If you want to bring an air of sophistication and celebration to your dinner table without spending hours in the kitchen, a surf and turf dinner might be the perfect solution.
With the right ingredients and a bit of planning, you can pull off an effortless meal that looks (and tastes!) over the top—and we’ve got just the recipes to show you how.
Spiny lobster and Maine lobster are two of the most popular lobster varieties found in the United States. With their delicious taste and meaty texture, it’s no surprise these crustaceans are considered luxury seafood. But when it comes to flavor, sustainability, price, and availability, is one really better than the other?
An Overview of Spiny and Maine Lobster
Spiny Lobster
Also called rock lobster or Caribbean lobster
Live in warm waters like Florida the Caribbean. California
Lack large claws, have long antennae and spiny shells
Only the tails are eaten, the rest is discarded
Leaner meat, firmer texture, subtle briny flavor
Used in Mediterranean and Asian cuisines
Maine Lobster
Also called Atlantic or Northern lobster
Live in cold waters off New England and Atlantic Canada
Have large claws, smoother shells, shorter antennae
Whole lobster is eaten including tail, claws and knuckles
Sweet, delicate flavor, tender and plump texture
Featured in classics like lobster rolls and bisque
Flavor and Texture
When it comes to taste and texture, Maine lobster is often considered superior. Its meat is naturally sweet, tender and buttery. The cool waters Maine lobsters live in lend a succulent quality to their flesh. Their tails, claws and knuckles are all edible.
Spiny lobster meat is leaner and chewier in comparison. Only the tails are eaten. The flavor is more subtle and briny, requiring bold seasonings. The warmer habitat makes their texture more rubbery.
Maine lobster wins for its indulgent, smooth texture and sweet flavor that needs little enhancement. The ability to enjoy both tail and claw meat also gives it an advantage.
Sustainability
Sustainability is a concern when choosing seafood. Maine lobsters hold a slight edge in this area. The Maine lobster fishery is closely monitored with strict fishing regulations in place. Lobster populations are stable thanks to trap limits and conservation efforts.
Spiny lobster fisheries can have more variability globally in how they are managed. Some regions lack oversight leading to potential overfishing. For the eco-conscious, Maine lobster is the better option.
Price and Availability
Maine lobsters are caught locally off the Northeast coast. Availability fluctuates, causing prices to rise and fall. They can be costlier especially out of season. Spiny lobster is imported from multiple regions worldwide making it more consistently available year-round. Prices remain relatively stable.
Spiny lobster tails are often cheaper than whole Maine lobsters pound for pound. For budget-friendly options, spiny lobster may be a better value. But for special occasions, Maine lobster is worth splurging on.
Versatility in Cooking
Maine lobster is versatile enough to shine with minimal preparation. Simple steaming or baking keeps its natural flavors intact. The rich claw and knuckle meat can be used in everything from bisques to mac and cheese.
Spiny lobster works best when bolstered by sauces and spice rubs. The lean tails pair well with citrus, garlic, chiles and warm spices popular in Mexican and Asian cuisines. For simple elegance, Maine lobster has the edge. But spiny lobster offers global flavor potential.
The Final Verdict
When comparing spiny lobster vs Maine lobster, the clear winner is Maine lobster. Its exceptionally sweet meat, tender texture, sustainability, and versatility give it an advantage over spiny lobster. While spiny lobster can provide good value, Maine lobster delivers a superior culinary experience making it the best choice for lobster lovers. However, both have their merits depending on recipe needs and budget considerations. The ultimate decision comes down to personal preferences.
Fillet and Crab Cakes
Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes come packed with flavor and seasoned to perfection. This means you can rely on crab cakes for an easy yet impressive surf offering. Pair them with tender fillet for a well-balanced meal that comes together in minutes.
Before you start cooking, make sure your crab cakes are thawed in the refrigerator. This way, they’ll cook in 10 minutes or less.
Use a large heavy cast-iron skillet for both the steak and the crab cakes.
Here’s how to do it:
- First, pat the steaks dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper. Brush them with a thin coating of canola oil or another high-heat oil.
- Heat your pan over medium-high heat for a good 3 to 5 minutes, until hot.
- Gently place the steaks in the skillet and sear for 4 minutes, or until you have a nice brown crust on one side. Use tongs to flip the steaks and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on the other side.
- Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet and as it melts, spoon the butter over the steaks for another minute.
- Remove the steaks from the skillet when they are 5 to 10 degrees away from your desired doneness. Place on a cutting board, cover with aluminum foil, and let rest while you cook the crab cakes.
- Melt another 2 tablespoons of butter in the empty skillet.
- When the butter is melted, place the crab cakes in the hot pan and sear for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown on both sides and cooked through.
