The Atlantic lobster, also known as the Maine lobster or the American lobster, lives on the cold Atlantic coast of North America. Its close relative, the European lobster, also known as the Breton lobster or the Brittany lobster, has large claws that hold a lot of delicious meat, Urban Purveyor Group Culinary Director Martin Heierling told The Huffington Post Australia.
The Rock lobster we know in Australia isn’t a “real” lobster because it doesn’t have those big claws and the tail has most of the meat. Rock lobsters and Atlantic lobsters are not closely related. Most recipes can use the meat of either type of lobster, but the meat from Atlantic lobsters is silkier, sweeter, and usually more tender because the water is colder there. “Advertisement.
Spiny lobsters, which are also known as rock lobsters, are sometimes called sea crayfish, crays, or langoustines. They are not the same as “true” freshwater crayfish.
And Heierling would know. He’s pretty well-known in the food world, and he’s putting on an Atlantic lobster brunch at Sydney’s Ananas Bar.
Heierling said, “Don’t get me wrong, I still really like Rock lobsters. The meat is delicious, but because they grow in warmer water, the meat is a little tougher and can sometimes be a little stringy.” Advertisement.
For those adventurous enough to cook rock lobster at home Heierling advises to not overthink it.
“I like to keep things simple when I prepare lobster, and that’s what I tell people who cook Rock lobster at home.” “.
“I love steamed lobster. To make it completely cold, you just steam the whole thing for about 10 minutes and then throw it in ice water. First I cleaned the lobster and cut it in half. Then I took the tail meat out of each half of the shell. I like to take bite-sized pieces of tail meat and put them back in the shell to show them off. Serve with some cocktail sauce on the side. “.
For chilled lobster cocktail, the lobster needs to be cooked all the way through so it is crunchy and firm.
When I cut the meat ahead of time, I can control the muscle fiber by making it into nice, chewy pieces.” “.
“Alternatively, I really like steamed lobster cooked and served the way I just did, but with drawn (melted) butter to make it rich and sweet.” Delicious!”.
Lobsters, rock lobsters and crayfish – these crustaceans can cause plenty of confusion here in Australia. While they may look similar these animals have key differences when it comes to their features, habitats, and names. In this article, we’ll take a deeper dive into lobsters, rock lobsters, and crayfish to uncover what exactly we call a “lobster” in Australia.
True Lobsters – Not Actually Found in Australia
Let’s start with true lobsters There are two main species – the American lobster and the European lobster American lobsters are found off the Atlantic coast of North America. They have a greenish-brown shell that turns bright red when cooked. European lobsters live around Europe and have a blueish-purple shell.
Here’s a key fact – neither of these true lobster species are found around Australia! So despite the name, if you order “lobster” at a restaurant in Australia, you won’t be getting true lobster.
Spiny Rock Lobsters – The Main “Lobster” Catch
What we Aussies call “lobster” is usually actually rock lobster, known as spiny lobster internationally. Rock lobsters lack the large front claws that true lobsters possess. There are two main species caught in Australia – the red-orange southern rock lobster and the similar-looking western rock lobster.
Rock lobsters generally weigh around 1 kilogram or less. The largest on record have weighed 5-6 kilograms. They live on rocky reefs and in crevices, grazing on marine plants and small invertebrates. Rock lobsters are harvested commercially, especially around Christmas when they show up on many Aussie dinner tables.
So if you’re looking for lobster in Australia, it’s almost always going to be rock lobster rather than true lobster. Keep that in mind when ordering or buying seafood here.
Crayfish – Our Freshwater Crustaceans
Crayfish are freshwater crustaceans found in rivers, dams, and lakes within Australia. They have large front claws like true lobsters, but their bodies are smoother and they have longer legs.
There are several different crayfish species around Australia. Yabbies live in New South Wales and Victoria. Red claws are found in Queensland. Western Australia has marron and koonacs. And Tasmania is home to the endangered giant crayfish, which can grow over 5 kilograms in size.
Crayfish are sometimes referred to as “freshwater lobsters” due to their similar appearance. But they are a distinct freshwater animal, while true lobsters and rock lobsters live in the ocean.
Bugs – Another Ocean Dweller
Here’s another confusing crustacean name – “bugs”! Bugs are marine animals also known as flathead lobsters or slipper lobsters. They lack the large front claws of true lobsters, and their legs are hidden under their flattened shovel-shaped bodies.
