Seafood 101:
Eating Lobster For The First Time
If you’re looking for a taste of the ocean, Las Vegas is definitely the place to be. There are endless seafood options available in this city, from casual eateries to fine dining establishments. With so many choices, it can be tough to know where to start. Whether you’re in the mood for Mahi-Mahi, grilled fish, or something else entirely, we’ve put together a list of our favorite types of fish to eat in Las Vegas.
If you’ve never tried lobster before but are interested in giving it a chance, there’s no better time than now. While lobster may seem like a complicated dish, this is not the case. It does take some extra effort to enjoy a lobster dinner, but it’s most definitely worth the work. Don’t let the appearance and preparation of the dish be the reason you don’t give it a shot.
An important thing to note about lobster is its popularity among a wide group of people – both seafood lovers and not. With its unique taste and texture, as well as its high nutritional value, lobster is one of the best proteins out there. Beyond the nutritional benefits, lobster is also incredibly versatile and will help you expand your culinary palate.
If you’re thinking of making Aqua Seafood & Caviar Restaurant part of your night out, View Our Menu and see why we are one of the best seafood restaurants in Las Vegas
Trying lobster for the first time? These tips are for you.
If you’re ready to jump into your first lobster dinner, congratulations! There are just a few things to note, so you don’t go into this experience blind. Don’t let yourself feel overwhelmed when you’re served a whole lobster. It can be daunting to approach a meal like this, but there’s no need to fear. We have all the tips you need to handle it like a pro. The following is all the essential info you need before trying lobster for the first time in a restaurant setting.
What to know about shellfish
When it comes to lobster, among other shellfish, it requires more labor than other dishes. The lobster holds all the incredible juicy meat and rich flavor just below its shell, but getting through this shell is the challenge. While it might take a little more effort to enjoy, the end result is truly magical.
A great starting point for lobster newbies is what is known as the shedders style of lobster. While the traditional style takes technique and a little bit of practice, shedders simplify this process and are much easier to eat. They’re called shedders because the lobster being served has previously shed its shell, and the new exterior that the lobster developed is much softer.
Although this may sound super appealing if you’re turned off by traditional means of eating lobster, be aware that there are some downsides. The softer, more maneuverable shells may be enticing, but this style of lobster can have less meat. This means your plate will be more approachable but likely significantly smaller.
Pay close attention to colors
As we’ve already touched on, there are different types of lobsters, and they each bring a unique dining experience. The exterior size, shape, and color will affect the texture and taste of the lobster. It will also likely affect the amount of meat it contains.
The outside appearance isn’t the only thing to pay careful attention to when you’re eating lobster. The interior meat also should be checked before you dig in. When you crack open the lobster shell, you might see some green. So what is green stuff in lobster? While this might be off-putting at first glance, don’t be scared. This is actually the pancreas and liver of the lobster, and some cultures consider it to be a delicacy.
The lobster meat you are eating, if it’s properly cooked, should always be white, pink, or red. In fact, the more red the meat, the sweeter it tastes. If the lobster meat is yellow in color, do not eat it. This is a sign that the meat has spoiled or gone rancid.
Plan your approach
Now that you’ve tried out shedders, you’re ready to graduate to the traditional style of lobster. As we’ve said before, eating lobster can be tricky. This is why it’s so important to have a plan of attack before you sit down to eat.
We’ve got some great tips, tricks, and techniques for you to add to your arsenal. We’ll also help you answer the most important question: What parts of a lobster can you eat?
- The first key step is to get your tools together (see below for all the tools you need).
- The next step will be to break the lobster claw at the knuckle.
- Following this, you will need to crack off the head and tail.
- Next, you will focus on the leg meat: you can either suck out the meat or pull it out from the shell.
While breaking into the shell of the lobster to find the delicious meat, it’s important to remember that there are certain parts you definitely do not want to eat. Not only will these parts be hard to eat or chew, they can also be bad for your digestive system and pose a choking hazard. Keep these things in mind and remember what parts of the lobster are safe to eat.
- Any non-meat parts are what you have to look out for when inspecting and dissecting your lobster dinner.
- The shell is 100% a no-go and completely inedible.
- You also have to watch out for any veins or cartilage.
Have the proper tools for the job
Part of planning your strategy is having the right tools for the occasion. While more experienced lobster fans might not need the tools, it’s a great resource for first-timers. These tools will simplify the process of breaking open the shell and pulling out the lobster meat. All the seafood restaurants Las Vegas has on the Strip are likely to offer these tools to guests, so don’t be afraid to ask your server.
- A nutcracker and lobster scissors. These will help you crack open the shell to access the cooked lobster meat more easily.
- A seafood pick or lobster fork. This fork is the perfect shape and size to work with lobsters. It will help you pull the meat from the shell and legs while reducing the mess.
- Plenty of napkins and wet wipes. While the previously mentioned tools will definitely cut down on the mess, they cannot completely eliminate it. It’s essential to come prepared with lots of napkins and wet wipes to keep your hands and face clean.
Grab a delicious lobster dinner on the strip
If you’re looking for the best place to get a fresh and flavorful lobster, you’re in luck. Aqua Seafood & Caviar Restaurant is proud to be one of the top seafood restaurants in Las Vegas, offering a delectable menu that includes incredible, fresh and savory lobster.
Our menu is unique and refined yet super approachable, which is excellent news for the first-timers. At Aqua Seafood & Caviar Restaurant, our goal is to provide delicious food in a welcoming environment. If you’re trying out lobster for the first time, this is the best place to have dinner on the Strip. You’ll never feel overwhelmed or intimidated trying new things when you’re here.
Come Join Us For Dinner and enjoy Seafood and More at Aqua Seafood & Caviar Restaurant.
Resources:
A step-by-step photo guide to eating a whole lobster so you don’t waste any of the tender meat (2022).
How to Eat a Lobster (2022).Maine ‘Shedder’ Lobsters (2021).