Lobster Shiitake Salad from Nobu features succulent lobster meat and earthy shiitake mushrooms tossed with crisp greens and drizzled in a zesty spicy lemon dressing, offering a refreshing blend of rich, tangy, and spicy flavors.
Equipments
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Salad spinner
- Medium saucepan
- Slotted spoon
- Tongs
- Whisk
- Citrus juicer
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Serving platter
Ingredients
- 1 live lobster (about 1.5 lb)
- 6 fresh shiitake mushrooms
- 4 cups mixed baby greens
- 1/2 small red onion
- 4 cherry tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon chives
- 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon yuzu juice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon grapeseed oil
- 1/2 teaspoon chili garlic paste
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- Sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Ensure you use a live lobster weighing approximately 1.5 pounds for optimal freshness and flavor, as pre-cooked lobster may alter the dish's texture. Fresh shiitake mushrooms are essential to provide the earthy depth Nobu's salad is known for, so avoid dried substitutes unless rehydrated properly. The yuzu juice adds a distinct citrus note that is difficult to replace; if unavailable, combine lemon juice with a splash of lime for a closer flavor profile. Use a high-quality chili garlic paste to balance the salad's spiciness without overpowering the delicate ingredients. Your Lobster Shiitake Salad with Spicy Lemon Dressing from Nobu copycat menu will shine by emphasizing fresh, vibrant ingredients that capture the original's rich, tangy, and spicy harmony.
Instructions
- Bring a medium saucepan of salted water to a boil.
- Add the live lobster, cover, and cook for 8–10 minutes until bright red.
- Remove lobster with slotted spoon; let cool slightly.
- Twist off lobster tail and claws; crack shells and remove meat.
- Cut lobster meat into bite-sized pieces; chill.
- Remove stems from shiitake mushrooms; slice caps.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet; sauté mushrooms until tender. Season with salt and pepper. Let cool.
- Wash and dry mixed baby greens using salad spinner.
- Thinly slice the red onion.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes.
- Finely chop the chives.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together lemon juice, yuzu juice, soy sauce, olive oil, grapeseed oil, chili garlic paste, sugar, sea salt, and black pepper to make the spicy lemon dressing.
- In a large bowl, combine baby greens, sautéed mushrooms, red onion, and cherry tomatoes.
- Add lobster pieces to salad.
- Drizzle spicy lemon dressing over the salad; gently toss with tongs to combine.
- Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with chives.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Lobster Shiitake Salad with Spicy Lemon Dressing from Nobu copycat menu combines tender lobster and savory shiitake mushrooms with fresh greens in a vibrant citrus-spiced dressing. If live lobster is unavailable, cooked lobster or even large shrimp can serve as suitable alternatives without compromising flavor. Shiitake mushrooms can be substituted with cremini or portobello mushrooms to maintain an earthy depth in the dish. Adjust the amount of chili garlic paste to match your preferred spice level, and substitute yuzu juice with a mix of lemon and lime juice for a similar tangy citrus punch. Your salad will still shine with these modifications, offering a harmonious balance of rich and zesty flavors.
Tips
Ensure you handle the live lobster carefully and use fresh, high-quality seafood for the best flavor. When cracking the lobster shells, work gently to avoid shredding the meat and chilling it immediately helps maintain its texture. Use a salad spinner to completely dry greens after washing to prevent a soggy salad. Your spicy lemon dressing balances acidity, sweetness, and heat; whisk thoroughly to blend the flavors before tossing with the cooled ingredients.
Nutritions
Lobster Shiitake Salad from Nobu is a nutrient-rich dish providing high-quality protein from succulent lobster meat paired with fiber and antioxidants found in shiitake mushrooms and mixed baby greens. The salad offers heart-healthy fats from olive and grapeseed oils, along with immune-supporting vitamin C from fresh lemon and yuzu juice. Chili garlic paste adds metabolism-boosting capsaicin, while the vegetables contribute essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. Your meal supports muscle repair and overall wellness with a balanced blend of macronutrients and micronutrients.
Storage
Store any leftover Lobster Shiitake Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator, ideally consumed within 1-2 days to maintain freshness and texture. Keep the lobster meat and dressing separate if possible to prevent the greens from becoming soggy. Your salad will retain its vibrant flavors and crispness best when chilled promptly and properly covered.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute cooked crab meat or shrimp for lobster to vary the seafood element while keeping the luxurious feel of the salad. Replace shiitake mushrooms with maitake or oyster mushrooms for a different earthy texture and flavor. For a creamier dressing, try adding a tablespoon of avocado oil or blended silken tofu to the lemon-yuzu mixture. Using fresh grated ginger in the dressing will add a warm, zesty kick that complements the chili garlic paste nicely.
Allergies
The Lobster Shiitake Salad from Nobu contains shellfish, which is a common allergen and can cause severe reactions in individuals allergic to lobster or other crustaceans. Shiitake mushrooms may trigger allergic responses or sensitivities in some people, leading to symptoms such as itching or swelling. You should avoid this dish if you have known allergies to shellfish or mushrooms to prevent adverse health effects.
Why this recipe?
Lobster Shiitake Salad with Spicy Lemon Dressing from Nobu restaurant combines succulent lobster meat with earthy shiitake mushrooms, creating a unique texture and flavor balance that delights seafood lovers. The spicy lemon dressing adds a zesty, refreshing kick that enhances the natural sweetness of the ingredients, making each bite vibrant and memorable. You can enjoy the same luxurious experience at home by trying a copycat recipe, which allows you to customize spice levels and freshness to your taste. This salad is worth recreating for its perfect harmony of bold flavors and premium ingredients that define Nobu's innovative culinary style.