Description
Butter Poached Lobster Tails is an elegant and simple seafood dish featuring tender lobster meat gently cooked in aromatic, melted butter. This luxurious recipe delivers rich flavors and a succulent texture, perfect for special occasions or a gourmet weeknight treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood
- 2 lobster tails (4–6 oz each), thawed if frozen
Butter Mixture
- 1 cup unsalted butter (preferably clarified)
- 1 clove garlic, smashed (optional)
- 1 sprig fresh thyme or tarragon (optional)
- Salt, to taste
To Serve
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Lobster Tails: Using kitchen shears, carefully cut the top shell of each lobster tail lengthwise to expose the meat. Gently loosen the meat from the shell without detaching it completely, allowing the lobster to sit nicely in the shell while cooking.
- Melt and Infuse the Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. If using, add the smashed garlic clove and fresh thyme or tarragon to the butter to infuse it with flavor for about 2–3 minutes. Reduce the heat so the butter stays just above warm, between 160–180°F, avoiding boiling.
- Poach the Lobster: Place the lobster tails into the warm butter, shell-side down. Poach gently for 6–8 minutes, occasionally basting the lobster meat with the butter to keep it moist and flavorful. The lobster is done when the meat turns opaque and is tender to the touch.
- Rest and Serve: Carefully remove the lobster tails from the butter and let them rest briefly. Serve immediately warm with extra melted butter and lemon wedges on the side for squeezing.
Notes
- Use clarified butter (ghee) for a cleaner butter taste and to prevent milk solids from burning during poaching.
- This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, risotto, or steamed vegetables to complete the meal.
- Ensure the butter temperature stays low to maintain gentle cooking and preserve the lobster’s delicate texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 lobster tail
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
