Ingredients
Method
Preparation
- If using fresh cooked lobster tails, remove meat from shells and chop into large chunks. Pat dry.
- In a medium skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add lobster, a squeeze of lemon, pinch of salt and pepper. Warm for 1–2 minutes—just enough to heat through. Remove from heat and toss with chopped chives.
Toast the muffins
- Split English muffins and toast until golden. Butter lightly if you like. Keep warm.
Make the Cajun Hollandaise
- In a heatproof bowl (or the top of a double boiler), whisk egg yolks with lemon juice and white wine vinegar.
- Set the bowl over gently simmering water (water should not touch the bowl). Whisk constantly until yolks thicken slightly—about 1–2 minutes.
- Slowly drizzle in the hot melted butter while whisking vigorously. Go slowly at first so the sauce emulsifies, then you can add more quickly.
- Stir in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne a pinch at a time. Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, and spice level. If sauce is too thick, whisk in a teaspoon of warm water until you reach a silky pourable consistency.
- Keep the hollandaise warm over very low heat or a warm spot—don’t let it boil.
Poach the eggs
- Fill a wide saucepan with about 3 inches of water. Add 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar (optional).
- Bring to a gentle simmer. Crack each egg into a small ramekin.
- Swirl the water with a spoon to create a gentle vortex, then slip one egg into the center. Poach 3–4 minutes for a soft yolk (longer if you prefer firmer).
- Remove eggs with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel briefly.
Assemble the Benedict
- Place toasted muffin halves on plates. Top each half with a spoonful of warmed lobster.
- Gently set a poached egg on top of the lobster.
- Spoon generous amounts of Cajun Hollandaise over each egg. Garnish with extra chives, a light dusting of smoked paprika, and a lemon wedge.
Serve
- Enjoy with a crisp salad, roasted potatoes, or one of the suggested pairings.
Notes
Don’t panic if your hollandaise looks a little grainy—whisk in a teaspoon of warm water slowly, and it usually comes back together like magic. Use room-temperature yolks for a more stable hollandaise and ensure butter is hot enough for smooth emulsification. For quicker prep, use pre-cooked lobster meat warmed in garlic butter and make hollandaise in a blender.