These Butter Poached Lobster tails are a luxurious yet simple dish that can elevate any meal. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself, this recipe offers rich flavors and tender lobster meat in under 30 minutes. The combination of butter and garlic creates an irresistible sauce that pairs perfectly with lobster, making it an unforgettable dining experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: You can prepare this dish in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Decadent Flavor: The buttery sauce enhances the natural sweetness of the lobster, creating a rich and satisfying dish that everyone will love.
• Elegant Presentation: Serve it with lemon wedges and parsley for a stunning plate that impresses guests at dinner parties or holiday meals.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into cooking, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience. Having the right equipment makes all the difference when preparing your Butter Poached Lobster.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Kitchen shears
• Tweezers (optional)
• Paper towels
• Plate for drying lobster

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: This is essential for melting butter evenly and cooking the lobster without overcrowding.
• Kitchen shears: Perfect for cutting through lobster shells safely and effectively.
• Tweezers: Useful for removing any unwanted veins from the lobster meat, enhancing the overall taste.

Ingredients

These Buttery Poached Lobster tails are a simple yet decadent way to prepare lobster. Perfect for a special occasion, it’s ready in 30 minutes or less with simple ingredients!

For the Sauce

• 12 tablespoons butter (1.5 sticks)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

For the Lobster

• 6 medium lobster tails
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Optional Garnish

• Parsley
• Lemon wedges

How to Make Butter Poached Lobster

Step 1: Prepare the Lobster Tails

1. Flip the lobster tail over onto its back. Using your hands, crack the ribs.
2. Use kitchen shears to cut down the length of the underside of the tail until you reach the tail fin.
3. Gently remove the meat from the shell in one piece by wiggling carefully. Save the shells for making seafood stock later!

Step 2: Clean and Season the Lobster

1. If needed, remove any digestive tract from the lobster tail by making a shallow cut along its back.
2. Use tweezers or fingers to pull out any veins; discard them if present.
3. Pat the lobster tails dry with paper towels and sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Cook in Butter

1. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat.
2. Add minced garlic and stir constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Place lobster meat in the skillet, cooking for 2-4 minutes on each side until no longer translucent.
4. Remove cooked lobster immediately from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Serve

Squeeze fresh lemon juice over top of the lobster, garnish with parsley, and serve with melted butter sauce on the side. Enjoy!

Storage Tips

Lobster meat removed from shells can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. If left in their shells, leftovers will last only 1-2 days.

With these steps, you’ll create delectable Butter Poached Lobster that’s sure to impress!

How to Serve Butter Poached Lobster

Butter Poached Lobster is a luxurious dish that can be served in various ways to impress your guests. Whether you’re hosting a special dinner or enjoying a cozy night in, here are some delightful serving suggestions.

On a Bed of Greens

• Use fresh arugula or spinach as a base. The peppery greens complement the rich flavors of the lobster beautifully.

With Garlic Bread

• Serve alongside warm, crusty garlic bread. The buttery, garlicky toast is perfect for soaking up any leftover butter sauce.

Drizzled with Lemon Butter Sauce

• Enhance the flavor by drizzling extra melted butter mixed with fresh lemon juice over the lobster just before serving.

Paired with Fresh Vegetables

• Add steamed asparagus or sautéed green beans as a side. Their freshness balances the richness of the lobster dish.

In a Lobster Roll

• For a casual twist, serve the poached lobster in a toasted roll with a light dressing. This makes for an easy and fun meal.

Accompanied by Champagne

• Elevate your dining experience by pairing your Butter Poached Lobster with a glass of chilled champagne for added elegance.

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How to Perfect Butter Poached Lobster

To ensure your Butter Poached Lobster turns out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips.

