One of the delicious things about staying here on Caye Caulker Belize is enjoying some of the amazing (and affordable) seafood that is caught just a couple hundred feet from our front door.
Here at our apartments, we have an amazing grill designed to easily cook enough lobsters to feed a small army and more than once we have done just that.
On any given weekend during season, you might find Basilio at the grill working on his favorite seafood while Rosie is in the kitchen preparing rice and beans with homemade cole slaw. If this sounds like the way you want to enjoy a dinner during your stay on Caye Caulker, let me walk you through the steps.
Grilling on Caye Caulker
Not all places you choose to stay will have a grill. Although there are some great restaurants on the island that grill up seafood and chickens, we highly recommend you stay somewhere that has a grill for you to use. This will really help you save money and give you a great chance to test out some of your grilling chops.
Try to pick a place that has a locally produced grill. These grills are made from propane and oxygen tank and not only help recycle something but also are a unique island experience to use.
Finding Lobster on Caye Caulker
Lobster season in Belize runs from June to February. During that time of year you can find fresh lobster at almost every restaurant and buy lobster from the Co-Op on the back of the island (see our map here). If you are here outside of lobster season you can get fresh fish and conch at all the restaurants and the Co-Op also.
The best way to make sure there is lobster for the night you need is to put in a request a day before you plan on grilling. Just head down to the Co-Op during the afternoon (after 3:00 pm) and talk to the fishermen that make their living from the sea. You will find them all wonderful to chat with and also it is a great way to make a connection that may sometime in the future take you out to catch your own.
A typical whole lobster (over four pounds) will cost you about $10-$15 dollars at the Co-Op. If you need help getting the best deal just ask us and we will be happy to help.
Get all the Fixings
Now that you have secured your lobster you will need the side dishes and ingredients to make a great meal.
For fresh vegetables and fruits, we recommend the fruit stand on Front Street. This stand can be found right across the street from the basketball court (see our map).
While there grab lime, cabbage, carrots and don’t forget fresh squeezed juice. This will give you all the vegetables you need to make your coleslaw that should be served with your lobster.
This is also a great place to grab some zucchini and squash to grill up with the lobster.
Next, you're off to the grocery store on Back street. While there grab some mayonnaise for the coleslaw, fresh garlic, butter, All Seasoning and charcoal.
Time to Grill
Split the lobster in half. And clean with water and lime.
Season the lobster with All Seasoning and put it on the grill a hot grill till it turns a red color.
Coat with garlic butter (which is made by combining the butter and garlic you got at the store), and serve.
Let’s Sum This Up!
Fresh grilled lobster is plentiful, cheap and wonderful here on the island. If you stay with us there is a grill here just waiting for you to use. If you have any questions please feel free to leave a comment below.