Poor Man's Lobster Recipe Made with Halibut or Cod (2024)

Poor Man’s Lobster is a white fish recipe that only takes a few simple ingredients you probably already have on hand and is ready in just 15 minutes! It is cooked similar to lobster, once it boiled, topped with lemon juice it’s texture mimics lobster and dipped in butter it tastes just like it! No “fishy” taste! A great way to use that halibut or cod you have in your freezer.

You are going to love this easy and macro friendly fish recipe. It is a great way to use your white fish you have in the freezer from your fishing trips! This is a more budget friendly way to have “lobster” using halibut or cod. It will WOW a crowd for any gathering. It’s one of our favorites serve up at Fish fry or Super Bowl parties.

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What fish is known for Poor Man’s Lobster?

The most popular fish we use for this is Halibut that we have caught up in Alaska. This is actually how we got this recipe! About 20 years ago when my dad went on his first fishing trip there! It’s a tried and true recipe that the whole family loves.

We have also used Cod. It is a little more flakey than, and falls apart more than the halibut. Side-by-side Cod has the same flavor as lobster AND it is easily found – we often buy ours frozen at Costco and keep on hand.

Monkfish is also considered Poor man’s lobster but we have never used this. If you have, I’d love to hear how it compares to halibut and cod!

What is Poor man’s lobster made from? or what ingredients do you need?

• White fish: Halibut or Cod
• Water
• Sugar
• Salt
• Butter
• Lemon

It really is one of the most simple, fun, delicious and party pleasing recipes you can make. This is a recipe that usually takes those that don’t like fish and changes their minds!

How to make Poor Man’s Lobster quickly:

1. In a medium pot bring 2 quarts of water, sugar and salt to a boil.
2. Cut the halibut or cod into 2-3 large pieces.
3. Next, add your halibut or cod to the water.
4. Boil your fish for about 10 minutes, the fish will float to the top of the water, be firmer and flaky!
5. As the fish cooks, melt butter in a pot for dipping.
6. When the fish is done cooking thoroughly. You will remove it from water and onto paper towel lined plate. Top with lemon juice to liking.
7. Plate your fish with veggies and sides, melted butter and sliced lemon. Top with your favorite seasonings if desired.
8. Dip and enjoy! This would go awesome with a side of our !

How do I tell if my Halibut or Cod is done or cooked thoroughly?

For a firm and flaky fish, you will want to cook it to 130 to 135°F. The center of the fish will be opaque, and not pink. Besides a food thermometer, another great way to tell if your fish is done is bysimply testing it with a fork. This is done by sticking your fork at the thickest point of your halibut or cod, and then gently twisting with your fork. If done, your fish will flake off easily. Again, you will see that has lost its translucent, glossy, pink or raw appearance.

What is the difference between Cod and Halibut?

The question often comes Cod vs. Halibut. The main difference we’ve noticed is Halibut has a strong flavor, (when not cooked in the Poor Man’s Lobster Recipe) whereas Cod has a mild flavor. As I show in my Pinterest Idea Pin Video: Halibut is much more dense and firm texture.

You will see in that video that Cod has a flaky and dense texture. Cod is often served in fillets, where as Halibut more in steaks – which may be a contributing factor. I’ve noticed that Costco’s cod is usually packaged more steak like, which is perfect for this recipe. Overall, my husband, we will call him the lobster expert, says that they both taste like lobster which is our goal today!

If you love this recipe, please be sure to give it a star rating and leave a comment. This helps other readers find and decide on the recipe!

If you make it, be sure to tag us on social @brittney.long on IG or the show us your take on Pinterest!

Original photo:

Serve it with these Easy Cheesy Dutch Oven Potatoes with Bacon. If you are making this while camping (highly recommend) check out 5 easy meals for hunting camp here.