Have you ever tried baked surimi lobster tails? They’re not really lobster, but they taste great!
White fish that has been pureed and shaped into the shape of lobster tails is used to make surimi.
It is often sold frozen and can be found in the freezer section of most supermarkets.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Surimi Lobster Tails
Surimi lobster tails are a popular seafood product made from fish that is processed, pulverized and shaped to resemble lobster tails. With their bright orange hue and delicate flavor these mock lobster tails can make an impressive addition to various dishes.
But to get the best results when cooking with surimi, it’s helpful to understand what surimi is, how to select it, and the proper techniques for preparation Follow this simple, foolproof guide to cooking delicious surimi lobster tails at home
What is Surimi?
Surimi refers to a paste made from fish that has been mechanically deboned, pulverized, and washed to remove fat and purify the protein. Additional ingredients like egg white or potato starch are mixed in to create a firm texture when cooked.
The most common fish used for surimi production are Alaskan pollock, hake, and cod. However, any white-fleshed fish can be used.
In Japan, surimi has been made for centuries as a way to efficiently use every part of the fish. Today, surimi is extruded into various shapes like lobster tails, crab legs, and shrimp and sold as a budget-friendly seafood option.
Selecting Quality Surimi
When buying surimi, you want to choose products labeled as “Grade A Surimi”. This indicates it contains at least 94% fish protein with minimal additives. Surimi made from Alaskan pollock is generally the highest quality.
Avoid surimi containing excessive additives like phosphates, which give a rubbery texture. The ingredient list should be short and simple.
Look for surimi lobster tails that are vacuum-sealed. They should appear semi-translucent without any visible ice crystals, foul odor, or dry spots when thawed.
How to Thaw Surimi Properly
Since surimi is sold frozen, the first step is thawing it correctly:
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For faster thawing, place vacuum-sealed package in a bowl of cool water for 15-30 minutes. Change water as it warms up.
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Otherwise, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
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Don’t microwave surimi – this can toughen the texture.
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Keep it as cold as possible during thawing.
Once thawed, rinse the surimi lobster tails under cool running water before cooking.
Cooking Methods for Surimi Lobster Tails
There are several simple cooking methods that all result in tender, lobster-like surimi:
Baking
The most popular technique, baking surimi in the oven gives it a touch of richness while locking in moisture.
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Brush lobster tails with butter or oil and season as desired.
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Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until hot throughout and slightly browned.
Boiling
For a delicate texture similar to poached lobster, you can boil surimi.
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Simmer tails for 2-3 minutes in salted water. Drain well.
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Serve with melted butter or remoulade sauce for dipping.
Grilling
Impart smoky flavor by grilling surimi on a hot skillet or outdoor grill.
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Coat tails in oil and seasonings.
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Cook 2-3 minutes per side until grill marks appear.
Sautéing
Butter, garlic, and herbs perfectly complement surimi’s mild sweetness.
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Heat butter in a pan. Add lobster tails and sauté 2-4 minutes until golden brown.
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Sprinkle with parsley before serving.
Tips for Cooking Surimi Lobster Tails
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Handle surimi gently to avoid breaking apart the tender protein strands.
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Don’t overcook surimi or it becomes rubbery. Cook just until heated through.
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Add sauce or seasonings after cooking since surimi absorbs flavors easily.
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For extra richness, brush with mayo, lemon butter, or hollandaise sauce before baking.
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Stuff into lobster rolls, tacos, pasta, or stir fries for easy meals.
Serving Suggestions and Recipe Ideas
Surimi lobster tails shine in a variety of dishes:
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Lobster Rolls – Mix with mayo, celery, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Pile into a toasted, buttered hot dog bun.
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Lobster Mac and Cheese – Cut up surimi and stir into cheesy macaroni with peas and bacon.
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Lobster Salad – Toss bite-size surimi pieces with grape tomatoes, avocado, lettuce and a citrus vinaigrette.
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Lobster Quesadillas – Sauté surimi with onions and bell peppers. Add to tortillas with cheese and cilantro.
