Best 2 Moreton Bay Bugs Recipes

Moreton Bay bugs, also known as Queensland bugs or bay lobsters, are a popular seafood delicacy native to the waters of Moreton Bay, Australia. These crustaceans, closely related to lobsters, are prized for their tender, succulent meat and unique flavor. Cooking Moreton Bay bugs is a culinary art that requires careful preparation and the right techniques. Whether you prefer steaming, grilling, or pan-frying, the key is to cook them just until they are cooked through to preserve their delicate texture and natural sweetness. This article will guide you through the process of selecting, preparing, and cooking Moreton Bay bugs, ensuring a memorable and delectable dining experience.

Let's cook with our recipes!

MORETON BAY BUGS

Moreton Bay Bugs image

The freshness of lime, garlic, chili and golden melted butter complements the tender flesh of the bugs. Grilled to perfection under the broiler. Fresh from the sea to you, enjoy this tender, sweet crustacean enhanced with the tang and freshness of lime zest!

Provided by Carol in Oz

Categories Lobster

Time 31m

Yield 3-4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

3 green moreton bay bugs (raw)
2 birds eye chiles
2 garlic cloves
1/2 cup butter
salt
pepper
lime juice
lime zest
1/4 cup parsley

Steps:

Cut bugs in half lenthwise and clean out the 'yuck'.
Rinse well under running water, ensuring meat stays in shell.
Drain well and place on platter meat side up.
Season to taste with freshly cracked salt and pepper.
Melt butter being careful not to burn.
Put the zest of one lime into the melted butter, squeeze half the lime over the bugs, half into the butter.
Add garlic and finely diced chillis to the melted butter, heat gently to combine flavours.
Spoon butter mixture evenly over bugs reserving 1/4 of the mixture to spoon over just before serving.
Broil under griller for 15 minutes or until bugs are opaque. Cooking time will vary with your oven.
Spoon reserved butter mixture over hot bugs to serve, and sprinkle with finely chopped fresh parsley.
Serve with toasted turkish bread and extra melted butter for dipping.
Wouldn't hurt to have the Chardonnay on ice, either.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 288.1, Fat 30.9, SaturatedFat 19.5, Cholesterol 81.3, Sodium 223.8, Carbohydrate 3.6, Fiber 0.7, Sugar 1.7, Protein 1.2

AUSTRALIAN GRILLED MORETON BAY BUGS (BAY LOBSTER)

Australian Grilled Moreton Bay Bugs (Bay Lobster) image

Posting this recipe for the ZWT Australia which I found at All-Fish-Seafood-Recipes.com. Here is what was stated: "The Moreton Bay bug (Thenus orientalis), also known as the Bay lobster, is a species of slipper lobster found throughout the waters of Australia's north coast. If you don't have Moreton Bay bug you can use lobster, redclaw, or marron in this recipe."

Provided by diner524

Categories Lobster

Time 15m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

Ingredients

8 large green moreton bay bugs
2 ounces butter, melted
1/4 cup lime juice
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Steps:

Cut soft shell covering away from the underside of bugs.
Brush with combined butter, lime juice, garlic, dill and pepper.
Barbecue or grill bugs until tender, brushing with butter mixture while cooking.

Tips:

Choose the Freshest Bugs: Look for bugs that are firm to the touch and have a slight reddish-orange hue. Avoid bugs that are soft, slimy, or have a strong odor.
Clean the Bugs Properly: Rinse the bugs under cold water and remove the heads and tails. Devein the bugs by making a shallow cut along the underside of the body and removing the dark vein.
Cook the Bugs Quickly: Moreton Bay bugs cook quickly, so be careful not to overcook them. Overcooked bugs will become tough and rubbery.
Use Simple Seasonings: Moreton Bay bugs have a delicate flavor, so avoid using strong seasonings that will overpower the natural taste. Salt, pepper, and garlic are all good options.
Serve with a Dipping Sauce: Moreton Bay bugs are often served with a dipping sauce, such as garlic butter, lemon butter, or cocktail sauce.

Conclusion:

Moreton Bay bugs are a delicious and versatile seafood that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether you're grilling, steaming, or frying them, be sure to cook them quickly and season them simply to let their natural flavor shine through. With their delicate flavor and firm texture, Moreton Bay bugs are a surefire hit at any gathering. So next time you're looking for a new seafood dish to try, give Moreton Bay bugs a try – you won't be disappointed!