Imagine tender, juicy lobster, cooked perfectly in a bath of melted butter, infused with the subtle aromas of garlic and lemon. This butter poached lobster recipe is all about indulgence and elegance, transforming simple ingredients into a luxurious meal. It's a dish that promises to impress, whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a gourmet experience at home.
With lobster as the star, gently poached in rich butter, every bite is a delightful blend of flavors that melt in your mouth. This method elevates the natural sweetness of the lobster, making it a memorable dish that's surprisingly straightforward to prepare.
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Why This Recipe Works
This recipe shines because it focuses on simplicity and quality. By poaching the lobster in butter, the meat stays moist and tender, soaking up the butter's richness while retaining its delicate flavor. The gentle cooking process ensures that the lobster doesn't become tough or overcooked, which can often happen with more aggressive cooking methods. The addition of garlic and lemon adds depth and brightness, balancing the butter's richness without overpowering the lobster's natural taste. It's a foolproof technique that yields consistent results, making gourmet cooking accessible to home chefs.
Moreover, the versatility of butter poached lobster is part of its appeal. It can be the centerpiece of an elegant dinner, paired with simple sides that let the lobster shine, or it can be used to elevate everyday dishes like pasta, salads, or sandwiches. This recipe not only delivers on flavor but also on presentation, making any meal feel like a special occasion. Whether you're an experienced cook looking for a reliable way to prepare lobster or a beginner eager to try something new, this butter poached lobster recipe is a surefire way to achieve a delicious, impressive dish that will delight anyone who tastes it.
Ingredients
Lobster Tails: The star of the dish, offering sweet, tender meat. Substitute: Shrimp for a different but equally delicious seafood option.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for poaching, giving the lobster a rich, luxurious taste. Substitute: Clarified butter for a higher smoke point and a nuttier flavor.
Garlic: Adds depth and aroma to the butter sauce. Substitute: Garlic powder for a more subtle flavor.
Lemon Juice: Provides a bright, acidic balance to the richness of the butter. Substitute: Lime juice for a tropical twist.
Fresh Parsley: For garnish, adding color and a fresh herbal note. Substitute: Chives or dill for a different herbaceous accent.
Tips
- Keep the butter at a low simmer to avoid overcooking the lobster.
- Cut the lobster tails down the middle to expose the meat for even cooking.
- Continuously spoon the butter over the lobster tails to ensure they're evenly coated.
- Use a thermometer to make sure the lobster reaches a safe internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
- Let the lobster rest for a few minutes after poaching to allow the flavors to meld.
How to Serve
Butter poached lobster is a decadent, elegant dish perfect for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself. Its rich, buttery flavor and tender texture make it a luxurious dining experience that's surprisingly easy to achieve at home.
- Over Pasta: Serve the lobster and some
- of its poaching butter over a bed of fresh pasta for a simple yet elegant meal.
- With Steak: For a classic surf-and-turf, pair the butter poached lobster with a perfectly cooked steak.
- As a Lobster Roll: Chop the lobster meat and mix with a bit more butter or mayonnaise, then stuff into a toasted roll for a gourmet lobster roll.
Seafood recipes
Butter Poached Lobster
Ingredients
- 2 lobster tails
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat. Add the minced garlic and let it simmer gently, being careful not to let it brown.
- Split the lobster tails in half lengthwise with a sharp knife or kitchen shears and remove the vein if visible.
- Add the lobster tails to the butter, flesh side down, and poach on low heat. Spoon the butter over the tails continuously.
- Cook for about 8-10 minutes or until the lobster meat is opaque and reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
- Squeeze lemon juice over the lobster tails and season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately with your choice of sides.
Nutrition
Notes
• Cut the lobster tails down the middle to expose the meat for even cooking.
• Continuously spoon the butter over the lobster tails to ensure they're evenly coated.
• Use a thermometer to make sure the lobster reaches a safe internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
• Let the lobster rest for a few minutes after poaching to allow the flavors to meld.