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Perfect Butter Poached Lobster Tail Recipe with Easy Garlic Herb Sauce

butter poached lobster tail - featured image

Tender lobster tails gently cooked in warm butter and served with a fresh garlic herb sauce, creating a luxurious yet simple seafood dish perfect for special occasions or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium-sized lobster tails (about 6 oz / 170 g each)
  • 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt to taste (preferably flaky sea salt)
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons white wine

Instructions

  1. Prepare the lobster tails by cutting down the top of the shell lengthwise with kitchen shears, stopping just before the tail fin. Gently pull the shell apart and lift the meat, resting it on top of the shell (butterfly method).
  2. Melt 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter in a large skillet over low heat until warm but not bubbling aggressively (about 120°F to 130°F).
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and fresh herbs (parsley and thyme) into the melted butter and let infuse gently for about 2 minutes, ensuring the garlic does not brown.
  4. Place the prepared lobster tails meat-side down into the warm butter, partially covering the meat. Poach gently, spooning butter over the tails every 2 minutes to keep them moist. Cook for 8-10 minutes until the meat turns opaque and is firm yet tender. Aim for an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
  5. Remove the tails from heat, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the lobster, and season with flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Spoon some garlic herb butter over the top before serving.

Notes

Keep the heat low and steady to avoid browning the butter. Spoon warm butter over lobster tails during cooking to keep meat moist. Use fresh lobster tails for best texture; thaw frozen tails slowly in the fridge overnight. Avoid overcooking to prevent toughness. Optional splash of white wine can add depth. For dairy-free option, substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan butter.

Nutrition

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