Grilled Moreton Bay Bugs — Print Recipe

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

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.