Grilled Moreton Bay Bugs with Garlic Butter
Tender, sweet Moreton Bay bugs (a type of slipper lobster) are split, brushed with fragrant garlic butter, and grilled to perfection. A simple yet elegant dish highlighting the natural flavors of this Queensland delicacy.
🧂 Ingredients
- 8 Moreton Bay bugs(Fresh or thawed if frozen. Ensure they are cleaned and deveined if not already prepared.)
- 100 g Garlic butter(Can be homemade (softened butter mixed with minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper) or good quality store-bought.)
- 2 Lemon(1 for juicing into the butter, 1 cut into wedges for serving.)
- 1/2 bunch Fresh parsley(Finely chopped, for garnish and optional addition to garlic butter.)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper(Freshly ground preferred.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the bugs: Place the Moreton Bay bugs on a sturdy cutting board. Using a sharp, heavy knife, carefully split each bug lengthwise from head to tail. You may need to gently rock the knife to get through the shell. Once split, gently open them up. Remove the digestive tract (a dark line running along the back) if present. Rinse the insides under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Make the garlic butter mixture: In a small bowl, combine the softened garlic butter with the juice of half a lemon, half of the chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well until thoroughly combined. If using store-bought garlic butter, you may want to add extra fresh garlic and parsley for more flavor.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Preheat your grill: Preheat your outdoor grill or indoor grill pan to medium-high heat (approximately 200-220°C / 400-425°F). Ensure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Butter and grill: Generously brush the cut flesh side of each split bug with the prepared garlic butter mixture. Place the bugs flesh-side down on the preheated grill. Grill for 4-5 minutes, or until the flesh is opaque and has nice grill marks. You should see some caramelization on the edges.
⏱️ 4-5 minutes - 5
Flip and finish: Flip the bugs over so they are shell-side down. Continue to grill for another 3-5 minutes, or until the shells are heated through and the bug meat is cooked and firm to the touch. Be careful not to overcook, as the meat can become tough.
⏱️ 3-5 minutes - 6
Serve: Remove the bugs from the grill. Arrange them on a serving platter. Drizzle with any remaining garlic butter (warmed slightly if desired) and garnish with the remaining fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the bugs.
⏱️ 2 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Moreton Bay bugs are a prized seafood delicacy native to Queensland, Australia.
- ✓Their meat is known for its exceptionally sweet and delicate flavor, best showcased with simple preparations.
- ✓Ensure your grill is hot before placing the bugs on it to achieve good sear marks and prevent sticking.
- ✓Avoid overcooking; the bugs cook quickly and can become rubbery if left on the heat for too long.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For an Asian-inspired twist, add a splash of soy sauce and a pinch of ginger to the garlic butter.
- Serve chilled and tossed with a light vinaigrette and fresh herbs for a refreshing seafood salad.