Imagine a dish so decadent, so luxuriously tender that it transforms an ordinary dinner into a gourmet experience. Butter poached lobster tails are the ultimate culinary seduction, turning a simple seafood preparation into a melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece that will have your dinner guests thinking you've trained in a Michelin-starred kitchen. This French-inspired technique transforms delicate lobster meat into a succulent delicacy that's surprisingly easy to prepare at home.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lobster tails
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the lobster tails. Using kitchen scissors, carefully cut down the top shell of each lobster tail, stopping just before the tail fin. Gently pull the shell apart to expose the meat, and if desired, you can also remove the meat from the shell and set it aside for easier cooking.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Make sure the butter does not brown; you want it to be just melted.
- Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and stir gently. Allow the garlic to infuse the butter for about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to let it burn.
- Stir in the lemon juice and add salt to taste. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
- Carefully place the lobster tails into the butter mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged. If necessary, you can use a spoon to baste the lobster tails with the butter.
- Cook the lobster tails in the butter for about 10-12 minutes. The lobster meat should turn opaque and firm to the touch when done. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C) for perfectly cooked lobster.
- Once cooked, remove the lobster tails from the butter and let them rest for a minute. You can strain the butter if you wish to remove the garlic bits, but keeping them adds flavor.
- To serve, plate the lobster tails and drizzle some of the butter sauce over them. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for added color and flavor.
- Enjoy your butter poached lobster tails with a side of your choice, such as a light salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious butter sauce.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Keep your butter at a low, gentle heat (around 160°F) to prevent browning and ensure the most tender lobster meat.
- Use High-Quality Butter: Since butter is the primary cooking medium, invest in a good unsalted butter for the richest flavor.
- Don't Overcook: Lobster meat becomes tough quickly. Watch for the meat to turn opaque and firm, which typically takes 10-12 minutes.
- Fresh is Best: Always use the freshest lobster tails possible for the most delicate and sweet flavor.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs like thyme or tarragon in your butter for added complexity.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy the lobster at its most tender and flavorful state.
- Equipment Tip: A meat thermometer is your best friend to ensure perfect doneness without overcooking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 24g
Cholesterol: 220mg
