Description
Tender butter-poached lobster tails gently cooked in rich garlic herb butter with fresh lemon for an elegant, restaurant-quality seafood dinner that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.
Ingredients
4 lobster tails (5–6 oz each)
2 cups unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
4 sprigs fresh thyme
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 large lemon (zest and juice)
1 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 tbsp fresh chives (optional)
Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
1. Thaw lobster tails if frozen, then pat dry and cut the top of each shell with kitchen shears. Lift the meat over the shell.
2. Season the lobster meat lightly with sea salt and black pepper.
3. In a heavy saucepan, melt the butter over very low heat without letting it boil.
4. Add the garlic, thyme, lemon zest, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Let the butter infuse for 3 to 5 minutes.
5. Place the lobster tails into the warm butter and gently poach for 6 to 8 minutes, occasionally spooning butter over the tops.
6. Cook until the lobster is opaque and reaches an internal temperature of 140–145°F (60–63°C).
7. Transfer the lobster tails to serving plates and spoon the garlic herb butter over the top.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley, fresh chives, and lemon wedges before serving.
Notes
Keep the butter between 160–180°F for the best texture and to prevent overcooking.
Use cold-water lobster tails whenever possible for sweeter, firmer meat.
Serve immediately with mashed potatoes, asparagus, crusty bread, or lemon herb rice.
Strain and refrigerate any leftover butter to use with pasta, shrimp, or vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Butter Poaching
- Cuisine: American