Description
Experience restaurant-quality Butter Poached Lobster Tails at home with this simple, elegant recipe. Lobster tails are gently poached in fragrant garlic-infused butter, resulting in tender, juicy meat that bursts with rich flavor. Perfect for a special occasion or gourmet dinner, this recipe ensures perfectly cooked lobster in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Lobster Tails
- 8 medium lobster tails (5-6 oz each, cold-water preferred)
Butter Garlic Sauce
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 8-10 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 – 1 teaspoon kosher salt (to taste)
- 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
Garnish
- Fresh lemon (for squeezing)
- Fresh parsley (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare Lobster Tails: Flip the lobster tail onto its back. Crack the ribs with your hands, then use kitchen shears to cut down the full length of the underside until you reach the tail fin. Gently remove the meat from the shell in one piece. Save the shells for stock!
- Remove Digestive Tract: Check for the digestive tract along the back of the tail. If present, make a shallow cut and remove it with your fingers, tweezers, or a skewer. Rinse the meat under water to remove any shell fragments, then pat completely dry.
- Season the Lobster Meat: Season the lobster tails on both sides with kosher salt and black pepper according to your taste. Set aside while preparing the cooking butter.
- Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and stir constantly for about 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned.
- Poach Lobster Tails in Garlic Butter: Place the lobster tails meat-side down in the skillet (work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding). Continuously baste the lobster meat with the warm garlic butter, cooking 4-6 minutes per side, for a total of 8-12 minutes. Cook until the meat is completely opaque and reaches an internal temperature of 135-140°F.
- Finish and Serve: Remove lobster tails immediately from the skillet to prevent overcooking. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the lobster, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve alongside the garlic butter for dipping.
Notes
- Use fresh, cold-water lobster tails for the best flavor and texture.
- Be sure not to overcook the lobster; poaching gently in butter preserves moisture and tenderness.
- Saving the shells for making lobster stock is a great way to minimize waste and add depth to seafood soups or sauces.
- Adjust garlic quantity based on your preference for a milder or stronger garlic flavor.
- For a more elegant presentation, serve with lemon wedges and extra parsley.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