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Lobster Cobb Salad – Top lettuce with surimi, bacon, egg, tomatoes, avocado and blue cheese dressing.
The Takeaway
With a mild flavor and meaty texture similar to real lobster, surimi is a versatile and inexpensive seafood option. Proper thawing and gentle cooking methods like baking, grilling, or sautéing yield the best results.
Incorporate surimi lobster tails into your favorite salads, pasta dishes, tacos, and more. Or keep it simple and dip in melted butter. Just be sure to avoid overcooking. Treated right, surimi may become your new go-to for scrumptious seafood meals on a budget.
Surimi lobster tails recipe
- 1 package of surimi lobster tails about 8-10 tails
- 1/4 cup of butter melted
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- Thaw the surimi lobster tails according to instructions.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Melt the butter and mix it with the salt and black pepper in a small bowl.
- Put the surimi lobster tails that have been thawed on a baking sheet and brush each one with the butter mixture.
- Put the surimi in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until it’s warm all the way through and has a slightly golden color. If you want it really done, cook it for 40 minutes.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Do you have to cook surimi lobster tails?
No, because surimi seafood is already fully cooked and ready to eat immediately upon opening the package.
Faux crab and lobster can be added to stir-fries, soups, and casseroles without needing to be cooked any further because they are already cooked.
Should you use surimi instead of crab if you want the strong flavor and firm texture of fresh crab? The clear answer is “No!” ”.
We learned that the key to successfully utilizing surimi was not to prepare it. If possible, serve it warm and add it just before serving.
It’s great for salads and other places where heat isn’t needed or isn’t enough because it doesn’t need to be cooked or even warmed up.
And, of course, surimi lobster tails make a delicious and healthy seafood option. So, if you are looking for an easy and nutritious meal, be sure to try surimi lobster tails!.
Here are a few tips to help you cook surimi lobster tails:
- Thaw the surimi according to instructions before cooking.
- Do not handle the surimi too much, as it can easily break apart.
- Don’t over-bake the surimi. There are recipes that say to cook them in the oven for more than 45 minutes, but that can make the “meat” too soft.
- You can add more spices to the buttery mixture. Along with common herbs like thyme and parsley, you could also add Old Bay seasoning or Cajun spices to make the food taste even better.
If you cannot find surimi lobster tails, you can also use imitation crab or shrimp.
For a healthier option, substitute olive oil for butter.
If you want a little more flavor, try adding some garlic or herbs to the butter mixture.
If you don’t like baking the surimi lobster tails, you can try grilling or frying them.
If you want to make salads or sandwiches, grill surimi lobster tails. If you want to serve them as an appetizer or main dish, fry them.
Honestly, there aren’t too many variations or substitutions you can make with this dish. You either love surimi lobster tails, or you don’t.
My main advice is to play around with the seasonings because the surimi can taste quite bland.
Lobster Tails Recipe – How to Make the Best Lobster Tail
FAQ
How to eat lobster surimi?
What are surimi lobster tails?
What is the best way to eat surimi?
Are surimi tails ready to eat?
How do you cook surimi lobster tails?
Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Now that our surimi lobster tails are prepped and our flavor-packed butter sauce is ready, it’s time to cook them to perfection: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush the surimi lobster tails with the butter sauce, ensuring they are evenly coated.
What to do with surimi lobster tails?
Surimi lobster tails can be used in place of cooked lobster in stir-fries. This food can also be grilled on a hibachi BBQ or any grill. Inventive home cooks are even air-frying the surimi lobster rolls because it gives the flesh a nice crispy texture.
How do I choose a surimi lobster tail?
When choosing surimi lobster tails, it is important to pay attention to the packaging and labeling. Look for surimi that is made from high-quality white fish, such as Alaska pollock, and is flavored with crab, shrimp, scallops, or lobster.
What is surimi lobster?
Surimi lobster is a type of imitation lobster made from a paste consisting of fish meat that has been pulverized and mixed with other ingredients like starch, flavorings, and binders to mimic the taste and texture of real lobster meat. Can you cook surimi lobster tails the same way as real lobster tails?