Description
Tender butter-poached lobster tails gently cooked in garlic herb butter with fresh lemon for a rich, elegant 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 tbsp fresh chives, chopped (optional)
1 large lemon (zest and juice)
1 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
1. If using frozen lobster tails, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and pat them dry.
2. Using kitchen shears, cut the top of each lobster shell and gently lift the meat over the shell.
3. Season the lobster meat with sea salt and black pepper.
4. In a large heavy saucepan, melt the butter over very low heat without letting it boil.
5. Add the garlic, thyme, lemon zest, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes.
6. Place the lobster tails into the warm butter and poach gently for 6 to 8 minutes, occasionally spooning butter over the meat.
7. Cook until the lobster is opaque and reaches an internal temperature of 140–145°F (60–63°C).
8. Transfer to serving plates, spoon the garlic herb butter over the lobster, garnish with parsley and chives, and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Notes
Do not allow the butter to boil; keep it between 160°F and 180°F for perfectly tender lobster.
Cold-water lobster tails provide the sweetest flavor and best texture.
Leftover garlic butter can be refrigerated and used for pasta, vegetables, shrimp, or bread.
Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, lemon rice, or crusty artisan bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Butter Poaching
- Cuisine: American