How to Melt Butter for Lobster – Tips for Perfectly Preparing This Essential Accompaniment

Lobster and butter go hand-in-hand. The rich tender meat of lobster simply begs to be dipped in melted butter. When cooking fresh lobster at home, properly preparing the butter is an essential step to maximize the dining experience. Under-melted or overheated butter can detract from the flavor of the lobster. With a few easy techniques you can learn how to melt butter for lobster perfectly every time.

Why Butter Matters

Let’s first examine why butter plays such an integral role with lobster. The fatty richness of the butter complements and enhances the delicate brininess of the lobster meat. The butter adds flavor and moisture, allowing the lobster flavor to shine through. Simply steaming or boiling lobster and serving it plain would be missing out on this important contrast of flavors and textures.

Butter is the traditional and most common choice for serving with lobster. However, some people use olive oil or mayonnaise for dipping. Drawn butter is the ideal classic accompaniment for hot, freshly cooked lobster.

How to Melt Butter for Lobster

Melting butter to serve with lobster requires attention to a few key details

• Using high-quality butter – selecting a good European-style butter provides the best flavor
• Melting slowly – gentle, even heat prevents burning or separation
• Reaching the ideal temperature – warm enough to melt fully but not too hot
• Adding optional flavor – infusing herbs, garlic, citrus etc.
• Serving warm – keeping the butter in a warm state for serving

Follow these tips when melting butter for your next lobster feast.

Selecting the Best Butter

Not all butters are created equal when it comes to pairing with lobster. Opt for a high-fat European style butter with at least 82% butterfat. Popular choices include Irish butter, French butter or Italian cultured butter. Avoid margarine or vegetable oil spreads. Good butter provides a clean, sweet flavor and luscious mouthfeel.

Melting Methods

On the Stovetop

Melting butter on the stovetop allows close monitoring and control of the temperature. A double boiler setup is ideal, with a heatproof bowl resting over a small saucepan of simmering water. The indirect steam heat prevents the butter from scorching on the bottom. For quicker melting, a single small saucepan over low heat can work too. Cut cold butter into tablespoon size chunks before melting. Stir occasionally as it melts. Remove from heat as soon as the butter is fully melted and any milk solids at the bottom dissolve.

In the Microwave

For fast microwave melting, place cut butter in a microwave-safe container. Heat in 30 second bursts, stirring between intervals, until completely melted and hot but not bubbling. This method requires vigilance to avoid overheating.

With a Melting Pot

Specialized butter melting pots allow hands-off butter melting at the ideal low temperature Simply add cut butter and it safely melts without any risk of burning.

On a Warm Platter

For special occasions, present a whole peeled, trimmed lobster on a warmed platter. Surround with chunks of whole butter to slowly melt around the hot lobster.

Ideal Serving Temperature

The optimal temperature for serving melted lobster butter is between 130°F – 140°F (54°C – 60°C). At this tepid temperature, the fat stays emulsified in the water components and provides an ideal viscosity for dipping. Hotter temperatures risk separating and breaking down the emulsification. Cooler temperatures will start to solidify the butter.

Use a kitchen thermometer to test the temperature and avoid over or underheating. Keep the melted butter warm in a thermal carafe or over a warm water bath. Provide individual ramekins for dipping at each place setting.

Flavoring Your Butter

Plain melted butter certainly does the trick. But for something extra special, consider adding complementary flavors.

• Lemon – Brightens with acidity and citrus aroma
• Garlic – Savory punched-up flavor
• Herbs – Chives, dill, parsley, tarragon
• Spices – Old Bay, paprika, cayenne, white pepper

Sauté aromatics like garlic or herbs in a bit of the melted butter before adding the remaining. Stir in spices once melted. Add a teaspoon of lemon juice per quarter cup of butter.

Serving Suggestions

• Provide a lobster cracker, pick and bib at each place setting for full enjoyment
• Slice any large lobster claws and tails before serving
• Serve accompaniments like lemon wedges, shellfish broth for dipping briny bits
• Set out a empty bowl for discarding shells

Now that you know how to melt butter like a pro, you can serve lobster dipped in the perfect velvety, rich drawn butter. Paying careful attention to properly preparing the butter makes all the difference in savoring lobster at its very best.

Frequently Asked Questions About Melting Lobster Butter

Does the type of butter matter?

Yes, opt for a high-fat European style butter with 82% or more butterfat content. The lower water content helps it melt smoothly without separating. Irish butter, French butter and Italian cultured butter all work well.

Can you clarify the butter?

Clarifying is an extra step to remove milk solids and water for pure butterfat. It results in a clearer, more heat-stable butter oil. Clarified butter is ideal for cooking but unnecessary just for serving.

What about browning the butter?

Browned, or beurre noisette, butter has a delicious nutty flavor. But it overpowers the sweet subtlety of lobster. Reserve browned butter for other uses where its caramelized flavors shine.

How do you keep lobster butter warm at the table?

Transfer the melted butter to a thermal carafe to retain heat at the table. Place individual ramekins in shallow bowls of warm water. Or bring the butter to the table in its melting pot.

Can you use olive oil instead of butter?

Olive oil makes an acceptable substitute, although the flavor and mouthfeel differs from rich butter. Infuse the oil with lemon, garlic or herbs to jazz it up.

What about vegan butter substitutes?

Vegan products like Earth Balance can stand in for regular butter. But the flavors may seem off with lobster. Stick with olive oil for a better vegan option.

With the right techniques and a quality butter, preparing melted butter for dipping succulent lobster is simple. Follow this guide for lobster dipped in perfect butter every time.