How to Plan a Surf and Turf Menu
To put together a surf and turf menu of your own, start with a bit of planning to make sure your dinner comes together perfectly.
One of the best parts about surf and turf is that you can often cook both the meat and seafood in the same pan, which means less mess. Whether you use a grill, broiler, or stovetop, you can first sear the meat, then quickly cook the seafood while your steak rests.
First, choose your surf and your turf entrees. The most classic surf and turf menus feature red meat, often steak. However, if you’re not a fan or don’t eat red meat, you can certainly substitute steak for some chicken or pork.
| If you want to stand out even more, put your own spin on turf entree with a unique protein like lamb or duck. There really are no rules, so now’s your time to experiment in the kitchen! |
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Likewise, for the surf side of things, you have plenty of options. The most classic and extravagant surf and turf plates feature a bold red lobster, either whole or just the tail. Sometimes the tail is stuffed for added visual and flavor appeal. Other surf options include succulent shrimp, seared scallops, crab cakes, or your favorite fish fillet.
Finally, round out your surf and turf menu with one or two side dishes. These don’t have to be complicated or overdone. The meat and seafood are the stars of the show, so the sides are the supporting actors there to help the proteins shine. See below for the best side dish ideas to pair with your surf and turf.
Battle of the LOBSTERS: Maine vs Spiny
FAQ
What tastes better, spiny lobster or Maine lobster?
Maine Lobster is much bigger, than spinny lobster, and sub is absolutely correct that it’s a sweeter lobster. Maine Lobster is by far superior, in flavor, texture and price. Taste wise I lean towards Maine Lobster, budget wise I have to settle for spiny lobster.
Why is spiny lobster more expensive?
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High Demand, Limited Supply:The demand for spiny lobster, especially in Asian markets, has outstripped the available supply, driving up prices.
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China‘s Role:A significant portion of California spiny lobsters are exported to China, where they are highly valued and command a premium price.
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Luxury Item Status:The high price point contributes to spiny lobster’s perception as a luxury food item, further increasing demand and price.
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Maine Lobster vs Spiny Lobster:While Maine lobsters are also expensive, they are generally less expensive than spiny lobsters, and Americans tend to prefer Maine lobsters due to their price point.
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California spiny lobsters are known for their sweet, succulent tail meat, and they are considered one of the most desirable lobsters in the world.
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Seasonal Fishing:The California spiny lobster fishery has a seasonal landing pattern, which can limit supply during peak demand periods, further driving up prices.
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Other Factors:Factors like overfishing and the difficulty of catching and transporting these lobsters can also contribute to their high cost.
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Taste Preference:Some people find that California spiny lobsters taste sweeter than Maine lobsters.
What is considered the best tasting lobster?
In addition, Maine lobsters are the largest around, and under their smooth, dark red shell is some of the best-tasting seafood you can find.
What’s the difference between spiny lobster and regular lobster?
The spiny lobster has very long, thick, spiny antennae compared to the shorter, thinner antennae of the “regular” lobster. Another obvious difference is the color.
Is there a difference between spiny lobster and Maine lobster?
Yes, there are noticeable differences in texture between spiny lobster and Maine lobster. Spiny lobster has a firm and meatier texture with a slightly sweet flavor, while Maine lobster is known for its tender and succulent meat with a rich and buttery taste.
Why is spiny lobster more expensive than Maine lobster?
Spiny lobster tends to be more expensive than Maine lobster due to its limited availability and higher demand in certain markets. Spiny lobster is often considered a delicacy and is valued for its sweet, firm meat, which contributes to its higher price point.
What is the difference between spiny lobster and rock lobster?
Spiny lobsters, also known as rock lobsters, are distinct from Maine lobsters. They are found off the shores of the southeastern U.S. and are harvested between October and March.
Is spiny lobster better than New England lobster?
Spiny lobster is extremely versatile and can be used in just about every way a New England lobster can. Pound for pound, spiny lobster has more meat than New England lobster does. That means you would do well to buy live spiny lobster if you can find them.
What is a spiny lobster?
This is an accurate description of a Maine lobster, except for the color; lobsters only turn red when they are cooked. The Spiny lobster lacks one notable feature: The giant claws. Also called Rock lobster, the Spiny lobster also has an antenna much longer than its Maine counterpart.
Why do Maine lobsters taste different?
Spiny lobster shells are harder, which can impact the texture and absorb more smoke flavoring during cooking. Maine lobster contains liver and tomalley (green gland), which some say add a seafood essence and enhance the flavor. The northern latitude Maine lobsters inhabit make their meat sweeter. Warm waters dilute the taste of spiny lobster.