How to Use Lobster Paste: Tips and Recipe Ideas

Lobster paste also known as lobster roe or tomalley is a rich, flavorful ingredient made from the liver and pancreas of lobsters. This greenish paste has a silky, umami taste that can elevate seafood dishes, spreads, dips, soups and more. If you love lobster flavor but want an easier prep time than cooking whole lobsters, lobster paste is a handy item to keep in your pantry.

Here is everything you need to know about how to use lobster paste and incorporate it into delicious recipes:

What is Lobster Paste?

Lobster paste is a smooth, pâté-like substance found in the body cavity of lobsters. It serves as both the liver and pancreas of the crustacean. Lobster paste has a vivid green color and creamy, thick texture. It provides an intense burst of maritime flavor.

The paste is made by extracting the tomalley (liver) and roe (eggs) from cooked lobsters. The components are blended together to make a rich paste. Some versions also incorporate lobster meat into the mix.

Lobster paste originated in Atlantic Canada, where it is used as an iconic ingredient in regional dishes It is now popular around the world as a way to add hearty lobster essence to recipes.

Buying and Storing Lobster Paste

Lobster paste can be purchased canned or in jars from many grocery stores especialy those with good seafood selections. Be sure to check the ingredient list to make certain real lobster is used.

Once opened, transfer any leftover paste to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze lobster paste for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.

When handling lobster paste, be sure to use clean utensils to avoid contamination. Discard if any odd colors, textures or smells develop.

How to Use Lobster Paste

Here are some of the most popular ways to use lobster paste:

• Soups and chowders – Add a dollop of lobster paste to seafood stews, chowders and bisques. It will impart rich flavor and act as a thickener.

• Sauces – Mix a spoonful of paste into cream sauces, cheese sauces, tomato sauces and more for an instant flavor boost.

• Dips – Swirl lobster paste into sour cream, mayo or soft cheese to make easy seafood dips for crackers and bread.

• Sandwiches – Spread lobster paste on rolls, biscuits or toast for quick lobster rolls.

• Pasta – Toss hot pasta with chunks of lobster paste, olive oil, garlic, parsley and lemon.

• Seafood cakes – Add paste to the mix when making crab cakes, salmon cakes or other seafood fritters.

• Stuffed mushrooms – Pipe lobster paste into mushroom caps for an elegant appetizer.

• Flatbreads – Top flatbread or naan with lobster paste, tomatoes, arugula and feta cheese.

• Omelets and frittatas – Mix a dollop of paste into egg dishes for brunch.

When using lobster paste in recipes, start with small amounts and add more to taste. A little goes a long way!

Lobster Paste Recipe Ideas

Here are a few delicious ways to use lobster paste in appetizers, main dishes and more:

Lobster Bisque

• 4 cans lobster paste
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1⁄4 cup dry sherry
• Salt and pepper to taste

1. Sauté onion, carrots and celery in butter until soft. Add broth and simmer 20 minutes.
2. Strain out vegetables. Add lobster paste and heavy cream to broth.
3. Heat through but do not boil. Stir in sherry. Season with salt and pepper.

Lobster Paste Bruschetta

• 1 baguette, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1 shallot, minced
• 1⁄4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1⁄4 cup lobster paste
• Chopped parsley

1. Toast baguette slices. Rub tops with garlic.
2. Mix tomato, shallot, olive oil, lemon juice and lobster paste.
3. Top toasts with lobster mixture and parsley.

Lobster Mac and Cheese

• 1 lb elbow pasta
• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup grated cheddar
• 1 cup grated gruyere
• 1⁄4 cup lobster paste
• 1⁄2 cup panko breadcrumbs

1. Cook pasta al dente. Drain.
2. Melt butter in saucepan. Whisk in flour to make roux.
3. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly. Stir until thickened.
4. Remove from heat. Mix in cheeses and lobster paste.
5. Fold sauce into pasta. Transfer to baking dish.
6. Top with panko crumbs. Bake at 400F for 20 minutes.

Tips for Cooking with Lobster Paste

• Start with small amounts of paste until you gauge the right flavor level for your tastes.

• Add lobster paste at the end of cooking when making soups, stews and sauces so it retains its texture.

• For stronger lobster flavor, mix the paste with a bit of melted butter before adding to dishes.

• Prevent the sweet lobster flavor from being overwhelmed by using white wines and light broths.

• Pair lobster paste with creamy dairy products to balance the rich taste.

With its versatile flavor and ease of use, lobster paste is a seafood lover’s dream ingredient. Follow these tips for incorporating lobster paste into all kinds of appetizing recipes.