This Butter Poached Lobster recipe is simple yet decadent, making it the perfect dish for special occasions, holidays, or a romantic date night. The lobster is cooked in ghee (or butter) for a rich and flavorful result, ensuring tender, succulent meat with every bite. Paired with a dipping sauce of melted ghee, this dish is sure to impress!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup ghee (or butter), plus additional for dipping

• 2 or more cold water lobster tails, thawed

• Kosher salt

• Ground black pepper

Directions

1. Prepare the Lobster Tails: Using a pair of sharp kitchen shears, cut down the underside of the lobster tail. Pull apart the shell and remove the lobster meat. Pat dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

2. Cook the Lobster: Heat ghee (or butter) in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the lobster and cook for 1-3 minutes per side or until the meat is no longer translucent.

3. Serve: Remove the lobster from the skillet and serve immediately with additional melted ghee for dipping.

Estimated Nutritional Value (per serving)

• Calories: 250-300 kcal

• Protein: 40g (from lobster)

• Fat: 15-20g

  • Saturated Fat: 10-15g (depending on ghee or butter used)

• Carbohydrates: 0g (lobster and butter are both low-carb)

• Cholesterol: 120-150mg

• Sodium: 400-600mg (depending on the salt added)

• Fiber: 0g

• Sugar: 0g

These values will vary depending on the exact portion size and how much butter or ghee is used. For a more accurate calculation, it’s recommended to use a nutrition calculator based on the specific products you use.

Why Butter Poaching?

Butter poaching is a method of cooking where the food is gently cooked in butter (or ghee), which results in a tender and moist texture while absorbing the rich flavors of the fat. The process is ideal for lobster, as the meat is delicate and can easily become overcooked. By poaching the lobster in butter or ghee, you ensure that the meat remains succulent and tender without losing its natural sweetness. The added bonus is the deliciously rich sauce that forms during the cooking process, perfect for dipping.

Ghee, a clarified form of butter, has a slightly nuttier flavor and higher smoke point, making it an excellent choice for poaching lobster. It’s also a popular option for those who prefer to avoid dairy solids in their butter or who follow a dairy-free or paleo diet. Both ghee and butter lend a deep, rich flavor that enhances the lobster’s natural sweetness.

The Simplicity of the Ingredients

The beauty of Butter Poached Lobster lies in its simplicity. With only a few ingredients, the dish allows the lobster to shine without overwhelming it with too many flavors. The lobster tails are seasoned lightly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, allowing the natural flavors of the lobster and butter to take center stage. Ghee (or butter) is the star of the show, creating a luxurious cooking base that adds richness and flavor to the lobster meat.

For the dipping sauce, additional melted ghee or butter is served alongside the lobster, elevating the dish even further. The sauce serves as the perfect accompaniment, adding a silky, rich texture that makes each bite of lobster even more decadent.

Preparing the Lobster Tails

The first step in making Butter Poached Lobster is preparing the lobster tails. Using kitchen shears, you’ll cut along the underside of the lobster tail and gently pull apart the shell to remove the tender lobster meat. It’s essential to pat the lobster meat dry with paper towels to ensure the butter or ghee can properly adhere to it during cooking. After seasoning with a little salt and pepper, the lobster is ready to be poached.

By using cold water lobster tails, you’re ensuring that the lobster is fresh and sweet. The process of poaching in butter not only enhances the natural flavors of the lobster but also keeps the meat juicy and tender. Whether you’re preparing this dish for a romantic evening or a special celebration, these beautifully poached lobster tails are bound to impress.

The Poaching Process

To cook the lobster, heat the ghee (or butter) in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once the ghee is hot, add the lobster tails to the skillet. Cooking the lobster for 1-3 minutes per side ensures that it is cooked through without becoming tough or rubbery. The lobster meat should turn from translucent to opaque and firm, signifying that it’s done.

The poaching process allows the lobster to absorb the flavors of the ghee (or butter), creating a rich and flavorful outer coating while keeping the interior tender. This method results in lobster that is perfectly cooked and full of flavor, without the need for excessive seasoning or complicated techniques.

Serving and Garnishing

Once the lobster is poached to perfection, remove it from the skillet and serve it immediately. For an added touch of decadence, serve the lobster with extra melted ghee (or butter) on the side for dipping. The creamy, rich ghee or butter complements the sweetness of the lobster and makes for an indulgent dipping experience that takes the dish to the next level.

For a simple garnish, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley or lemon zest for a burst of color and freshness. A squeeze of lemon juice can also add a nice acidic contrast to the richness of the lobster and butter, providing balance to the dish.

Nutritional Benefits of Butter Poached Lobster

Butter Poached Lobster is a high-protein, low-carb dish that’s rich in healthy fats, making it a great option for those following a ketogenic or low-carb diet. The lobster itself is a lean source of protein, with approximately 40 grams of protein per serving. It’s also packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, selenium, and zinc, which support energy production, immune function, and overall health.

The use of ghee or butter adds healthy fats to the dish, with approximately 15-20 grams of fat per serving, including saturated fat. While ghee or butter does contain saturated fats, they are beneficial in moderation, especially when sourced from high-quality ingredients. Additionally, ghee has a higher smoke point and is rich in butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid that has been shown to support gut health.

With zero carbohydrates and fiber, this dish is ideal for those following low-carb or keto diets. It’s also gluten-free and dairy-free if ghee is used, making it a versatile option for various dietary preferences.

Pairing Suggestions

While Butter Poached Lobster is delicious on its own, it can also be paired with a variety of sides to create a well-rounded meal. For a classic pairing, serve the lobster with a side of roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or broccoli. The slightly bitter, roasted vegetables provide a contrast to the richness of the lobster, balancing out the flavors of the dish.

For a low-carb option, you can serve the lobster with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles, which provide a neutral base for the lobster and allow it to shine. A light, fresh salad with a lemon vinaigrette can also provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the lobster.

If you’re looking to serve a more indulgent meal, consider pairing the lobster with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or garlic butter bread for dipping into the extra melted ghee.

Conclusion

Butter Poached Lobster is a decadent yet simple dish that is perfect for special occasions, romantic dinners, or any time you want to treat yourself to something indulgent. The lobster is tender, succulent, and perfectly poached in rich ghee (or butter), making it a luxurious meal that’s sure to impress. With minimal ingredients and a short cooking time, this dish is as easy to prepare as it is delicious. Whether served with roasted vegetables or enjoyed with a side of creamy butter, Butter Poached Lobster is a dish that exudes elegance and flavor with every bite.