The Easiest, Tastiest Lobster Ever

Lobster may seem intimidating to cook, but it’s simpler than it appears. When gently poached in warm butter, the meat becomes tender, silky, and naturally sweet. This recipe uses slow heat and patience to create an elegant, flavorful dish perfect for a romantic dinner or a quiet night at home. By reading through the steps beforehand, you can relax and enjoy the process as the lobster slowly becomes soft, rich, and delicious.

Ingredients Needed

These amounts serve two people but can easily be doubled.

• 2 lobster tails (about 6–8 ounces each)
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Optional sides and garnishes

• Lemon wedges
• Extra melted butter
• Fresh parsley for garnish
• Steamed vegetables of your choice

Step by Step Cooking Instructions

Prepare the lobster tails

Place the lobster tails on a cutting board and cut through the top shell. Lift the meat onto the shell for even cooking and pat it dry so the butter clings well. Remove any visible veins, then set the lobster aside while you prepare the butter bath.

Make the butter poaching sauce

Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat, keeping it warm and smooth without bubbling. Stir in the lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper, letting the gentle heat bring out their aroma. Allow the mixture to warm for a few minutes so the garlic softens. Add the parsley at the end to keep its fresh color.

Poach the lobster

Place the lobster tails in the warm butter and spoon the butter over them. Keep the heat very low and poach for about ten to twelve minutes until the meat is opaque and tender. Check with a small knife for doneness. Remove the lobster and spoon more butter on top before serving.

Finish with fresh lemon and herbs

Squeeze a little fresh lemon over the lobster to brighten the flavor, then add a sprinkle of parsley for color. It creates an elegant finish with almost no effort.

Tips for Customizing the Recipe

Lobster is easy to customize. Add shallots, thyme, or a little white wine for extra depth, or use herb, citrus, or chili butter for new flavors. For a different finish you can broil the lobster briefly after poaching or add a splash of cream for a richer sauce. Serve it over pasta with the butter sauce or add a pinch of crushed red pepper or smoked paprika for gentle warmth.

Nutritional Information

One serving of this dish has about 580 calories, 30g of protein, 45g of fat, under 5g of carbohydrates, and roughly 400mg of sodium. Lobster itself is lean and high in protein, while the butter adds richness and flavor. For a lighter version, you can reduce the butter or replace part of it with olive oil during poaching.

Serving Suggestions

Butter poached lobster pairs well with simple or elegant sides. Steamed vegetables add freshness, while pasta or rice soak up the rich butter sauce. A crisp salad adds brightness and warm crusty bread is great for dipping. You can also serve it with a small steak for a surf and turf. Finish with lemon and herbs to highlight the lobster’s sweetness.

Frequently Asked Questions