Lobster with Capers, Pea Purée and Herb-Infused Tomato Salsa

A Recipe By Emmy, TheeHungryChef

Lobster with Capers, Pea Purée, and Herb-Infused Tomato Salsa: A Perfect Dish for Special Occasions

I'd say this again, when it comes to creating a memorable dining experience, few dishes stand out as much as lobster. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, a romantic dinner, or simply want to enjoy something luxurious, Lobster with Capers, Pea Purée, and Herb-Infused Tomato Salsa is the perfect choice. This dish combines the delicate sweetness of lobster with the tangy brininess of capers, the creamy freshness of pea purée, and the vibrant, herbaceous notes of tomato salsa – an absolutely stunning combination that will elevate any meal.

The great thing about this recipe is its balance of flavors and textures. The lobster provides a luxurious main element, while the pea purée and tomato salsa add freshness and brightness. It's a true celebration of fresh, high-quality ingredients coming together in a way that feels both sophisticated and comforting.

Now let's dive into this delicious recipe for Lobster with Capers, Pea Purée, and Herb-Infused Tomato Salsa to show you how to bring this restaurant-quality dish right to your table.

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Serves: 2

Prep : 20 minutes

Lobster with Capers, Pea Purée, and Herb-Infused Tomato Salsa Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Lobster:

2 lobster tails (or 4 small lobster tails)
2 tbsp butter
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tsp capers

For the Pea Purée:

200g fresh or frozen peas
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small shallot, finely chopped
1 tsp lemon juice
Salt and pepper, to taste
125ml heavy cream (optional)

For the Herb-Infused Tomato Salsa:

2 medium tomatoes, diced
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp red wine vinegar
Salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation

Step:

Prepare the Lobster:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully place the lobster tails in the pot and cook for about 5-8 minutes until the shells are bright red and the meat is opaque and tender.
- Once cooked, remove the lobster tails from the water and set them aside to cool slightly. Using kitchen scissors, cut the top of the lobster shell lengthwise to expose the meat. Gently pull the lobster meat out, leaving it attached at the base. Set the lobster tails aside.
Make the Pea Purée:
- In a small saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the shallots until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the peas and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes. Add in cream (if used), pinch of salt and pepper, then allow to boil. Set aside about a teaspoon full of cooked peas (to be used for plating) then Transfer the remainder to a blender or food processor.
- Blend until smooth, adding a little water or stock if needed to achieve a creamy consistency. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness and adjust the seasoning to taste. Pass through a fine seive or chinois. Put clear purée

Prepare the Herb-Infused Tomato Salsa:
- In a small bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, chopped parsley. Add olive oil and red wine vinegar, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir gently to combine and set aside to allow the flavors to meld together.

Sear the Lobster:
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the lobster tails to the skillet, shell-side down, and sear for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Ensure to baste consistently. Add in capers, sear for 30seconds then serve.

Assemble the Dish:

On each plate, squeeze a generous amount of pea purée, then add the hard peas which was set aside. Top with the seared lobster tail, then spoon the herb-infused tomato salsa over the lobster. Garnish with capers and extra fresh herbs for a touch of color.

Bon Appétit

Pro Culinary Tips:

Cooking Lobster Perfectly: Don’t overcook the lobster! Overcooking can result in tough, rubbery meat. Keep an eye on it and remove it from the water as soon as the shells turn bright red and the meat turns opaque.
Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the pea purée and tomato salsa a few hours ahead of time and refrigerate them until you're ready to serve, making this dish an excellent option for dinner parties or special occasions.
Balancing Flavors: If you prefer a rich puree option then ensure to use cream. For a slightly sweeter flavor, you can add a little drizzle of honey to the pea purée. Likewise, adding a dash of balsamic vinegar to the tomato salsa can provide a deeper complexity.

Pro Serving Tips:

For the Best Presentation: Plate the pea purée first to create a smooth base. Add the lobster tail in the center and then drizzle the salsa artfully around the lobster. For extra color and texture, garnish with fresh, parsley, or microgreens, and edible flower.
Side Dishes: Serve with a side of lightly buttered asparagus, roasted baby potatoes, or a light mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to complement the flavors of the dish.
Portion Control: If you’re serving this as part of a multi-course meal, consider cutting the lobster tails into smaller portions to ensure guests can enjoy the full experience.

Plating Guide for the Perfect Gourmet Presentation:

Use a Large White Plate: The clean background will allow the vibrant colors of the dish to pop.
Layering: Spread a generous spoonful of pea purée in the center of the plate. Smooth it out with the back of the spoon to create a neat, circular base or using a piping bag or squeeze bottle. Add the extra peas to the side for texture and contrast balance.
Lobster Placement: Position the lobster tail in the center of the pea purée. If you’ve sliced the lobster tail, arrange the slices artfully on top.
Salsa Drizzle: Spoon the herb-infused tomato salsa around the lobster, allowing some of it to fall onto the pea purée for a pop of color.
Garnish: Top the seared capers then Finish the dish with fresh herbs like parsley, or a sprinkle of microgreens and edible flower for an elegant touch.

Wine Recommendations:

Pairing a dish like lobster requires a wine that can complement the richness of the lobster while balancing the freshness of the pea purée and the tanginess of the salsa. With that in mind, here are a few of my recommendation which will surely elevate your dining experience:

1. Chardonnay: A lightly oaked Chardonnay with its rich texture and crisp acidity is the ideal match for lobster. Why? It balances the butteriness of the lobster and the fresh, herbaceous flavors of the salsa.

2. Sauvignon Blanc: If you prefer a more refreshing option, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc will work wonders. Its bright citrus notes and herbal undertones will complement the tomato salsa and pea purée beautifully.

3. Champagne: For a truly special occasion, a glass of brut Champagne or sparkling wine adds elegance and effervescence, cutting through the richness of the lobster while offering celebratory bubbles.

How This Dish Elevates Your Dining Experience:

Lobster with capers, pea purée, and herb-infused tomato salsa is a dish that exudes luxury and refinement, making it perfect for romantic dinners, anniversaries, or any special occasion. The combination of fresh, high-quality ingredients and vibrant flavors will impress your guests & loved ones creating an unforgettable experience. The delicate lobster paired with the tangy salsa and creamy purée delivers a symphony of tastes that feels both sophisticated and indulgent.

This dish is sure to elevate any meal settings. Either hosting an intimate dinner for two or entertaining friends and family for a celebration. Its stunning presentation alone will have everyone reaching for their phones to snap a picture before they dive in.

To Happy Cooking & Unforgettable Dining Experience... Cheers!