Two main types are found in Australia. Moreton Bay bugs live in tropical and subtropical waters along the east coast. Balmain bugs are found in temperate waters further south. Both grow to around 500 grams in weight.
So bugs are clawless ocean crustaceans, while crayfish are clawed freshwater ones. Two very different animals despite the similar names!
Scampi – The Prawn-Like Lobster
Scampi is another seafood you may see on Australian menus. Europeans call them langoustines or Dublin Bay prawns. They look like a cross between a lobster and a prawn – long slim orange bodies with small front claws.
Most Australian scampi is caught off Port Hedland in Western Australia or imported from our neighbours in New Zealand. They have sweet mild flesh and are pricier than prawns.
It can get confusing with all these similar names! But armed with this knowledge, you can decipher exactly what type of crustacean you’re ordering or buying when you see names like lobster, crayfish, bugs, and scampi in Australia.
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If youre a crustacean fan, you might want to be sitting down.
Rock Lobsters, the kind we eat here in Australia, are not lobsters.
The Atlantic lobster, also known as the Maine lobster or the American lobster, lives on the cold Atlantic coast of North America. Its close relative, the European lobster, also known as the Breton lobster or the Brittany lobster, has large claws that hold a lot of delicious meat, Urban Purveyor Group Culinary Director Martin Heierling told The Huffington Post Australia.
The Rock lobster we know in Australia isn’t a “real” lobster because it doesn’t have those big claws and the tail has most of the meat. Rock lobsters and Atlantic lobsters are not closely related. Most recipes can use the meat of either type of lobster, but the meat from Atlantic lobsters is silkier, sweeter, and usually more tender because the water is colder there. “Advertisement.
Spiny lobsters, which are also known as rock lobsters, are sometimes called sea crayfish, crays, or langoustines. They are not the same as “true” freshwater crayfish.
And Heierling would know. Hes kind of a big deal in the culinary world and is hosting a Atlantic lobster brunch at Sydneys Ananas Bar & Brasserie on Sunday.
Ananas Bar & Brasserie Atlantic lobster brunch
Heierling said, “Don’t get me wrong, I still really like Rock lobsters. The meat is delicious, but because they grow in warmer water, the meat is a little tougher and can sometimes be a little stringy.” Advertisement.
For those adventurous enough to cook rock lobster at home Heierling advises to not overthink it.
“I like to keep things simple when I prepare lobster, and that’s what I tell people who cook Rock lobster at home.” “.
“I love steamed lobster. To make it completely cold, you just steam the whole thing for about 10 minutes and then throw it in ice water. First I cleaned the lobster and cut it in half. Then I took the tail meat out of each half of the shell. I like to take bite-sized pieces of tail meat and put them back in the shell to show them off. Serve with some cocktail sauce on the side. “.
For chilled lobster cocktail, the lobster needs to be cooked all the way through so it is crunchy and firm.
When I cut the meat ahead of time, I can control the muscle fiber by making it into nice, chewy pieces.” “.
“Alternatively, I really like steamed lobster cooked and served the way I just did, but with drawn (melted) butter to make it rich and sweet.” Delicious!”.
Why Australian lobsters are so cheap right now | 7NEWS
What are slipper lobsters called in Australia?
Slipper lobsters are also called “Bugs” in Australia. Another lobster-like creature is the Scampi, also known as the Norwegian Lobster or Dublin Bay Prawn, belonging to the family Nephropidae, like “true” lobsters. They are abundant in Europe in the north-eastern Atlantic Ocean and North Sea but relatively rare and expensive in Australia.
What is the largest lobster in Australia?
There are several species of Australian lobster, with the Eastern Rock Lobster being the largest and most commonly caught. These lobsters can grow up to 8kg in weight and are found in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, and New Zealand waters.
Are Australian lobsters real lobsters?
Australian lobsters are not true lobsters, but belong to the family Palinuridae. The Eastern Rock Lobster is the largest and most commonly caught species in Australia. Lobster fishing in Australia is heavily regulated to ensure sustainability. If you’re a seafood lover, you’re probably familiar with the delicious taste of Australian lobster.
Where can you find lobsters in Australia?
These lobsters can grow up to 8kg in weight and are found in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, and New Zealand waters. The Western Rock Lobster is another species of particular commercial value, found in southern Western Australia.