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Poor Man’s Lobster

Our easy, delicious Poor Man’s Lobster is a clever and budget-friendly dish that transforms firm white fish like halibut, cod, or lingcod into a lobster-inspired delicacy. By poaching the fish in a sugar-salt water solution, you create a mild sweetness and tender texture reminiscent of lobster meat. This simple recipe requires minimal effort, making it ideal for quick dinners or when you want an indulgent meal without breaking the bank. Pair it with melted butter for dipping, and you’ll have a satisfying, affordable seafood feast.

Poor Man’s Lobster Recipe

We do a LOT of fishing, and our freezers are routinely stuffed full of fish. We give away a lot of our catch, but we’re still left with more fish than we know what to do with, so I like to “Bubba Gump” it in all the different ways to change things up a bit.

One thing we do not have in the waters of the Pacific Northwest is lobster. Being one of my favorite shellfish, that’s what I call a problem.

What we do have, in abundance, is lingcod, rockfish, and halibut, and I’m pretty confident in saying that those are way more versatile than lobster anyway.

Small Lingcod – but I was proud of it. 😉

This recipe brings the best of all those worlds together. You get the flavor and texture of sweet, firm lobster, but with a much easier prep and more accessible fish option. Even if you don’t fish, you can pick up a couple filets of cod or any other firm whitefish at your local grocery store and still have an excellent meal on the table fast.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

  • Budget-Friendly: Enjoy a seafood-inspired meal without the high cost of lobster.
  • Simple Ingredients: Uses common pantry staples and affordable fish.
  • Quick Cooking Time: Ready in under 20 minutes, including preparation.
  • Customizable: Add herbs or spices for your preferred flavor profile.
  • Elegant Presentation: Looks impressive while being incredibly easy to make.
Poor Man's Lobster

Poor Man’s Lobster shopping list

Wondering if you have to hit the store? Here’s the list of items you’ll need to make this recipe. For specific amounts, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Ingredients

  • Firm White Fish (e.g., cod, haddock, or pollock)
  • Water
  • Sugar
  • Salt
  • Paprika
  • Butter
Poor Man's Lobster

How to make Poor Man’s Lobster

This is just the overview so you can see what you’re actually getting into here. When you are cooking, you’ll want to use the full recipe at the bottom of the page.

Recipe Process: Overview in 5 Steps

  1. Prepare the Stockpot: Add water, sugar, and salt to a stockpot. Bring to a boil.
  2. Cook the Fish: Add fish filets, reduce heat, and simmer for 8-10 minutes until the fish floats and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
  3. Dry and Season: Remove the fish, pat dry with a paper towel, and brush with butter. Sprinkle with paprika.
  4. Optional Broil: Place the filets on a pan and broil for 1 minute until lightly browned.
  5. Serve: Pair with melted butter for dipping and enjoy!
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Poor Man's Lobster

FAQ

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a small amount of butter.

Can I prepare this in advance?

You can prepare the sugar-salt poaching liquid ahead of time and refrigerate it. Cook the fish fresh for best results.

What are good substitutions for white fish?

Cod, haddock, or pollock are ideal, but tilapia or halibut will also work. Ensure the fish is firm and thick to hold its shape during poaching.

Can I add other seasonings?

Yes, feel free to customize with garlic powder, lemon zest, or fresh herbs for added flavor.

Poor Man's Lobster

Serve This With…

  • Grilled Vegetables: Broccoli or asparagus are great choices.
  • Rice Pilaf: A light and fluffy base to soak up any extra butter.
  • Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping into the melted butter.
  • Salad: A crisp green salad balances the richness of the dish.

Poor Man’s Lobster is an easy and affordable recipe that delivers impressive results. The delicate sweetness of the poached fish, paired with the buttery finish, is perfect for a satisfying meal. Whether you’re serving it for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this dish combines practicality with indulgence.

More great fish recipes to love!

Try Some Actual Shellfish

Poor Man's Lobster
Poor Man's Lobster

Poor Man’s Lobster

This easy recipe turns a regular piece of whitefish into a lobster-like experience! Serve with butter for dipping, and don't forget those homemade cheddar bay biscuits!
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: fish
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 3 people

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces whitefish fish
  • 6 cups water
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 cup butter

Instructions

  • Put the water into a medium-to-large sized stockpot along with the sugar and salt. Bring to a boil, and then add your fish filets.
  • Reduce the heat to a simmer and let the fish cook in the simmering water for 8-10 minutes, or until it floats and is at least 145°F.
  • Remove the fish from the water and pat dry with a paper towel. Brush lightly with butter and sprinkle with paprika.
  • Optional, but delicious: Place the filets onto a pan and put under the broiler for 1 minute, or until the top is lightly golden browned.
  • Serve with melted butter for dipping.

Notes

Make sure to make a big batch of Cheddar Bay Biscuits to complete the meal!

Nutrition

Calories: 639kcalCarbohydrates: 67gProtein: 23gFat: 33gSaturated Fat: 20gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 138mgSodium: 4978mgPotassium: 369mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 67gVitamin A: 1274IUVitamin C: 0.01mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1mg