Lobster roe, sometimes called lobster eggs or coral, refers to the edible reproductive parts found inside female lobsters These vibrantly hued eggs have a distinct texture and flavor that divides opinion – some seafood lovers relish their taste, while others find it unappealing
So should you eat lobster eggs? Are they safe and tasty, or something to avoid? This guide will examine if lobster roe is edible, how to eat it properly, and what to expect from the unique experience of savoring these divisive delicacies.
An Overview of Lobster Roe
Lobster roe, also called coral or lobster eggs, are found in female lobsters. They appear as two soft, mushy masses of tiny eggs located under the tail.
During mating seasons, the eggs are fertilized by male lobster sperm and carried by the female until they hatch into larvae. The eggs are usually red or orange, hence the name “coral.”
Lobster roe is edible and some consider it a delicacy. When cooked, the eggs have a grainy texture and a robust, ocean-like flavor that differs from lobster meat. There are a few ways to eat lobster eggs:
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Boil, steam, bake, or fry the whole lobster roe sacks
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Mix the cooked eggs into sauces, bisques, pasta, omelets etc.
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Spread on bread or crackers like a seafood mousse
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Eat the roe raw directly from the lobster (not recommended)
But not everyone enjoys the unique taste and mouthfeel. Those who dislike lobster roe find it overly fishy or mushy. Next, let’s look closer at the experience of eating lobster eggs.
What Do Lobster Eggs Taste Like?
If you’ve never tried lobster roe before, expect a bold briny flavor and soft texture when you bite into the cooked coral-colored eggs. Here are the notable features of what lobster roe tastes like:
Strong ocean and seafood flavors – Lobster eggs have a concentrated flavor of the sea, similar to oysters or ocean fish. There are intense aromas of the briny deep.
Fishy and roe-like – The taste veers more towards fish eggs like salmon roe rather than lobster tail or claw meat. It may register as very “fishy.”
Grainy, creamy, and wet – The cooked egg mixture has a grainy mouthfeel reminiscent of wet sand or cottage cheese. The texture is creamy but firm.
Umami and sea salt – Underneath the fishiness are savory, mouth-coating umami flavors and the refreshing taste of sea salt.
Rich and indulgent – Lobster roe has a smooth richness similar to sea urchin uni or melted butter.
Sweet notes too – Subtle sweetness balances out the assertive fish flavors, preventing it from being completely overwhelming.
Mild bitterness – Slight bitter notes emerge, akin to dark greens or egg yolk.
How to Eat Lobster Roe
Lobster roe can be prepared in various ways to bring out its best qualities. Here are some recommended cooking methods and serving suggestions:
Boil – Drop the whole lobster roe sacks into boiling salt water for a few minutes. Serve warm with lemon and clarified butter.
Steam – Place lobster roe in a steamer basket or colander and steam until heated through and plump.
Sauté – Cook lobster eggs gently in olive oil or butter to velvet the outer texture.
Bake – Roast in the oven at 375°F for 20 minutes nested on lemon and herbs.
Fry – Coat in flour and quickly pan-fry the roe into golden nuggets of crunchy goodness.
Raw – Not advised due to bacteria risks, but some do enjoy fresh roe straight from the lobster as sashimi.
In pasta – Swirl cooked roe into pasta dishes like linguine for a seafood accent.
Over toast – Spread like an oceanic mousse over crusty bread slices.
In omelets – Fold lobster eggs into fluffy egg omelets with dill and crème fraiche.
As a stuffing – Use as a decadent stuffing for fish like halibut or haddock.
In bisques – Purée into creamy bisques for an extra lobster boost.
So get creative with how you eat lobster roe! Cooking helps mellow its flavor while highlights its richness. Next up, let’s tackle some frequently asked questions.
Lobster Roe FAQs
Here are answers to some common questions about eating lobster eggs:
Are lobster eggs safe to eat?
Yes, lobster roe is safe for consumption when fully cooked. Avoid eating raw for food safety.
Do the eggs taste like regular lobster meat?
No, lobster roe has a more intense seafood flavor than tail or claw meat. The texture is also unique.
Is all roe red inside lobsters?
Typically it is reddish-orange, but some roe can look paler yellow or greenish. Color varies.
What are the white blobs mixed in with the red eggs?
Those are lobster embryos that have formed inside some of the individual eggs.
How do you remove the roe from the lobster?
Use a spoon or fingers to scoop under the flap on the tail and gently extract the attached eggs.
Do you eat the green stuff around the roe?
No, rinse off and discard the green tomalley liver matter surrounding the roe before eating.
Can you freeze raw lobster eggs?
Freezing is possible but can damage texture. Best to cook first then freeze extra lobster roe.
This covers the basics. Read on for more context on enjoying lobster roe.
Lobster Roe Availability
When can you actually find lobster eggs? Here are tips on getting your hands on this sought-after delicacy:
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Female lobsters with roe are most common during warmer reproductive months of spring and summer.
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Egg-bearing lobsters are more prevalent in the New England and North Atlantic regions.
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Check high-end fish markets or request it specially from your seafood supplier.
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Make sure your lobster meals fall within peak seasons for access to roe.
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Due to irregular supply, lobster coral commands a premium price when available.
Aim your lobster dinners to align with peak egg-laying seasons if tasting the roe is a priority. Next, let’s talk nutrition.
Nutritional Value of Lobster Roe
So what health benefits does lobster roe offer? Here’s an overview:
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Rich in protein – Around 14-16g per 3oz serving of protein from the eggs.
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Low calorie – Provides only 70-90 calories per serving. A lighter seafood choice.
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Good fats – Contains anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids like DHA and EPA.
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Vitamins and minerals – Decent amounts of Vitamin B12, phosphorus, and selenium.
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Cholesterol – Around 215mg per serving, so consume in moderation.
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No carbs or fiber
While lobster roe is high in cholesterol, its stellar protein and omega-3 contents still make it a quality nutritious seafood pick. Just enjoy in sensible portions as part of a balanced diet.
Price and Cost of Lobster Eggs
Due to limited seasonal availability, lobster roe tends to be pricier than typical lobster meat. Here’s what to expect cost-wise:
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Raw lobster with roe included generally costs $2-$5 more per pound.
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A la carte lobster roe may retail for $12-$18 for around 4 ounces.
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At restaurants, lobster roe dishes can range from $15-$25 or more per appetizer serving.
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Lobster roe is viewed as a delicacy, so prices reflect that status.
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Still, it can offer good value compared to other gourmet seafood products like caviar.
While not cheap, lobster coral provides an affordable way to enjoy a touch of culinary luxury. A little lobster roe goes a long way flavor-wise as well.
Final Thoughts on Eating Lobster Roe
Lobster roe certainly isn’t for everyone. There are plenty of understandable reasons
