Butter Poached Lobster Tail

Butter poached lobster tails are a luxurious and flavorful dish that highlights the delicate, sweet taste of lobster. Poaching in a rich garlic butter sauce ensures the meat stays tender, juicy, and infused with buttery goodness. Perfect for a special dinner, this dish is surprisingly easy to make in just one skillet.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich & Buttery Flavor – Slow poaching in butter enhances the natural sweetness of lobster.
• Tender & Juicy Texture – Gentle cooking prevents the lobster from becoming tough.
• One-Skillet Recipe – Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor.
• Quick & Elegant – Ready in under 15 minutes, making it perfect for a gourmet meal at home.
• Pairs Well with Many Sides – Serve with pasta, risotto, or roasted vegetables.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 4 lobster tails
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)

Directions

1. Prepare the Lobster Tails

   • Using kitchen shears, cut down the top of each lobster shell lengthwise.
   • Gently pull the meat out, resting it on top of the shell while keeping it attached at the base.

2. Melt the Butter

   • In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter until fully liquid.

3. Infuse the Butter

   • Stir in the lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
   • Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

4. Poach the Lobster Tails

   • Place the lobster tails in the skillet, ensuring they are partially submerged in the butter.
   • Cook for 5–6 minutes, basting the lobster with butter continuously until the meat is opaque and reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).

5. Garnish & Serve

   • Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
   • Serve immediately with extra butter sauce on the side.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 2–4
• Preparation Time: 5 minutes
• Cooking Time: 8–10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.
• Garlic Herb Upgrade: Mix in fresh thyme or rosemary for extra depth of flavor.
• White Wine Poaching: Add ¼ cup of dry white wine for a refined taste.
• Cheesy Lobster Tails: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan before serving.
• Cajun Twist: Use Cajun seasoning instead of salt and pepper for a bold flavor.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet with a little butter over low heat.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as lobster can become rubbery when reheated.

FAQs

How do I know when the lobster is done?

The meat should be opaque, firm, and reach an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).

Can I use frozen lobster tails?

Yes, but thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.

What should I serve with butter poached lobster?

It pairs well with mashed potatoes, pasta, steamed asparagus, or a fresh salad.

Can I use clarified butter (ghee)?

Yes! Clarified butter works well and prevents milk solids from browning.

How do I prevent the butter from burning?

Keep the heat at medium-low to avoid overheating the butter.

What’s the best way to baste the lobster?

Use a spoon to continuously drizzle the melted butter over the lobster tails as they cook.

Can I poach whole lobster instead of tails?

Yes, but adjust cooking time depending on the size of the lobster.

What can I use instead of parsley?

Fresh chives, thyme, or tarragon work well as substitutes.

How do I make this recipe dairy-free?

Use plant-based butter for a dairy-free alternative.

Can I make this in advance?

This dish is best served fresh, but you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time.

Conclusion

Butter poached lobster tails are a rich and indulgent seafood dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. With a garlic butter sauce infused with lemon and fresh herbs, this recipe ensures tender, juicy lobster every time. Whether for a special occasion or an elegant weeknight meal, this dish is sure to impress. Try it today for a restaurant-quality seafood experience at home!