Cuban Lobster-Stuffed Avocado Delight
Indulge in the tropical flavors of Cuba with this delicious Cuban Lobster-Stuffed Avocado Delight. Featuring succulent lobster meat combined with a creamy, zesty mayonnaise dressing and nestled in perfectly ripe avocado halves, this dish is vibrant and visually stunning. Topped with tangy green olives and piquant pimentos, it’s an elegant appetizer ideal for gatherings or a refreshing main course on a warm day. Serve it over a bed of crisp lettuce for added texture and a pop of color!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
lobster meat
1 lb (cooked, chopped into small cubes)
mayonnaise
1/2 cup (none)
olive oil
2 teaspoons (none)
vinegar
1 teaspoon (none)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
avocados
4 small (halved and peeled)
paprika
1/4 teaspoon (none)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
green olives
8 (for garnish)
pimientos
4 (for garnish, canned)
Instructions
1
Begin by carefully cutting the avocados in half and peeling them. Make sure to preserve their shape as they will serve as the serving vessels.
2
In a small bowl, whisk together white vinegar, olive oil, paprika, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.
3
Place the avocado halves in the bowl and gently marinate them in the mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to enhance their flavor.
4
While the avocados are marinating, chop the cooked lobster meat into small, bite-sized cubes.
5
In another bowl, combine lobster cubes with mayonnaise, ensuring they are evenly coated.
6
Remove the marinated avocados from the refrigerator and carefully fill each half with the lobster mixture.
7
For decoration, place a green olive and a strip of pimento atop each stuffed avocado.
8
Serve the stuffed avocados chilled on a bed of fresh lettuce leaves for a refreshing and appetizing finish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cuban Lobster-Stuffed Avocado Delight?
It is a tropical Cuban-inspired dish featuring succulent cooked lobster meat mixed with a zesty mayonnaise dressing, served inside marinated avocado halves.
How many avocados are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 small avocados, which are halved and peeled to create 8 serving portions.
What are the main ingredients for the lobster filling?
The filling consists of 1 lb of cooked lobster meat chopped into cubes and 1/2 cup of mayonnaise.
How are the avocados prepared before stuffing?
The avocados are halved, peeled, and then marinated in a mixture of white vinegar, olive oil, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
How long should the avocados marinate?
The avocados should be covered and refrigerated to marinate for at least 30 minutes to enhance their flavor.
What garnishes are used for this dish?
The dish is decorated with green olives and strips of pimento on top of each stuffed avocado half.
Is Cuban Lobster-Stuffed Avocado Delight served hot or cold?
This dish is served chilled, making it a refreshing option for warm weather.
What should I serve the stuffed avocados on?
It is recommended to serve the avocados on a bed of fresh, crisp lettuce leaves for added texture and presentation.
Can I use frozen lobster meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen lobster meat as long as it is fully thawed and cooked before being chopped and mixed with the mayonnaise.
What type of vinegar is best for the marinade?
The recipe specifies white vinegar for its clean, tangy profile that complements the seafood.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Based on the ingredients listed (lobster, avocado, mayo, oil, vinegar, and spices), this dish is naturally gluten-free.
How much lobster meat is needed?
You will need 1 lb of cooked lobster meat for 4 small avocados.
What kind of oil is used in the avocado marinade?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of olive oil.
Can I substitute the pimentos?
If you don't have pimentos, you can use thin strips of roasted red bell pepper as a substitute.
What makes this dish Cuban-style?
The use of avocados, seafood, and the specific garnish of olives and pimentos are hallmarks of traditional Cuban appetizers.
Is this dish suitable for a healthy diet?
Yes, avocados provide healthy fats and lobster is a lean protein source, making it a nutritious choice.
How do I peel the avocados without breaking them?
Carefully cut them in half, remove the pit, and use a large spoon to gently scoop the flesh out in one piece, or peel the skin away by hand if they are ripe.
Can I add heat to this recipe?
While the original recipe is mild, you can add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mayonnaise mixture if you prefer a spicy kick.
What is the purpose of the paprika in the marinade?
The 1/4 teaspoon of paprika adds a hint of color and a subtle smoky depth to the avocado marinade.
Can I use a different seafood instead of lobster?
Yes, this recipe works very well with cooked shrimp or crab meat as a substitute for lobster.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and are best consumed within 24 hours to ensure the avocado doesn't brown excessively.
Can I make this dish in advance?
You can prepare the lobster mixture and the marinade ahead of time, but it is best to assemble and marinate the avocados shortly before serving for maximum freshness.
What kind of green olives should I use?
Standard Spanish manzanilla olives or any pitted green olive will work perfectly for the garnish.
How much salt and pepper is used?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper in the marinade.
Is this dish an appetizer or a main course?
It is traditionally served as an elegant appetizer, but it can also serve as a light and refreshing main course.
Can I use lime juice instead of vinegar?
Yes, lime juice is a common substitute that fits the tropical flavor profile perfectly while providing the necessary acidity.
How do I ensure the mayonnaise is evenly distributed?
Fold the lobster cubes into the mayonnaise in a separate bowl before adding them to the avocados to ensure every piece is coated.
Is the lobster meat cooked in the recipe?
The recipe assumes the lobster meat is already cooked before you begin the assembly process.
What type of lettuce is best for serving?
Crisp varieties like Romaine, Iceberg, or Butter lettuce provide a nice crunch and sturdy base.
Why is the marination step important?
Marinating the avocados infuses them with the tangy vinegar and oil mixture, ensuring the dish isn't bland and preventing the avocado from oxidizing quickly.