Chef Marcus Samuelsson's Lobster Roll with Quince and Napa Cabbage

Marcus' wine pairing: Penfolds Koonunga Hill Chardonnay

Ingredients: makes 4 servings

FOR THE LOBSTER ROLLS
• 4 leaves napa cabbage, stems below the leaves removed
• 2 teaspoons white miso
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1/4 teaspoon sambal oelek, or about 6 drops Tabasco sauce
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 pieces quince, chopped
• 1 1/2 – 2 cups bite-sized chunks cooked lobster (from two 1 1/2- to 2-pound lobsters)
• 2 medium tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and diced

FOR THE HERB SALAD
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• juice of 1 lime
• 2 sprigs fresh mint, leaves only
• 2 sprigs fresh cilantro, leaves only
• 2 sprigs fresh basil, leaves only
• 2 teaspoons caviar, preferably from California farmed sturgeon (optional)

Directions

  1. PREPARE THE LOBSTER ROLLS: Blanch the napa cabbage in salted water, then remove from water and pat dry. Set aside.

  2. Combine the miso, mayonnaise, lime juice, sambal oelek, cilantro, and quince in a medium bowl. Add the lobster and tomatoes and toss to mix.

  3. Lay a piece of plastic wrap about 2-inches long on a work surface. Place a napa cabbage leaf in the center of the plastic wrap. Place a line of the lobster mixture—about 2 tablespoons—across the lower third of the leaf. Using the plastic wrap to help you, roll up the cabbage around the filling as tightly as possible into a compact roll. Place on a plate, and repeat with the leaves and filling, to make a total of 4 rolls. Cover and refrigerate.

  4. JUST BEFORE SERVING, PREPARE THE HERB SALAD: Whisk the olive oil and lime juice together in a small bowl. Stir in the herbs.

  5. Using a very sharp knife, cut each roll into 2 or 3 pieces. Place on plates. Arrange the salad next to the rolls, garnish with the optional caviar, and serve.

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