Grilled Lobster and Potatoes with Basil Vinaigrette

Ingredients for Grilled Lobster and Potatoes with Basil Vinaigrette

• 4 (1 1/4- to 675g) live lobsters

• 900g small (1 1/2- to 2-inch) boiling potatoes (preferably yellow-fleshed)

• 45ml red-wine vinegar

• 5 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1/2 teaspoons dried hot red-pepper flakes, or to taste

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 1/2 teaspoons salt

• 2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

• 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil

• 230g baby rocket (about 10 cups loosely packed)

• Accompaniment: lemon wedges

How to make Grilled Lobster and Potatoes with Basil Vinaigrette

Plunge lobsters headfirst into a 12-quart pot of boiling salted water . Cook, covered, over high heat 4 minutes (for 1 1/4-lb lobster) to 5 minutes (for 1 1/2-lb lobster) from time they enter water. Transfer with tongs to a large colander to drain and cool. (Lobsters will not be fully cooked.) Return cooking water to a boil.

Add potatoes to boiling water and simmer, uncovered, until just tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Drain in a colander.

When lobsters are cool enough to handle, twist off claws (including knuckles) and crack with a meat mallet or rolling pin. Halve lobsters lengthwise using a large heavy knife. Reserve green tomalley and any orange roe from bodies for another use if desired.

Prepare grill for direct-heat cooking over medium-hot charcoal (moderately high heat for gas).

While grill heats, whisk together vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, red-pepper flakes, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Add oil in a slow stream, whisking until well blended, then stir in basil.

Halve potatoes. Oil grill rack, then grill potatoes, cut sides down, covered only if using a gas grill, turning over once, until grill marks appear, about 4 minutes total. Transfer to a bowl and toss with 2 tablespoons vinaigrette. Keep potatoes warm, covered.

Oil grill rack, then grill 4 lobster halves, cut sides down, and all of claws, covered only if using a gas grill, until grill marks appear on meat, about 4 minutes. Turn over bodies and claws and grill in same manner 4 minutes more. Transfer to a large bowl and toss with 60ml vinaigrette, then keep warm, covered. Grill remaining lobster halves in same manner and add to same bowl, tossing to coat.

Arrange rocket on a large platter and top with grilled lobster and potatoes. Drizzle with 120ml vinaigrette and serve remaining vinaigrette on the side.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.