50

min
  • dinners

Lobster Fra Diavolo

Lobster Fra Diavolo is a culinary gem that brings the vibrant flavors of the sea into your kitchen. This dish features tender lobster simmered in a spicy, robust tomato sauce, served over a bed of linguine or spaghetti. It’s a perfect choice for a special occasion or a romantic dinner, elevating the traditional Italian-American seafood pasta to new heights. The combination of heat, acidity, and sweetness makes it a delightful experience for the palate, and with a few twists, it becomes a standout dish worthy of an Iron Chef.

  • SERVES
    4 people
  • PREP TIME
    20 minutes
  • Cook TIME
    30 minutes
Ingredients
  • 2 live lobsters (about 1.5 lbs each)
  • 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1 cup dry white wine
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Lemon wedges, for serving
  • Optional twist: 1 tablespoon of capers for added brininess
Directions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lobsters and cook for about 8-10 minutes until they turn bright red. Remove the lobsters, cool slightly, and extract the meat from the claws, tails, and knuckles. Reserve the shells for later use if desired.

  2. In the same pot, cook the linguine or spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

  3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

  4. Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. Add the crushed tomatoes, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and capers if using. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes to develop the flavors.

  5. Add the lobster meat to the sauce, and gently cook for an additional 5 minutes until heated through. Stir in the fresh basil and parsley just before serving.

  6. Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce until well coated. Serve hot, garnished with lemon wedges.

Lobster Fra Diavolo has roots that intertwine Italian and American culinary traditions, often celebrated for its bold flavors and luxurious ingredients. The name "Fra Diavolo" translates to "Brother Devil," a nod to the dish's spicy nature, which is typically characterized by its fiery tomato sauce and hearty seafood. The inspiration behind this recipe is to create a balance of heat and richness, allowing the natural sweetness of the lobster to shine through while still delivering a satisfying kick.

"Inspiration for this recipe comes from the coastal regions of Italy where seafood is abundant, combined with the vibrant spice profiles found in Mediterranean cuisine. The addition of capers adds a briny complexity that elevates the dish from the ordinary to something truly divine."

What sets this version apart from more common iterations is not just the inclusion of capers, but the careful selection of fresh herbs and the method of cooking the lobster. By poaching the lobsters first, you ensure that the meat remains tender and succulent, while the sauce is infused with the essence of the shells if you choose to include them in the cooking process. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience, inviting diners to savor each bite and revel in the flavors of the ocean. Pair it with a crisp white wine and enjoy a slice of coastal Italy right at home.

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