Lobster is a delicately flavored seafood that has a slightly sweet, briny, and rich taste. Its meat is firm, succulent and has a tender texture. The tail meat is the most sought-after part of the lobster and is considered the most flavorful. The claws and knuckles of the lobster also contain meat that is slightly less tender but still flavorful. We look at the taste and texture of lobster in this blog post to help you decide what to serve with lobster tails!
Lobster is a luxurious, decadent seafood that deserves an equally special accompaniment. The right side dishes can enhance the sweet, briny flavor of lobster meat and complete the meal. From fresh salads to comforting pasta, there are many excellent options for lobster pairings.
When choosing sides for lobster, aim for simple dishes that won’t compete with the star of the show Lobster is rich and buttery, so you’ll want bright, acidic, or crunchy sides to cut through the indulgence Steer clear of highly seasoned, creamy, or fried sides that could overpower the natural flavor of the lobster.
Here are 10 delicious side dishes to serve with lobster
Steamed Clams or Mussels
Steamed clams or mussels make an ideal side dish with lobster. The briny sweetness of the shellfish complements the lobster beautifully. Serve steamed clams or mussels drizzled with melted butter white wine, and fresh parsley. The light broth soaks into the bread creating an indulgent treat.
Potato Salad
Potato salad is a classic accompaniment for lobster rolls and lobster bakes. The creaminess of the potatoes balances the richness of lobster meat. Opt for potato salad with a light dressing of mayo, lemon juice, mustard, shallots, fresh dill, and chives. The tangy, herby flavors cut through the indulgence of the lobster.
Pasta Salad
A pasta salad tossed with fresh vegetables makes a delicious and bright side for lobster. Favorites include bowtie pasta salad with sundried tomatoes, spinach, artichoke hearts, and feta or farfalle with asparagus, lemon zest, and shaved parmesan. The crisp vegetables and acid from the dressing or lemon juice refresh the palate between bites of lobster.
Fresh Salad
A simple green salad is a foolproof pairing with lobster. The crunchy lettuce and vegetables combined with a bright vinaigrette serve as a perfect palate cleanser. Build your lobster salad with a mix of greens, juicy tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and fresh herbs. Drizzle with a lemon vinaigrette or your favorite light dressing.
Coleslaw
Cool, crunchy coleslaw complements rich lobster beautifully. The sweet vinegar dressing provides tangy contrast to the buttered lobster. Make your coleslaw with shredded cabbage, carrots, onion, and celery tossed in a creamy vinegar-based dressing. Garnish with chopped parsley or dill. The crisp texture and acidic bite stands up well to lobster.
Clam Chowder
For ultimate surf and turf, pair lobster with clam chowder. The velvety, comforting soup makes a hearty accompaniment for lobster rolls or whole lobster. Opt for New England style chowder made with clams, potatoes, cream, celery, onion, and bacon. Alternately, Manhattan style, made with tomatoes, works well. The brothy, savory chowder balances the sweet lobster.
Corn on the Cob
Buttery steamed or grilled corn on the cob complements sweet lobster meat. For an easy side, boil or grill corn until tender, then roll in melted butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper. The natural sweetness of the corn echoes the briny sweetness of the lobster. For variety, add a squirt of lime, grated parmesan, or smoked paprika to the corn.
Mac and Cheese
Rich, cheesy mac and cheese is a classic indulgent side for lobster. Make an extra decadent version by folding lobster meat into the mac and cheese. The smooth, creamy pasta provides the perfect base for sweet chunks of lobster. To lighten it up, use a combo of cheeses like gruyere, cheddar, and parmesan and add fresh herbs.
Rice Pilaf
Fluffy rice pilaf provides a simple starch to soak up any lobster butter. Make it flavorful by sautéing onions and garlic in butter or oil before adding the rice and broth. Herb options include dill, tarragon, parsley, or chives. For variety, use brown rice, wild rice, or rice blends in place of white rice. The easy, light pilaf won’t compete with the lobster.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables add vibrant color and flavor as a lobster side. Fennel, Brussels sprouts, carrots, cauliflower, or broccoli caramelize beautifully when tossed in olive oil and roasted. They pair perfectly with steamed or grilled lobster. The natural sweetness of the veggies echoes the sweet lobster flavor.
Lobster is a special indulgence. With sides like fresh salads, pastas, roasted veggies or buttery corn, you can create a complete meal that highlights the delicious briny flavor of the lobster. Try different flavor combinations and textures to find your favorite pairings. Just be sure to keep the sides simple to let the lobster shine.
How to Prepare Lobster
Lobster can be prepared in a variety of ways, such as steamed, boiled, grilled, or baked. There are different ways to cook lobster that can change how it tastes. For example, steaming will keep the meat’s delicate flavor and tender texture, while grilling will give it a smoky flavor. Click on our blog post for a full guide on how to cook lobster. It goes into great detail about the best ways to cook lobster!
Lobster is considered a delicacy, with a complex and delicate flavor that is loved by seafood enthusiasts. Its rich, buttery taste and tender texture make it a popular choice for special occasions and elegant dinners. Now, you know you want to serve lobster for dinner, what are the best sides for lobster tails?.
What Drinks to Pair with Lobster
Check out this list of drinks that go well with lobster to find the right one for your next lobster meal. A dry white wine such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc or champagne is the perfect pairing. A light beer or a chilled sake or a great cocktails would also work well.
The best side dishes for seafood
What side dishes go with lobster?
Our side dishes to serve with lobster are so good, we’d wager they might outshine the crustacean himself. From Foil-Pack Clams with White Wine and Herbs to the humble (but beloved) macaroni and cheese, potato salad, and corn on the cob, these are the best side dishes for lobster—tail and all. Just please, please don’t forget the butter.
What’s a good side dish for lobster tail?
From Foil-Pack Clams with White Wine and Herbs to the humble (but beloved) macaroni and cheese, potato salad, and corn on the cob, these are the best side dishes for lobster—tail and all. Just please, please don’t forget the butter. Extra points if it’s herbed.
What to eat with lobster?
Potatoes are drizzled with olive oil, sprinkled with herbs and seasonings, roasted to crispy perfection, then topped with Cheddar cheese. Potato salad pairs perfectly with lobster. This creamy mayonnaise-based recipe is flavored with garlic and lots of mustard. Looking for a lighter lobster side dish that still packs a flavorful punch?
What to serve with a lobster dinner party?
If you’re hosting a lobster dinner party, add a delicious side of watermelon caprese to your menu. This refreshing dish combines juicy watermelon squares with slices of mozzarella, fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic glaze. It’s a sweet-salty delight perfect to serve with your favorite lobster dishes. 19. Red Potato Salad