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A piece of Poor Man’s Lobster showcasing the flaky, buttery cod fillet served with broccoli and lemon.
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4.63 from 32 votes

Poor Man's Lobster

A budget-friendly Midwest classic that transforms frozen cod into a tender, buttery dish with a rich, lobster-like flavor.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time12 minutes
Total Time27 minutes
Course: seafood
Cuisine: Western
Keyword: budget-friendly seafood, imitation lobster dish, easy fish recipe
Servings: 6
Calories: 523kcal
Author: Sara

Ingredients

  • 6 6-ounce cod fillets frozen, not thawed
  • 6 cups water
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 2 tablespoons salt
  • Melted butter to brush fillets and for dipping
  • ½ lemon
  • Paprika to taste
  • Lemon Pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Preheat your broiler.
  • Wrap a broiler pan with aluminum foil (easier clean up) and spray with nonstick spray. Make sure you shape the aluminum foil to the grooves on your broiler pan so the excess liquid has somewhere to go and your fish doesn’t have to sit in it.
  • Place the fish in a large saucepan. Mix together the water, sugar, and salt. Pour the water-mixture over the fish. The water-mixture should fully cover the fish, if it doesn’t add more water. Bring the water to a boil over a medium-high heat. Boil for 3 to 5 minutes depending on the thickness of the cod fillet.
  • Remove fillets from water, brush with melted butter, and season with lemon-pepper and paprika. Squeeze some lemon juice over the top.
  • Broil for about 7 minutes on low or until the fillets are opaque and flake with a fork. Serve with melted butter.

Notes

  • Use Frozen Cod – This recipe is designed to work best with frozen fillets. No need to thaw beforehand; cooking them straight from frozen helps maintain their texture.
  • Check for Doneness – Cod is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F and turns opaque white. It should flake easily with a fork.
  • Don’t Skip the Sugar – The sugar in the water mixture is key to balancing flavors and mimicking the slight sweetness of lobster. If you prefer less sugar, adjust carefully but don’t leave it out entirely.
  • Keep the Fish Submerged – Make sure the cod is fully covered by the water mixture while boiling. Add more water if needed to ensure even cooking.
  • Keep the Boil Gentle – Avoid letting the water come to a rolling boil while cooking the fish. A gentle simmer ensures the cod cooks evenly, absorbs the sweetness from the sugar, and stays tender. A hard boil can overcook the fish, making it tough and dry.
  • Adjust Cooking Time for Thickness – Thicker fillets may need closer to 5 minutes of boiling, while thinner ones will cook in about 3 minutes. Watch closely to avoid overcooking.
  • Use Fresh Lemon Juice – Squeezing fresh lemon over the fillets enhances the seafood flavor and balances the richness of the butter.
  • Broiler Tips – Keep an eye on the broiler to avoid overcooking. The fillets should have a light golden top but remain moist and tender.
  • Serve Immediately – For the best flavor and texture, serve Poor Man’s Lobster hot with melted butter for dipping and a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired.
  • Customize the Seasoning – Experiment with other spices like garlic powder, Old Bay, or smoked paprika to suit your taste.

Nutrition

Calories: 523kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 160g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 387mg | Sodium: 2824mg | Potassium: 3731mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 33g | Vitamin A: 362IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 155mg | Iron: 4mg