Butter Poached Lobster Recipe: A Deliciously Decadent Dish

Butter poached lobster is a luxurious dish perfect for a special occasion or a gourmet experience. The dish is cooked by slowly simmering lobster tails in a bath of melted butter, white wine, and aromatics until they are cooked through and infused with rich, buttery flavor. It's a simple yet elegant recipe that is sure to impress your guests.

To prepare your lobster, start by selecting fresh, high-quality lobster tails. Then, remove the meat from the shells and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Next, prepare your butter poaching liquid by melting butter in a saucepan and adding white wine, garlic, and other seasonings of your choice. Once the liquid is simmering, add the lobster meat and cook until it is tender and cooked through.

Mastering butter poaching can take some practice, but with a little patience and attention to detail, you can create a perfectly poached lobster every time. Keep an eye on the temperature of your poaching liquid and adjust the heat as needed to ensure that it stays at a gentle simmer. And don't be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and flavorings to create a dish that is uniquely your own.

Key Takeaways

• Butter poached lobster is a luxurious dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a gourmet experience.
• To prepare your lobster, select fresh, high-quality lobster tails and prepare a butter poaching liquid with white wine, garlic, and other seasonings.
• Mastering butter poaching takes practice, but with patience and attention to detail, you can create a perfectly poached lobster every time.

Preparing Your Lobster

Selecting Quality Lobster

Before preparing your butter poached lobster, it is important to select quality lobster. Look for a lively and active lobster with a hard shell and sweet aroma. Frozen lobster is also a good option if fresh lobster is not available. When buying frozen lobster, ensure that it is cold water lobster tails.

Preparation Techniques

To prepare your lobster, start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. While the water is heating up, use kitchen shears to cut the lobster tails down the middle. This will make it easier to remove the meat later on. Once the water is boiling, add the lobster tails and cook for 2-3 minutes until the shells turn bright red. Remove the lobster tails from the water and place them in a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.

Poaching Essentials

To make butter poached lobster tail, you need to poach the lobster meat in melted butter at a gentle simmer. Start by melting unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add minced garlic, fresh herbs, and a pinch of sea salt to the butter for extra flavour. Once the butter is melted, add the lobster meat and cook for 4-5 minutes over low heat. Be sure to turn the lobster meat every minute or so to ensure even cooking. Do not let the butter boil as this will make the meat tough. Once the lobster meat is cooked, remove it from the butter and drizzle with fresh lemon juice.

Preparing your lobster for butter poaching is a simple and quick process that can be done in under 30 minutes. It is the perfect seafood recipe for special occasions such as Valentine's Day or a romantic dinner at home.

Mastering Butter Poaching

If you're looking for a luxurious and indulgent way to prepare lobster, butter poaching is the perfect method. This technique involves gently cooking the lobster meat in melted butter at a low heat, which results in a tender and flavourful dish that's perfect for special occasions or a romantic dinner for two.

The Poaching Process

To begin, you'll need to prepare your poaching liquid. This can be a simple mixture of butter, white wine, and seafood stock, or you can add other ingredients like minced garlic, chopped parsley, or red pepper flakes to add extra flavour.

Once your poaching liquid is ready, you'll need to gently cook your lobster tail meat in a saucepan. It's important to use low heat and an instant read thermometer to ensure that the temperature stays between 140-150°F (60-65°C). This will prevent the meat from becoming tough or overcooked.

As the lobster cooks, it will turn a beautiful pink colour and become fragrant. You can add some lemon wedges, sea salt, and ground black pepper to the poaching liquid to enhance the flavour even further.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Butter poached lobster is a rich and decadent dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. You can serve it with baked potatoes, rice pilaf, or mac and cheese to create a comforting and satisfying meal.

For a more elegant presentation, you can serve the lobster with a creamy sauce or lobster bisque. A glass of Sauvignon Blanc or another light white wine will complement the delicate flavours of the dish perfectly.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. To reheat, gently warm the lobster in a saucepan over low heat until it's heated through. Be careful not to overcook the lobster or it will become tough.

Alternatively, you can use the leftover butter poached lobster to make a lobster salad or add it to a surf and turf dish. You can also experiment with different substitutions like ghee or clarified butter to create different variations of the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you make a simple butter poached lobster?

To make a simple butter poached lobster, you will need unsalted butter and fresh lobster. Begin by melting the butter in a large pot and adding the lobster. Allow the lobster to cook in the butter for about 8-10 minutes or until it is fully cooked. Once cooked, remove the lobster from the pot and serve it with your preferred garnish.

What's the secret to a perfectly poached lobster in butter?

The secret to a perfectly poached lobster in butter is to ensure that the butter is not too hot. The butter should be heated on low heat, and the lobster should be added once it has melted. This will allow the lobster to cook slowly in the butter, resulting in a tender, juicy, and flavourful dish.

Can you share a straightforward method for butter poaching lobster like Gordon Ramsay?

To butter poach lobster like Gordon Ramsay, you will need white wine, unsalted butter, and uncooked lobster meat. Begin by melting the butter and wine in a small pot, then add the lobster meat and simmer on low heat for 4-5 minutes. Once cooked, remove the lobster from the pot and serve it with your preferred garnish.

What are the benefits of poaching lobster in butter?

Poaching lobster in butter is a great way to enhance the natural flavour of the lobster. The butter adds a rich, luxurious taste to the dish, making it perfect for special occasions or romantic dinners. Additionally, poaching lobster in butter is a healthier cooking method than frying or grilling, as it does not require any additional oil or fat.

How long should lobster be poached in butter for the best results?

For the best results, lobster should be poached in butter for about 8-10 minutes or until it is fully cooked. Overcooking the lobster can result in a tough and rubbery texture, while undercooking can lead to a raw and unpleasant taste.

What are some tips for achieving the best flavour when butter poaching lobster?

To achieve the best flavour when butter poaching lobster, it is important to use high-quality, fresh lobster. Additionally, you can add herbs and spices to the butter for added flavour, such as garlic, thyme, or rosemary. Finally, be sure to use unsalted butter to avoid overpowering the natural taste of the lobster.