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5 from 1 vote

Lobster on Thick Cut Idaho® Potato Chips with Spicy Saffron Aioli

Dress up your favorite Idaho® Potatoes with lobster and saffron aioli for a special holiday appetizer! Salty, crunchy thick-cut chips are a sturdy base for buttery lobster tail. Topped with a spicy saffron aioli and chives, it makes an elegant nibble for any party.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Calories:
Author: Cheryl Bennett

Ingredients

  • 1 large Idaho® Russet Potato sliced 1/16" thick
  • 3 - 4 Maine lobster tails a little over a pound total weight
  • 1 bunch chives
  • saffron aioli
  • oil for frying - I used canola

For the spicy saffron aioli

  • 1/2 cup canola oil or blended oil
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 2 tsp. Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp. saffron threads coarsely chopped
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. white pepper
  • 1/4 - 1/2 tsp. hot sauce of your choice I used Sriracha

Instructions

Prep Potatoes

  • Soak potato slices in cold water for at least 2 hours. Rinse and pat dry.

For the Aioli

  • Pour the canola oil and olive oil into a measuring cup with a spout. Using an immersion blender or food processor- combine the egg yolks, mustard, saffron, hot sauce, salt and white pepper. With the motor running, add the oils SLOWLY in a thin, steady stream. When it begins to emulsify, you can add the oil a little faster until it is all incorporated. The aioli should be the consistency of mayonnaise. Use saffron water to thin the aioli if needed. Transfer into a bowl, cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

To steam the lobster

  • Carefully thread two 6" wooden skewers through the tails to keep them straight. Pour about a half an inch of water into a pot and place a steamer rack inside. (I used my canning rack!) When water has started to simmer, place lobster tails inside and cook for 1 minute per ounce. Ex: If the tails are 6 oz each, you will cook them for 6 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
  • Using sharp kitchen scissors, cut the underside of the lobster tail down the middle and slide your finger along the curved hard shell to loosen. Grab the lobster tail & pull to slide it out of the shell. Slice into large chunks and set aside.

To Make the Potato Chips

  • In a deep, heavy-bottomed pot, heat oil to 350F. Slowly add potato slices and fry until golden brown. Do not overcrowd the pot. Add a handful at a time, if you add too many the temperature of the oil will drop and the potatoes will not fry properly. Using a spider or tongs, flip potatoes over in the oil so both sides cook evenly. It should only take a few minutes per side. When they are done, remove from the oil and drain on paper towels.

Assemble

  • Spread a very thin layer of aioli on the chip and top with lobster. The aioli will act as "glue" to keep the lobster in place. Drizzle a bit of the saffron aioli over the lobster and sprinkle a few chives over the top.
  • Lay them on a chive-lined platter and serve. Bask in your glory, you've earned it.

Notes

Cheat Method for the Aioli: Steep saffron in very hot water for 15 minutes, add to your favorite mayonnaise, add hot sauce and stir to combine.
I usually soak my potatoes for 6+ hours, changing the water after the first 2 hours. This helps to eliminate quick a bit of the starch.