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Delicious butter poached lobster tails served elegantly on a plate.

Butter Poached Lobster Tails

Indulge in the luxurious flavor of succulent lobster tails poached in rich, velvety butter, perfect for any special occasion.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Seafood
Cuisine: American, Gourmet
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 pieces lobster tails (about 6-8 ounces each)
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup water (or seafood stock for added flavor)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
  • to taste Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
  • as needed Lemon wedges for serving

Method
 

Preparation of Lobster Tails
  1. Using kitchen shears or a sharp knife, cut the top shell of each lobster tail lengthwise down the center to allow the butter to seep in and cook the meat evenly. Gently pull the meat out of the shell, keeping it attached at the base.
Creating the Butter Bath
  1. In a medium saucepan, combine the unsalted butter and water (or seafood stock). Heat over low temperature until the butter melts completely, giving it a gentle swirl to combine.
Adding Flavors
  1. Add the minced garlic and lemon juice into the melted butter mixture. Allow this to simmer for about 3-4 minutes to meld the flavors.
Poaching the Lobster
  1. Carefully drop the prepared lobster tails into the butter bath, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cook them on low heat for approximately 10-12 minutes, or until the lobster meat is opaque and easily flakes with a fork.
Finishing Touches
  1. Gently remove the lobster tails and place them on a serving platter. Drizzle some of the buttery sauce over the tails and sprinkle with chopped parsley for freshness.

Notes

For a lighter version, substitute olive oil for butter, though the texture may differ. Avoid cooking on high heat; low and slow is key for the best poached texture. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to maintain moisture.