Lobster: A Guide to Identification and Delicious Recipes

Distinguishing between different types of lobsters is essential to ensure you're getting the best taste experience and value for your money. Whether you're a frequent lobster eater or trying it for the first time, it's important to know the basics to make an informed choice. With this essential guide, you'll be able to quickly identify the most common types of lobsters found in Vietnam and make your next lobster dining experience a truly delectable one.

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Lobster is a delicacy with a variety of species, each with unique characteristics and flavors. Knowing the different types will help consumers make informed choices when purchasing this luxurious seafood.

1 Is Lobster Good for Your Health?

Lobster is an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to reduce cholesterol levels in the body. Additionally, lobster provides significant amounts of copper and selenium, offering multiple health benefits.

Here are some of the specific ways in which lobster can contribute to a healthier you:

Beneficial for Anemia

Lobster’s high copper content aids in improving the body’s ability to absorb iron, facilitating the formation of new red blood cells. This makes it an excellent food choice for those suffering from anemia.

Lobster helps combat anemia

Boosts Nervous System Health

According to research conducted by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, a deficiency in Omega-3 fatty acids can increase the risk of depression in adults.

Furthermore, a lack of selenium is linked to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children. Lobster, being rich in both Selenium and Omega-3, supports nervous system health and may help reduce the risk of depression and ADHD.

2 Common Types of Lobster

Alaska Lobster (Canadian Lobster)

This imported delicacy is primarily sourced from the cold waters of Alaska, Canada. It is characterized by its large claws, lengthy body, and muscular tail. Canadian lobsters can reach impressive sizes, with an average weight between 1 to 3 kg, and some individuals even surpassing 6 kg, earning the title of “giant lobster.”

While Canadian lobster meat may not be as highly regarded as its Vietnamese counterpart, it still offers a delicious dining experience at a more affordable price, making it a great option for those looking to indulge in lobster without breaking the bank.

Fresh Canadian lobster is currently priced at 900,000 to 1,200,000 VND per kg.

Spiny Lobster (Slipper Lobster)

Native to the waters of Central Vietnam, particularly in Nha Trang, Ninh Thuan, and Binh Thuan, the spiny lobster is a local favorite.

With an average length of 30 to 35 cm, and some individuals reaching up to 50 cm, the spiny lobster is a substantial crustacean. It typically weighs between 1.5 to 1.8 kg, with larger specimens weighing up to 4 to 4.5 kg.

The spiny lobster’s shell is a beautiful greenish-blue, with orange spots on its head and spines. A distinctive feature is the broad black or dark brown stripe running down the center of its back, accompanied by one or two light-colored spots on each side of its abdomen.

Regarded as one of the finest lobster meats, the spiny lobster offers tender, flavorful flesh with high nutritional value, including abundant calcium and omega-3 fatty acids, making it an excellent choice for those concerned about high blood pressure and cardiovascular health.

Due to its superior meat quality, impressive size, and rich nutrition profile, fresh spiny lobster commands a premium price, typically ranging from 1.6 to 2.5 million VND per kg.

Baby Lobster

As the name suggests, baby lobsters are smaller in size, with an average of 3 to 8 individuals per kg. Don’t let their diminutive stature fool you, though—baby lobsters pack a punch when it comes to flavor. Their meat is remarkably firm and tender, and they boast a generous amount of rich, golden roe, making them a delectable and nutritious treat.

Fresh baby lobsters are available at a more accessible price range of 500,000 to 800,000 VND per kg, depending on their size.

Green Lobster (Maroon Lobster)

Another small-sized lobster, the green lobster, or maroon lobster, offers meat that is not quite as tender and flavorful as that of the baby lobster.

Visually, it is a stunning creature, with a shell that showcases a vibrant green hue accented by white stripes and pinkish-purple hues on its tentacles. It can grow to a respectable length of up to 30 cm.

Beyond the kitchen, the green lobster is also popular among aquarium enthusiasts due to its manageable size and striking appearance.

Fresh green lobsters are priced at approximately 700,000 VND per kg.

Bamboo Lobster

Named for its shell’s resemblance to the color of aged bamboo, the bamboo lobster is a delicious choice. Its meat is fragrant and firm, packed with calcium, fatty acids, and vitamin B12, making it a nutritious option believed to boost male virility.

With a convenient size of approximately 0.4 to 1.2 kg per lobster, fresh bamboo lobsters are priced at 800,000 to 1,200,000 VND per kg.

Crayfish (Crawdad)

Crayfish

Also known as crawdads, these small lobsters typically grow to about the size of a finger but pack a punch in terms of flavor and nutrition.

Crayfish are primarily found in freshwater environments and streams. They have a reddish-brown shell and two large claws. In cuisine, crayfish are highly regarded for their thin, soft shell, which makes them ideal for spicy stir-fries and crispy fried dishes.

Crayfish are also a more economical choice, currently priced at around 350,000 VND per kg, with some variation depending on their size.

3 Delicious Lobster Dishes

Cheesy Baked Lobster

On rainy days, nothing hits the spot quite like this indulgent dish. The sweet, firm lobster meat is baked to perfection with a generous helping of melted cheese, resulting in a savory, slightly salty treat that can be enjoyed as a snack or paired with drinks.

Cheesy Baked Lobster

Garlic Butter Grilled Lobster

For those who crave bold flavors, this dish is a must-try. The lobster is grilled to perfection and topped with a rich garlic butter sauce that permeates the meat with delicious aromatics.

A simple dip of salt, pepper, and lemon juice is all that’s needed to elevate this dish even further.

Garlic Butter Grilled Lobster

Beer-Steamed Lobster

One of the simplest ways to prepare lobster is to steam it. Steaming with beer helps retain the natural sweetness and firmness of the meat, and it’s a straightforward method that can be easily replicated at home.

Beer-Steamed Lobster

Now that you know the differences, consider your budget and choose the freshest lobster to steam, sauté, grill, or cook in a variety of mouthwatering dishes for your family to enjoy.

Frequently asked questions

Lobster is a type of large marine crustacean with a long, cylindrical body and ten legs, which is considered a delicacy by many cultures around the world.

There are several ways to identify a lobster. One way is to look at the claws – lobsters have two claws, one larger than the other. The smaller claw is used for crushing, while the larger claw is used for cutting. You can also identify a lobster by its color – lobsters are typically a reddish-brown color, though they can sometimes be blue or yellow.

There are many delicious lobster recipes that you can try. One classic recipe is lobster bisque, which is a creamy soup made with lobster meat, vegetables, and spices. Another popular recipe is lobster roll, which is a sandwich made with lobster meat, mayonnaise, and celery served on a toasted bun. You can also try grilling or boiling lobster for a simple yet tasty dish.

There are several ways to cook lobster, including boiling, steaming, grilling, and baking. It is important to cook lobster properly to ensure that it is safe to eat and to preserve its delicate flavor. One popular method is to boil lobster alive, which is said to produce the sweetest meat. However, you can also kill the lobster humanely before cooking by placing it in the freezer for 30 minutes or using a sharp knife to sever the brain.

Lobsters and crayfish are both types of crustaceans, but they belong to different families. Lobsters are larger and have a more cylindrical body shape, while crayfish are smaller and have a more flattened body shape. Lobsters also have two claws, while crayfish have only one. In terms of taste, lobsters are generally considered more delicate and sweet, while crayfish have a slightly stronger flavor.
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