• Choose Fresh Lobster: Always opt for fresh lobster tails for the best flavor and texture. Frozen may work, but fresh is ideal.
• Control the Heat: Cook on medium-low heat to prevent overcooking. High heat can make the lobster tough and chewy.
• Use Quality Butter: Select high-quality unsalted butter for melting. It enhances flavor without adding unnecessary saltiness.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if needed. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and steaming instead of poaching.
• Watch Cooking Time: Keep an eye on cooking times; they typically need just 2-4 minutes per side. Remove them as soon as they turn opaque.
• Let Rest Before Serving: Allow the lobster to rest briefly after cooking. This helps retain juices and improves flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Butter Poached Lobster

Pairing your Butter Poached Lobster with the right sides can elevate your meal experience significantly. Here are some fantastic options:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide comfort and richness alongside lobster.
2. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with butter is perfect for summer meals and adds vibrant color to your plate.
3. Couscous Salad: A light couscous salad mixed with herbs and vegetables offers a refreshing contrast to buttery lobster.
4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy Brussels sprouts tossed in olive oil and sea salt complement the dish’s richness wonderfully.
5. Risotto: A creamy risotto flavored with herbs can be an elegant pairing that adds depth to your meal.
6. Cauliflower Gratin: Cheesy cauliflower gratin provides comfort food vibes that pair well with seafood dishes like lobster.
7. Sautéed Spinach: Lightly sautéed spinach seasoned with lemon elevates this dish while keeping it healthy and vibrant.
8. Herbed Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs offers a neutral base that allows the flavors of butter poached lobster to shine through.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Butter Poached Lobster, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the Drying Step: Not patting the lobster tails dry can lead to uneven cooking. Always use paper towels to remove moisture before seasoning.
• Overcrowding the Pan: Cooking too many tails at once can lower the pan’s temperature. Work in batches to ensure each piece cooks evenly.
• Not Monitoring Heat: Cooking at too high a temperature can burn the garlic or toughen the lobster. Keep your heat at medium-low for optimal results.
• Ignoring Fresh Ingredients: Using old or stale ingredients affects flavor. Always choose fresh lobster and quality butter for the best taste.
• Forgetting About Removing Veins: Leaving the digestive tract in can affect flavor. Always check your lobster and remove any veins if present.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store lobster meat in an airtight container.
• It will last for 2-3 days when kept in the fridge.

Freezing Butter Poached Lobster

• If you want to keep your lobster longer, freeze it in a freezer-safe container.
• Properly stored, it can last up to 3 months.

Reheating Butter Poached Lobster

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place lobster in a baking dish with a bit of butter, cover with foil, and heat for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Use low power settings and heat lobster in short intervals (30 seconds at a time) until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a little butter to keep it moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Butter Poached Lobster, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.

What is Butter Poached Lobster?

Butter Poached Lobster is a method of cooking lobster by slowly simmering it in melted butter, resulting in tender and flavorful meat.

How do I know when the lobster is cooked?

Lobster meat should be opaque and firm to touch. It typically takes 2-4 minutes on each side over medium-low heat.

Can I use frozen lobster tails for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure they are fully thawed before cooking for even results.

What sides pair well with Butter Poached Lobster?

Pair this dish with simple sides like garlic bread, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Butter Poached Lobster is an elegant dish that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. With its rich flavors and tender texture, it’s perfect for special occasions or just a treat for yourself. Feel free to customize it with herbs or spices according to your taste!

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Butter Poached Lobster

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• Author: Cecilia
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Indulge in the exquisite flavors of Butter Poached Lobster, a luxurious yet simple dish that will elevate any dining experience. In under 30 minutes, you can prepare tender lobster tails bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce that enhances their natural sweetness. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or treating yourself to a gourmet meal at home, this recipe is sure to impress your guests. Serve it elegantly garnished with fresh lemon and parsley for a stunning presentation, making every bite unforgettable.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 medium lobster tails
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: parsley and lemon wedges for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare the lobster tails by cracking the ribs and cutting along the underside with kitchen shears. Gently remove the meat and set aside.
2. Clean the lobster meat by removing any digestive tract and patting dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.
3. In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter, then add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
4. Place lobster meat in the skillet, cooking for 2-4 minutes on each side until opaque. Remove immediately from heat.
5. Serve warm, garnished with lemon juice and parsley.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Poaching
• Cuisine: Seafood

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 lobster tail (approx. 85g)
• Calories: 395
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 570mg
• Fat: 36g
• Saturated Fat: 22g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 130mg

Keywords: For optimal flavor, use fresh lobster tails instead of frozen. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking. Customize with herbs or spices to suit your palate.