Grilled Moreton Bay Bugs

Name: Grilled Moreton Bay Bugs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 23 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Australian
Ingredients: 8 Moreton Bay bug tails (or slipper lobster tails); 100g butter; 4 cloves garlic, finely minced; Juice of 1 lemon; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tsp chilli flakes; Salt and pepper

Moreton Bay Bugs (MOR-tun BAY BUGZ)

Grilled Slipper Lobster

⏱ Prep Time 15 min

📈 Difficulty Medium

👥 Servings

🔥 Calories 280 kcal

Sweet, delicate Moreton Bay bug tails split and grilled with garlic butter, showcasing one of Australia's most prized crustaceans.

Nutrition & Info

Protein 32.0g

Carbs 2.0g

Fat 16.0g

Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

gluten-free nut-free

Allergen Warnings

⚠ shellfish

Equipment Needed

barbecue or grill sharp heavy knife basting brush

Presentation Guide

Vessel: large platter

Garnishes: lemon wedges, parsley, chilli flakes

Accompaniments: garlic butter, green salad

Ingredients

8 Moreton Bay bug tails (or slipper lobster tails)
100g butter
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
Juice of 1 lemon
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp chilli flakes
Salt and pepper

Instructions

1
Split each bug tail in half lengthwise through the shell using a sharp heavy knife.
2
Melt butter in a small saucepan with garlic, lemon juice, chilli flakes, salt, and pepper.
3
Preheat barbecue or grill to high heat.
4
Place bugs shell-side down on the grill. Brush the flesh generously with garlic butter.
5
Grill for 5-6 min until the flesh is opaque and white, basting with more butter throughout.
6
Serve immediately with remaining garlic butter for dipping and a scatter of fresh parsley.

💡

Did You Know?

Despite their name, Moreton Bay bugs are not from Moreton Bay exclusively — they are found across northern Australia, and the name "bug" is thought to come from their flat, unusual appearance.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

barbecue or grill
sharp heavy knife
basting brush

Garnishing

lemon wedges, parsley, chilli flakes

Accompaniments

garlic butter, green salad

The Story Behind Grilled Moreton Bay Bugs

Moreton Bay bugs (Thenus spp.) have been harvested from Australian waters by Indigenous coastal peoples for millennia. Named after the bay near Brisbane where European colonists first encountered them, these flat slipper lobsters were once considered a bycatch nuisance but are now a premium seafood delicacy commanding high prices at Australia's best restaurants.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed special occasion dinner 📜 Origins: Indigenous coastal tradition

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