To describe smaller, younger lobsters that weigh about 1 to 2 pounds, we call them “chicken lobster.” These tasty crustaceans are highly sought after by chefs and seafood lovers. But what is a chicken lobster exactly, and how is it different from a full-grown lobster? Let’s learn more about this interesting lobster species.
A chicken lobster refers to a young American lobster (Homarus americanus) that is typically 1-2 years old and weighs about 1-1.5 pounds. They are given the name “chicken” lobster not because they actually contain any chicken, but because they resemble a young chicken in size and tenderness.
Chicken lobster is also known as torn lobster, picker lobster, snapper lobster, and pincher lobster. The lobster’s small size and claws are the reason for all of these names.
Chicken lobsters are harvested along the Atlantic coast of North America, especially in the cold waters of New England and Canada. They prefer rocky terrain where they can hide in crevices and camouflage themselves.
Key Identifying Traits
- Weigh 1-2 pounds
- Have a thin, flexible shell
- Possess smaller claws than adult lobsters
- Have a translucent appearance
- Exhibit a bright red color when cooked
Flavor, Texture, and Culinary Uses
The signature taste and texture of chicken lobsters set them apart from their full-grown counterparts. Here’s an overview of their distinct culinary qualities:
- Delicate, sweet flavor – The meat has a subtle sweetness and more refined flavor compared to adult lobster.
- Tender texture – The smaller muscle fibers lend a delicate, succulent texture. Less connective tissue also contributes to tenderness.
- Versatile ingredient – Works well in a variety of dishes from pastas to soups and salads. Often used whole in stuffings or bisques.
- Popular in lobster rolls – The delicate claw and tail meat is perfect for the classic Maine lobster roll sandwich.
Chefs appreciate chicken lobster for holding up delicately during cooking. Quick cooking methods like steaming, sautéing, or grilling are recommended to prevent overcooking.
Life Cycle and Growth
To understand the chicken lobster, it helps to know a bit about the life cycle and maturation of these creatures:
- Hatch from eggs as tiny larvae that float in the ocean currents
- After 6-10 weeks, larvae settle to the seafloor and metamorphose into juvenile lobsters
- Remain in rocky coastal areas during these early years
- Reach the “chicken lobster” size at approximately 5-7 years old
- Grow rapidly after reaching maturity, gaining 2-5 pounds per year
- Can live over 50 years in ideal conditions
Lobsters are easy to overfish because they grow slowly and live a long time. Sustainable practices are very important for the long-term health of lobster populations.
Buying and Cooking Chicken Lobster
When looking for chicken lobster, look for signs of freshness like being alive, having shells that are still whole, and a smell like sea breeze. Ask trusted fishmongers about the lobster’s origin and harvesting practices. Prices are lower than for bigger lobsters, ranging from $12 to $18 per pound depending on how the market is doing.
For cooking, quick steaming or sautéing are ideal. Check for opaque, pearly flesh and a bright red shell as signs of doneness. Chicken lobsters also shine in pasta dishes, tacos, soups, bisques, and seafood platters.
Sustainability Considerations
Harvesting chicken lobsters raises sustainability concerns if not properly regulated:
- Overfishing juvenile lobsters depletes future adult stocks.
- Size limits help protect young lobsters until they can reproduce.
- Responsible traps allow small lobsters to escape.
- Support fisheries with Marine Stewardship Council certification.
- Choose locally sourced options when possible.
Conscientious harvesting and cooking practices ensure the longevity of these delectable crustaceans.
How Common Is It?
People treat chicken lobster as a treat because it takes a lot of work to get lobsters to the right weight to be called chicken lobsters. It really depends on the lobster catch of the season and how many of the lobsters caught were about seven years old and weighed between one and two pounds. The tenderness of the meat makes these lobsters worth waiting for!.
What Makes It Different?
There are different kinds of lobsters, but chicken lobsters are unique because their meat is soft and their size. Chicken lobsters are considered to be large lobsters because they weigh up to two pounds. A chicken lobster is the best kind of lobster if you want a lot of very soft meat. If you have never had a chicken lobster before, you’ll be amazed at the tenderness of these lobsters.
When lobsters are cooked they get a lot of their flavor from their liver, called the tomalley. In chicken lobsters, the tenderness of the meat combined with the intense flavor makes the chicken lobster a succulent treat for anyone that loves fresh seafood.
How to Shell and Eat A Whole Lobster | Serious Eats
FAQ
What is considered a chicken lobster?
A chicken lobster is a lobster, not a chicken. It’s a lobster that weighs 1-2 pounds, although the exact weight can vary. Chicken lobsters also are supposed to be very tender, like chicken. It can take lobsters up to seven years to get to the 1-2 pound mark.
How many pounds is a chick lobster?
The world famous Maine lobster is available in 3 different size categories, Chicks, Quarters, and Halves. Chicks weight at least a pound, typically about 1. 1 pounds. Quarters weigh at least 1. 25 pounds, typically 1. 35 pounds or so, and Halves weigh at least a pound and a half; typically about 1. 65 pounds.
What is a lobster slang for?
SLANG TERM “LOBSTER” IS AN ANCIENT ONE. The most recent edition of Webster’s dictionary says that a “lobster” is “a gullible, awkward, bungling, or undesirable fellow.” ” This meaning is supposed by most persons to be a modern development olf slang.
How big are chick lobsters?
Chicks (1 lb to 1. 24 lbs) Our smallest offering, Chicks are perfect for a light, sweet lobster meal. Sustainably harvested from the cleanest North Atlantic waters, these tender lobsters are shipped live and robust, delivering fresh, succulent flavor to your table.
What is a chicken lobster?
Chicken lobster are small lobsters popular in New England. It takes a chicken lobster about 7 years to grow up and weigh between 1 and 2 pounds. The name “Chicken” also supposedly refers to the lobster’s tenderness. Naturally, they do not have a red color, but when they’re cooked, they have an extremely eye-catching color.
What are the different types of chicken lobsters?
There are many different types of lobsters, from a tiny one to the giant type. When it comes to luxurious entrees, chefs usually choose chicken lobsters with no doubt. However, not everyone knows about this species because it is not very common. Please also find out some information regarding , chicken lobster definition.
What is a small lobster called?
A small lobster is commonly referred to as a “chicken lobster” or “quarter-pounder. ” This name is given to lobsters that weigh around 1-2 pounds and are typically harvested when they are between 5-7 years old. These small lobsters are considered a delicacy and are prized for their tender and flavorful meat.
Is a chicken lobster the same as a baby lobster?
No, a chicken lobster is not the same as a baby lobster. While both are small in size, they are at different stages of development. A baby lobster, also known as a “molt,” is a newly hatched lobster that has just emerged from its egg. It goes through several molting stages as it grows and develops, eventually reaching adulthood.
What is the difference between chicken lobster and bug lobster?
Chicken lobsters are small, immature lobsters that are usually around 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) in length. This name is often used in the culinary world to describe small lobsters that are considered suitable for cooking. Bug lobsters are small, juvenile lobsters that are usually around 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) in length.
What is a chicken lobster shack?
Lobster Shack: New England, especially Maine, is brimming with local restaurants. They freshly cooked lobster with very little garnish. Shorts on: A term for people who are famous for lobsters. Hope that this article will help you in gaining new knowledge about chicken lobsters that you will have more understanding.