Gordon Ramsay Lobster Salad Recipe
Indulge in a sophisticated yet remarkably simple lobster salad, a dish that embodies Chef Gordon Ramsay's philosophy of using high-quality ingredients to create extraordinary flavors. This recipe highlights the sweet, delicate notes of fresh lobster, perfectly complemented by a light, zesty dressing and crisp celery. It's an ideal choice for a luxurious appetizer, an elegant light lunch, or a show-stopping brunch dish that's surprisingly easy to prepare.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
0 minutes
Total Time
45-75 minutes (including chilling time)
Servings
4 servings
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Exquisite Flavor: A masterful blend of sweet, tender lobster with bright lemon and savory notes.
- Luxurious Yet Simple: Achieves a gourmet taste with minimal effort, showcasing premium ingredients.
- Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for elegant starters, light lunches, or a special brunch.
- Quick Preparation: Comes together rapidly, making it ideal for impressive dishes without extensive cooking.
- Refreshing & Light: A delightful alternative to heavier seafood preparations, perfect for warm weather.
Ingredients
- 680 g (1.5 lbs) cooked lobster meat, cut into 2 cm (¾-inch) chunks
- 80 ml (⅓ cup) mayonnaise
- 22.5 ml (1½ tbsp) fresh lemon juice
- 60 ml (¼ cup) finely chopped inner celery stalks
- 15 ml (1 tbsp) thinly sliced chives, plus extra for garnish
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a chilled mixing bowl, combine the meticulously cut chunks of cooked lobster meat with the creamy mayonnaise, vibrant fresh lemon juice, finely chopped inner celery stalks, and delicate thinly sliced chives. Ensure the bowl is well-chilled to maintain the lobster's optimal texture and freshness.
- Gently fold all the ingredients together using a flexible spatula. The key here is a delicate touch; avoid overmixing, as excessive agitation can break down the tender lobster meat and lead to a less desirable, mushy texture. The goal is just to combine everything evenly.
- Season the lobster salad lightly with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Start with a small amount, then gently stir and taste a small portion of the salad. Adjust the seasoning as necessary, adding more salt or pepper until the flavors are perfectly balanced and enhance the natural sweetness of the lobster.
- Cover the mixing bowl tightly with plastic wrap and transfer it to the refrigerator. Allow the lobster salad to chill for a minimum of 30 minutes, and ideally up to 60 minutes. This crucial step allows the flavors to thoroughly meld and deepen, ensuring the salad is served beautifully cold and refreshing.
- Serve the exquisitely chilled lobster salad immediately. It presents beautifully in crisp lettuce cups, offering a refreshing bite, or can be spooned into lightly toasted brioche buns for a classic, upscale lobster roll. For a more elegant presentation, plate it atop slices of ripe avocado or a bed of fresh mixed greens.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl (preferably chilled)
- Spatula or rubber scraper
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Lemon juicer (optional)
- Plastic wrap
Essential Success Tips
- Always start with perfectly cooked and chilled lobster meat. Overcooked lobster becomes tough and diminishes the overall quality of the salad.
- Use a high-quality mayonnaise, as its flavor will significantly impact the final taste of the dressing. Better quality mayo creates a richer, creamier texture.
- Chop the celery very finely. This ensures its crunch is present without dominating the delicate texture of the lobster, providing a subtle textural contrast.
- Seasoning is key: add salt and pepper gradually. Lobster meat can have its own salinity, so taste and adjust to achieve a perfect balance without over-salting.
- Do not overmix the salad. Gentle folding preserves the integrity of the lobster chunks, ensuring each bite is tender and maintains its desirable texture.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- The true secret to an exceptional lobster salad lies in starting with impeccably fresh, high-quality lobster. If cooking it yourself, poach or steam it gently in seasoned water to preserve its natural sweetness and ensure a tender, succulent texture.
- For an added layer of nuanced flavor, consider infusing your mayonnaise with a tiny whisper of fresh tarragon or a pinch of finely ground white pepper. This elevates the dressing without overshadowing the star ingredient.
- Always ensure your ingredients, particularly the lobster and mayonnaise, are well-chilled before mixing, and then chill the finished salad thoroughly. This allows the flavors to marry beautifully and guarantees the refreshing mouthfeel critical for a seafood salad.
Notes
- Storage: Any leftover lobster salad should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within 2 days for optimal freshness and safety. It is best enjoyed fresh.
- Variations: For a subtle kick, a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper can be incorporated into the dressing. Alternatively, a small amount of very finely diced shallot can add another layer of aromatic depth.
- If using live lobster, boil or steam it until just cooked through, then cool it completely in an ice bath before extracting the meat. Ensure the meat is thoroughly patted dry before mixing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen lobster meat for this recipe?
While fresh lobster is always preferred for its superior texture and flavor, high-quality frozen cooked lobster meat can be used. Ensure it is fully thawed in the refrigerator and thoroughly patted dry to remove any excess moisture before mixing.
What are the best serving suggestions for this lobster salad?
This versatile salad shines in several presentations. Classic options include serving it in crisp lettuce cups, nestled in lightly toasted brioche buns for a luxurious lobster roll, or as an elegant appetizer plated over a bed of fresh mixed greens or slices of ripe avocado.
How can I prevent my lobster salad from becoming watery?
To prevent a watery salad, ensure your cooked lobster meat is thoroughly drained and patted dry before adding it to the dressing. Additionally, avoid overmixing, which can cause the lobster to release more liquid, and ensure all liquid ingredients are measured accurately.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: ~380-420, Protein: ~32-36g, Fat: ~28-32g, Carbs: ~6-10g per serving (estimated based on 4 servings).
Allergy Information
This dish contains shellfish (lobster) and eggs (typically found in mayonnaise). Individuals with these allergies should avoid or seek appropriate substitutions.
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