Lobster Alternatives

[Chez Nick]

I'm making a recipe with lobster wontons. Lobster is too expensive, do you have any ideas for subsitutions.



P.S. The recipe calls for 2 lobster tails.

[TATTRAT]

butter poached monk fish.....but seriously, if it is just for a wonton, shrimp or crab.

[AMSeccia]

I'm not much on the imitation varieties, but the imitation lobster is *supposed* to actually have some real lobster in it (as opposed to fake crab which is pollack). You can get lump and leg meat crab packed like tuna, or even fresh lump crab meat which won't be much less than lobster. How about shrimp? Have you considered a tilapia or other fish like they use in fish tacos?

Lobster is more affordable if you buy the whole monster in the shell versus just the tail, which is a premium portion.

[*amy*]

Originally Posted by Chez Nick

I'm making a recipe with lobster wontons. Lobster is too expensive, do you have any ideas for subsitutions.



P.S. The recipe calls for 2 lobster tails.

Hi Nick. I recall seeing this recipe for Mock Lobster:
RecipeSource: Mock Lobster

The combo of halibut, chili sauce, horseradish (and minced celery or scallions), might make for a tasty mock filling. You could add some cream cheese (no sour cream) to the cooled fish dish & fill your won tons - similar to crab rangoon.

[Jeekinz]

Reminds me of that B-52's song. LOL

[*amy*]

Originally Posted by Jeekinz

Reminds me of that B-52's song. LOL

Rock Lobster?

YouTube - The B-52's (Rock Lobster Live)

[Katie E]

Originally Posted by TATTRAT

butter poached monk fish.....but seriously, if it is just for a wonton, shrimp or crab.

I agree with TATT on all points. Monk fish is often called "poor man's lobster." But, as he said, why not just use shrimp or crab?

[*amy*]

Originally Posted by Katie E

I agree with TATT on all points. Monk fish is often called "poor man's lobster." But, as he said, why not just use shrimp or crab?

Monkfish may be referred to as 'poor man's lobster' - but tastes nothing like lobster. It doesn't have the sweetness of lobster. The texture is the only similarity, imo. The chili sauce & ingredients I suggested would come closer to make a good mock. See what's available in your area. Since you don't need much filling for won tons, lobster meat may not be too costly. I'd go for the real thing.

[TATTRAT]

But, the chili sauce and ingredients don't taste anything like lobster. We don't know what type of wonton Nick is shooting for.

I have to disagree about monk only having the texture. Good, in season monk fish, I personally prefer over lobster because the flavor is better. But, just my opinion.

[babetoo]

monk fish is great but it is not lobster.

babe