Grilled Balmain Bugs with Lemon and Garlic

Ingredients:

• Balmain bugs (1-2 per person)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

Prepare the Balmain Bugs:

• Rinse the Balmain bugs under cold water.
• Using kitchen shears, cut along the top shell of the bugs to expose the meat.
• Remove the intestinal tract (dark vein) if present.

Prepare the Marinade:

• In a bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.

Marinate the Bugs:

• Place the Balmain bugs in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag.
• Pour the marinade over the bugs, ensuring they are well-coated.
• Allow the bugs to marinate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors infuse.

Grilling:

• Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
• Remove the Balmain bugs from the marinade and place them on the grill, shell side down.
• Grill for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until the meat is opaque and cooked through.
• Brush the bugs with additional marinade during grilling.

Serve:

• Transfer the grilled Balmain bugs to a serving platter.
• Sprinkle chopped parsley over the bugs.
• Serve with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the bugs.

This recipe highlights the natural sweetness of Balmain bug meat with the addition of garlic and lemon flavors. Adjust the seasoning and garnishes according to your taste preferences. Enjoy your grilled Balmain bugs as a delightful seafood dish!