Butter Poached Lobster Tails – A Decadent Seafood Classic
There’s nothing more luxurious than butter-poached lobster tails. This French-inspired method, famously used by Chef Thomas Keller, gently poaches the lobster meat in warm, emulsified butter, creating a tender, silky texture and rich flavor that’s far superior to steaming or boiling. Perfect for a romantic dinner, a holiday feast, or whenever you want to impress.
Ingredients (Servings: 2)
- 2 lobster tails (about 5–6 oz each)
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 clove garlic, smashed
- 1 sprig fresh thyme (optional)
- 1 small shallot, finely sliced (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh lemon wedges, for serving
👨🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the lobster tails:
Using kitchen shears, cut through the top shell lengthwise and gently pull the lobster meat away from the shell. Keep the tail attached at the base for presentation. Pat dry with paper towels.
2️⃣ Start the beurre monté (butter emulsion):
In a small saucepan, add 2 tablespoons of water and bring to a simmer over medium-low heat. Reduce the heat to low and begin whisking in the butter, one cube at a time, until fully melted and emulsified into a creamy sauce. Keep the temperature around 160–180°F — warm, but never boiling.
3️⃣ Infuse flavors:
Add the smashed garlic, thyme, and shallots (if using) to the butter emulsion. Let it steep for 2–3 minutes.
4️⃣ Poach the lobster:
Gently place the lobster tails into the butter. Poach for 5–7 minutes, spooning butter over the top occasionally, until the meat is opaque and tender.
5️⃣ Finish and serve:
Remove the lobster tails from the butter, sprinkle lightly with salt, and serve immediately with lemon wedges. Drizzle some of the infused butter over the top for extra richness.
📦 Amazon Must-Haves to help you create the best Butter Poached Lobster Tails
- 🔪 Kitchen Shears – Essential for cutting through lobster shells cleanly.
- 🍳 Small Saucepan – Perfect for maintaining the gentle heat of beurre monté.
- 🥄 Whisk – Helps emulsify the butter smoothly without breaking.
- 🌡️ Instant-Read Thermometer – Ensures the butter stays at the ideal poaching temperature.
- 🍽️ Seafood Tools Set – Handy for cracking shells and serving lobster elegantly.
💡 Helpful Tip: If you’d like to elevate the dish further, serve your butter-poached lobster tails over creamy risotto, truffle mashed potatoes, or a bed of fresh pasta. The leftover infused butter makes a luxurious sauce base!