Moreton Bay Bugs

The Story
The Moreton Bay Bug (named after Moreton Bay in Brisbane Queensland) is a unique species of lobster with many nicknames such as slipper lobster and Balmian bug. The official name of the crustation is Thenus Orientalis. They are found in the tropical and subtropical stretch of Australia from Sharkbay Western Australia to Northern New South Wales. The bugs used to be very cheap and were at the bottom of the barrel in seafood markets until the 70s when they became very popular with wealthy and middle class Australians. From there they slowly became known as one of the the quintessential Australian dishes.

Moreton Bay Bugs

A delicious simple recipe for one of the best tasting crustaceans.
Servings 1
Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 8 mins

Ingredients

  • 2 clove Garlic
  • Parsley
  • Unsalted butter
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • 2 Moreton bay bugs
  • Olive oil
  • Lemon

Instructions

  • Add a 1/4 stick of butter into a bowl and keep in microwave until melted.
  • Finely mince 2 garlic cloves and add to the butter.
  • Finely chop a handful of parsley and add to the butter.
  • Mix the garlic butter and place in fridge until it solidifies.
  • Chop 2 Moreton Bay bugs into halves.
  • Once butter is solidified use a spoon to scoop the butter onto the exposed meat side of the half.
  • Cook on a hot skillet garlic butter side down until sufficiently browned.
  • Enjoy!