Go Back
–+ servings
Butter poached lobster: lobster tails poached in butter in silver dish sprinkled with chopped chives.

How to Make My Easy Butter Poached Lobster Tail Recipe

Allie Hagerty
This butter poached lobster tail recipe is an easy, yet elegant way to serve lobster. Thanks to my foolproof poaching method for lobster tail meat, you'll get the best results from this lobster recipe. 
5 from 7 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Servings 4 lobster tails

Equipment

  • saucepan medium sized
  • whisk
  • kitchen shears
  • cutting board
  • chef's knife
  • tongs
  • spoon
  • instant read thermometer

Ingredients
  

  • 4 4-ounce lobster tails removed from shell
  • 3 tablespoons water
  • 2 sticks unsalted butter cut into 16 tablespoons
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • sliced garlic optional
  • chopped chives optional

Instructions
 

  • Let's start by making the beurre monté. Grab a 10-inch saucepan and turn your stove on medium heat before poruing the 3 tablespoons of water.
  • Once the water has warmed a bit (about 2 minutes), add one piece of your unsalted butter. Whisk the butter and water slowly until the butter is completely melted into the water. Repeat this step with the next slice of butter.
  • If you are going to add any aromatics to the poaching liquid (sliced garlic, seasonings, herbs), add them now. Otherwise, continue to the next step:
  • Once the second piece of butter has completely melted, repeat the step with the remaining 14 pieces.. add the butter to the pan, whisk slowly until it's melted, then add the next. Do this until all of the butter has been added and melted.
  • I suggest using a thermometer if this is your first time making a beurre monté. You need the temp to ideally be at 180°F -- no higher than 189°F, or the sauce will break. I usually aim for between 170°F and 180°F to play it safe!
  • Now that the butter has completely melted, add your lobster tails using tongs. Make sure not to crowd the suacepan - add them side by side and make sure they are not piled ontop of eachother to ensure even cooking!
  • These lobster tails will cook pretty quickly - in total, it'll take about 6-8 minutes. Using tongs, flip the lobster tails every 2 minutes.They will be finished cooking when they are opaque.
  • Remove the lobster tails and set aside. If using, add the lemon juice to the pan and whisk and cook the liquid for 3 more minutes. Then, use a spoon to drizzle some of the poaching liquid over the lobster tails. Serve immediately with garnish of your choice (like chopped chives) and enjoy!

Notes

  • Take your time – Cooking something as delicate as butter poached lobster takes time and patience.
  • Use a thermometer – When in doubt, use a thermometer for this recipe.

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 1lobster tailsCalories: 151kcalCarbohydrates: 0.01gProtein: 0.3gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 46mgSodium: 7mgPotassium: 7mgSugar: 0.01gVitamin A: 525IUCalcium: 6mgIron: 0.01mg
Keyword butter, date night, lobster, Pescatarian, poaching
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!