinaigrette over everything. Garnish with the prettiest basil leaves. Serve aioli on the side, if using.

LOBSTER SALAD WITH GREENS AND CITRUS VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Prepare an ice-water bath. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low. Plunge lobsters into water headfirst, and simmer, covered, for 11 minutes. (Do not let water boil.) Transfer lobsters to ice-water bath using tongs. Let stand for 10 minutes to cool.
• Meanwhile, whisk together oil, zests and juices, mustard, shallot, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
• Crack lobster claws, knuckles, and tails, and remove meat. Slice tail meat 1/2 inch thick, and leave claws and knuckles whole.
• Combine lobster, greens, tomato, and tarragon. Drizzle with dressing, and toss to coat. Garnish with tarragon. Serve immediately.

COLD LOBSTER WITH GARLIC AND BASIL MAYONNAISE

Steps:

• To cook lobsters, pour about 2 inches of water in the bottom of a large kettle or steamer. Add salt, peppercorns, red-pepper flakes, bay leaf and thyme. Bring water to a boil. Place lobsters in kettle and cover tightly. Return to a boil and cook over high heat for about 12 minutes. Remove lobsters and let them cool.
• To make mayonnaise, combine egg yolk, mustard, vinegar, salt and pepper in a mixing bowl. Mix well with a wire whisk.
• Add oil in a thin stream while beating vigorously with a wire whisk. When mixture is thick and smooth, stir in remaining ingredients and blend well. Cover until ready to serve.
• Before serving, split lobsters in half lengthwise and crack claws. Remove and discard small sacs near the eyes. Remove intestines through the middle of the tail. Serve at room temperature with mayonnaise.