Poor Man's Lobster Recipes

Years ago, in certain parts of the world, a lobster was considered the food of a poor man. The prized crustacean was abundant, affordable, and readily available. However...

With today's typically high lobster price, we "poor men" often substitute this delicacy with a variety of different fish, preparing alternative recipes called "Poor Mans Lobster".

Although Halibut, Haddock, Pollock, Cod, Mahi-Mahi, and Monkfish are all used as a lobster substitute...

...Alaskan Halibut and Atlantic Monkfish (also known also as Goosefish and Anglerfish) are the most popular when preparing Poor Man's Lobster recipes. They are both sweet and firm whitefish that hold up well during cooking and can easily be cut into chunks that replicate the taste and texture of fresh lobster meat

Poor Man's Lobster Recipes

Poor Man's recipes and their ingredients vary. But one thing they will almost certainly have in common is drawn butter. And it may be the butter that is THE most important component, as this is the taste that so many of us equate with lobster and other seafood delicacies.

Although these recipes specify Monkfish or Halibut, the fish is interchangeable, and any sweet, firm whitefish may be substituted.

Monkfish Poor Man's Recipe
Servings: 2-3
Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

1 can flat beer
1 pound Atlantic Monkfish tail fillets cut into 2 inch chunks
1 stick butter or margarine (less for 2 person serving)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon chopped garlic, if desired

Preparation:

1. Pour beer into a pan. In the same pan place the Monkfish fillets on a steamer rack and drizzle with lemon juice.
2. In covered pan, steam fish over boiling beer for 10-15 minutes. Do not overcook.
3. While the fish cooks, melt butter in a separate pan and add garlic.
4. Serve Monkfish on individual plates and pour butter mixture into separate dipping bowls.

Halibut Poor Man's Recipe
Servings: 2-3
Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

1 pound Halibut fillets cut into 2 inch chunks
1 quart water
1 cup white sugar
1 stick butter or margarine (less for 2 person serving)
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon crushed garlic, if desired
Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

1. In a large saucepan bring water, sugar, garlic, salt and pepper to a boil.
2. Drop Halibut into boiling water and cook until the fish floats, indicating that it is cooked.
3. Serve Halibut on individual plates and drizzle with lemon juice. Serve butter mixture in separate dipping bowls.

Serving suggestion:

Smaller portions of these recipes work well as appetizers, or when served as a meal with steamed clams, steamed mussels, or sauteed shrimp or scallops.

A side of pasta cooked in white wine and olive oil or crunchy Italian breads compliment both an appetizer or dinner portion.

What is the best Poor Man's Lobster recipe you have tried? I would love to hear and will happily include it here!