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enchilado de langosta on a blue plate with rice and lime wedges.
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5 from 3 votes

Enchilado de Langosta (Cuban Lobster Creole)

This enchilado de langosta is lobster tails simmered in a spiced tomato sauce. A Cuban classic recipe that my grandmother has been making for years.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Entree
Cuisine: Cuban
Servings: 4
Calories: 70kcal
Author: Julie Maestre

Ingredients

  • 4 lobster tails
  • 1/2 onion finely diced
  • 1/2 red bell pepper finely diced
  • 1/2 green bell pepper finely diced
  • 3 garlic cloves finely minced
  • 1 tbsp sofrito
  • 8 ounces tomato sauce
  • 1/4 tsp sugar optional
  • 1/2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/2 tsp sazon
  • 1/2 tsp oregano
  • 1/2 tsp adobo
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 cup water
  • oil

Instructions

  • Begin by cutting the lobster tails in half lengthwise using a knife. Season the lobster tails with salt and pepper and set it aside. 
  • In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions and peppers. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until the onions are translucent.
  • Stir in the tomato paste and sofrito and cook for 1 minute. Add the garlic and spices and cook for 20 seconds. 
  • Add the tomato sauce, water, bay leaf, and olives. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add a pinch of sugar and check for seasoning. 
  • Place the lobster tails in the sauce, meat side down. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 5 minutes. Flip the lobster tails over and cook for an additional 2 minutes or until the lobster tails are bright red and the meat is fully cooked through. 

Notes

  • You can use mussels, scallops, shrimp, or crab instead of lobster.
  • Add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity from the olives and tomato sauce.
  • Incorporate some white wine or vino seco for extra flavor.
  • If you're not a fan of olives use capers instead or simply omit them.
  • Don't overcook the lobster! 8-10 minutes tops.
  • Enjoy with fresh lime, cilantro, and hot sauce, if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 70kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 80mg | Sodium: 439mg | Potassium: 238mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 561IU | Vitamin C: 33mg | Calcium: 69mg | Iron: 1mg