How to Butter Poach Lobster for Sweet, Tender Perfection

Butter poaching is a luxurious cooking method that results in lobster with a tender, sweet, and buttery flavor. By gently simmering the lobster meat in melted butter, you can achieve restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen. This technique may sound intimidating, but it’s actually quite simple to master.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to successfully butter poach lobster tail meat. You’ll learn how to prepare the poaching liquid, properly remove the meat from the shell, regulate cooking temperature, determine doneness, and more. With my easy-to-follow steps, helpful tips, and a foolproof recipe, you’ll gain the skills and confidence to poach lobster meat like a seasoned pro.

Why Butter Poach Lobster

Butter poaching is favored by chefs because it cooks the lobster meat evenly throughout while infusing it with richness from the melted butter. This method not only preserves the delicate texture of the lobster but also enhances its naturally sweet flavor.

Unlike boiling or steaming, butter poaching lobster is a low and slow cooking process. The lobster gently simmers in the melted butter fat, resulting in meat that is silky, tender and succulent. Rapid boiling can make lobster meat rubbery, but the gradual poaching temperature keeps it incredibly moist.

Butter poaching also allows you to perfectly control the doneness of the lobster. You can poach the meat to a translucent finish for a supple texture or cook it longer for a firmer bite. This level of control prevents overcooking, so the lobster turns out tender every time.

When done properly, butter poached lobster is smooth, velvety, and saturated with the buttery poaching liquid. Each bite of the meat will simply melt in your mouth! This cooking method truly brings out the sweet essence of lobster to create a decadent dining experience.

How to Make Butter Poached Lobster

Ingredients

• Lobster tails – Use raw, uncooked tails removed from the shell or parboiled tails. Coldwater lobster works best.
• Butter – High quality unsalted butter provides the best flavor. Use a generous amount.
• Water – Adds moisture to help melt the butter and regulate temperature.
• Lemon juice – Brightens the buttery flavor (optional)
• Herbs and garlic – For seasoning the poaching liquid (optional)

Steps

1. Make the poaching liquid Heat water in a saucepan until simmering. Whisk in 1 tbsp chilled butter at a time, letting it melt before adding the next. This creates an emulsion called beurre monte. Keep the temperature between 160°F – 175°F.

2. Add lobster tails: Gently lower the tails into the poaching liquid. Cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until opaque.

3. Monitor temperature: Maintain a gentle simmer, adjusting heat as needed. Don’t let liquid boil or exceed 180°F.

4. Check for doneness: Lobster is done when the meat is opaque and reaches 130°F – 135°F internally.

5. Finish and serve: Remove lobster from poaching liquid. Top with lemon butter sauce made from the pan drippings. Enjoy immediately.

Tips for Success

• Use a thermometer to regulate temperature precisely. This prevents the delicate butter from breaking.

• Resist overcrowding the pan to allow even cooking. Poach tails in batches if needed.

• Turn the tails gently to prevent breaking Use tongs or a slotted spoon

• Err on the side of undercooking. You can always poach a bit longer if needed.

• Dry tails thoroughly before poaching, Excess water can ruin the emulsion

• Serve any leftover poaching liquid as a luscious sauce over the lobster.

• Pair poached lobster with lighter sides like baked potato, quinoa salad or steamed veggies.

With this easy primer for how to butter poach lobster tails, you can master this elegant cooking technique and enjoy succulent seafood any night of the week. The full flavor and satiny texture of lobster poached in butter is an impressive treat worth learning.

Step-by-Step Butter Poached Lobster Recipe

Now that you know the basics, follow this simple recipe for flawlessly butter poached lobster tails:

Ingredients:

• 4 4-ounce lobster tails, shell removed
• 3 tbsp water
• 2 sticks unsalted butter, cut into 16 tbsp
• 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice (optional)
• Minced garlic and herbs (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat 3 tbsp water in saucepan until steaming.

2. Gradually whisk in butter 1 tbsp at a time until melted and incorporated.

3. Maintain temperature between 160°F – 175°F.

4. Add seasoning ingredients like garlic and herbs (optional).

5. Place lobster tails in single layer in pan. Poach for 6-8 minutes.

6. Turn tails halfway through. Cook until opaque and firm.

7. Remove lobster from pan and set aside.

8. Add lemon juice to poaching liquid. Simmer 3 minutes.

9. Spoon poaching sauce over lobster tails.

10. Garnish with herbs. Serve immediately.

This easy recipe leverages the gentle simmer of butter poaching to give you tender, succulent lobster tail meat infused with rich, velvety flavor. For the optimal textural contrast, pair it with crispy sides like roasted potatoes or garlic bread.

The elegance of restaurant-quality butter poached lobster is now at your fingertips. With the simple guidance above, you can master this upscale cooking method for seafood any home cook would be proud to serve. Impress your guests with your expertise as you present a platter of poached lobster tails dripping with creamy, lemony butter sauce.