Butter Poached Lobster Tails Recipe
Discover the secrets to making perfect butter poached lobster tails at home. This Butter Poached Lobster Tails Recipe is rich, tender, and absolutely delicious, making it an ideal choice for special occasions or a luxurious weeknight dinner. The delicate flavors of lobster combined with the richness of butter create a dish that impresses everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This recipe simplifies the process of cooking lobster tails, making it accessible for home cooks.
- Flavorful: The combination of butter and garlic enhances the natural sweetness of the lobster.
- Versatile: Perfect for intimate dinners, festive gatherings, or even as a special treat for yourself.
- Quick Cooking Time: With just 25 minutes from start to finish, you can enjoy gourmet flavors without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Elegant Presentation: Serve with parsley and lemon wedges for a restaurant-quality dish right at your dining table.
Tools and Preparation
To successfully prepare this dish, having the right tools will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Heavy-bottomed saucepan
- Tongs
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Heavy-bottomed saucepan: Ensures even heating for butter melting and prevents burning.
- Tongs: Provides a secure grip when handling hot lobster tails.
- Sharp knife: Essential for safely splitting lobster tails without damaging the meat.

Ingredients
For the Butter Sauce
- 12 tablespoons butter (1.5 sticks)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Lobster Tails
- 6 medium lobster tails
For Serving (Optional)
- Parsley
- Lemon wedges
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Course: Dinner
How to Make Butter Poached Lobster Tails Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Lobster Tails
- Using a sharp knife, carefully split each lobster tail down the center.
- Gently remove the meat from the shell while keeping it attached at one end.
Step 2: Melt the Butter
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over low heat, add the butter.
- Once melted, stir in minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until fragrant.
Step 3: Poach Lobster Tails
- Add prepared lobster tails to the melted butter mixture.
- Cook gently for about 10 minutes or until the lobster is opaque and cooked through.
Step 4: Serve
- Remove lobster tails with tongs and arrange on plates.
- Drizzle some of the buttery sauce over them, garnish with parsley and lemon wedges if desired.
Enjoy your delightful butter poached lobster tails!
How to Serve Butter Poached Lobster Tails Recipe
Serving butter-poached lobster tails is a delightful way to impress your guests. The rich and savory flavor of the lobster pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and garnishes.
Pair with Fresh Sides
- Salad: A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the lobster.
- Steamed Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus adds a fresh touch that balances the butteriness.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread provides a wonderful contrast for dipping in leftover butter.
Add Flavorful Garnishes
- Chopped Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley enhances the dish’s presentation and flavor.
- Lemon Wedges: Fresh lemon wedges add a burst of acidity that brightens each bite.
- Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add an exciting kick to the dish.
How to Perfect Butter Poached Lobster Tails Recipe
To achieve perfectly butter-poached lobster tails, follow these essential tips for flavor and texture.
- Use High-Quality Butter: High-quality butter will provide a richer flavor that elevates your lobster tails.
- Monitor Temperature: Keeping the butter at a low temperature prevents it from burning, ensuring a smooth poaching process.
- Don’t Overcook: Cook lobster tails just until they are opaque; overcooking can make them tough and rubbery.
- Infuse Flavors: Consider adding herbs or spices to the butter for an extra layer of flavor during cooking.
Best Side Dishes for Butter Poached Lobster Tails Recipe
When serving butter-poached lobster tails, consider complementing them with these delicious side dishes that enhance your meal.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic offer comfort and richness.
- Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables grilled to perfection bring vibrant color and taste to your plate.
- Rice Pilaf: A fluffy rice pilaf cooked in broth adds a subtle flavor that pairs well with seafood.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn, either grilled or boiled, brings a juicy sweetness that contrasts beautifully with lobster.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with herbs and veggies provides a refreshing crunch.
- Creamed Spinach: Rich creamed spinach adds decadent creaminess that complements the buttery lobster tails.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Butter Poached Lobster Tails Recipe from good to exceptional.
- Timing is Everything: Overcooking lobster tails can lead to a rubbery texture. Use a timer to ensure you cook them for the recommended 10 minutes.
- Butter Quality Matters: Using low-quality butter can affect the flavor. Always choose high-quality unsalted butter for the best taste.
- Neglecting Garlic: Skipping minced garlic misses out on added depth of flavor. Don’t forget this step for a richer profile in your lobster tails.
- Skipping the Seasoning: Failing to season properly with salt and pepper can make your dish bland. Make sure to season generously to enhance the lobster’s natural sweetness.
- Not Prepping Ahead: Preparing ingredients last minute can lead to chaos. Take time to measure out and prep all ingredients before cooking for a smoother experience.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Ensure the lobster tails are cooled before sealing them in the container.
Freezing Butter Poached Lobster Tails Recipe
- Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months.
- Label containers with the date for easy tracking.
Reheating Butter Poached Lobster Tails Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), wrap lobster tails in foil, and heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place lobster tails in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in short intervals (30 seconds) until warm.
- Stovetop: Gently reheat in a pan over low heat with a little butter until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to prepare lobster tails?
The best way is by using our Butter Poached Lobster Tails Recipe, which ensures tender, flavorful results.
Can I use frozen lobster tails?
Yes, frozen lobster tails work perfectly! Just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
How do I know when lobster tails are done?
Lobster tails should be opaque and firm when cooked. The internal temperature should reach around 145°F (63°C).
What sides pair well with Butter Poached Lobster Tails Recipe?
Consider serving with garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Can I customize the flavors?
Absolutely! Feel free to add herbs like thyme or dill for extra flavor in your Butter Poached Lobster Tails Recipe.
Final Thoughts
The Butter Poached Lobster Tails Recipe is not just a dish; it’s an experience that brings luxury right into your home. Its rich flavors and tender texture make it perfect for special occasions or an indulgent dinner any night of the week. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite herbs and sides!
Butter Poached Lobster Tails
Indulge in the luxurious flavors of our Butter Poached Lobster Tails Recipe, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a delightful dinner. This elegant dish features succulent lobster tails poached in a rich garlic butter sauce that enhances their natural sweetness. With just 25 minutes from start to finish, you can enjoy gourmet dining right at home. Serve with fresh parsley and zesty lemon wedges for an eye-catching presentation that will elevate any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Poaching
- Cuisine: Seafood
Ingredients
- 12 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 6 medium lobster tails
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Carefully split each lobster tail down the center with a sharp knife and gently remove the meat while keeping it attached at one end.
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and stir in minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until fragrant.
- Add the prepared lobster tails to the melted butter mixture and poach gently for about 10 minutes until opaque and cooked through.
- Using tongs, remove the lobster tails from the saucepan, drizzle with buttery sauce, and garnish with parsley and lemon wedges before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 lobster tail (approximately 90g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
