10 Delicious Sides to Serve with Lobster Tails

Lobster tails are a delicacy on their own. But pairing them with complementary side dishes can take your meal to the next level The right sides will enhance the natural sweetness of the lobster meat and provide a variety of textures and flavors. Here are 10 delicious options for lobster tail pairings.

1. Steamed Clams or Mussels

Seafood loves company! Clams or mussels make an ideal pairing with lobster tails since their briny flavor profiles mesh beautifully. Steam open some clams or mussels in wine, garlic and herbs. Provide small bowls for dunking lobster meat in the flavorful broth.

2. Potato Salad

Potato salad is a classic accompaniment for lobster rolls and it works just as well beside lobster tails. The cool, creamy potatoes contrast with the rich, succulent lobster meat. Jazz it up with crispy bacon, scallions or dill. Just avoid a heavy mayo-based salad, which could overpower the natural seafood flavors.

3. Pasta Salad

For a summery twist, serve chilled pasta salad alongside your lobster tails. Opt for relatively neutral pastas like fusilli or farfalle with a light vinaigrette dressing. Scatter in fresh vegetables like bell peppers, shredded carrots, cherry tomatoes and snap peas. Consider adding crabmeat or shrimp to tie it all together.

4. Fresh Salad

You can never go wrong with a simple green salad or spinach salad with tangy vinaigrette as an accompaniment for seafood. The fresh crispness and acidity of the vinaigrette will cut through the richness of lobster tails beautifully. Consider one with bibb lettuce, watercress and citrus sections.

5. Coleslaw

Coleslaw is a lobster lovers’ staple thanks to the crunchy cabbage and zesty dressing. Opt for coleslaw with a vinegar-based dressing rather than an overly creamy mayo one so it doesn’t weigh down the meal. Poppy seed, apple cider vinegar and caraway are great flavorings.

6. Clam Chowder

For ultimate surf and turf, serve piping hot clam chowder alongside lobster tails. The creamy, hearty soup pairs perfectly thanks to the shared clam and potato base. Garnish the chowder bowls with a drizzle of basil pesto or lobster oil.

7. Corn on or off the Cob

Sweet corn is a natural pairing for seafood of all kinds. Boil or grill fresh corn cobs to enjoy alongside lobster tails. For less mess, cut the kernels off and sauté in butter with red bell pepper. Sprinkle on the corn at the last second to retain texture.

8. Mac and Cheese

Indulgent, cheesy macaroni and cheese makes a wildly popular pairing for lobster tails. Mix cooked macaroni with a lobster-infused béchamel or Mornay sauce. Top with panko breadcrumbs and broil until golden. Spoon it alongside lobster for a bake shop-worthy meal.

9. Asparagus

For an easy veggie pairing, look no further than fresh asparagus. Blanch or grill spears until tender-crisp Drizzle with olive oil, lemon juice and shaved parmesan Steamed asparagus also pairs nicely to balance the richness.

10. Garlic Bread

Warm, garlicky bread serves as an ideal accompaniment for lobster tails. The crunch of the toasted bread combined with the garlicky punch enhances the sweetness of the lobster meat. Brush baguette slices with garlic butter and broil until golden brown.

Complementary Flavors and Textures

When selecting side dishes for lobster tails, strive for complementary flavors that will accentuate the natural sweetness. Lemon, garlic, herbs, briny seafood and rich butter all make great seasonings.

Aim for contrasting textures too. Crispy, crunchy items help offset the lush lobster meat. Creamy, starchy sides complement without overwhelming the star of the show.

Matching Portions

Ideally, the side dishes should not overshadow the lobster tails in terms of portion size or boldness. The lobster should still be the highlight.

For a duo or trio plate, offer approximately 1/3 lobster tails and 2/3 complementary sides for balance. You want enough sides to add interest but not take over the meal.

Elevating a Lobster Tail Dinner

Planning some special sides can quickly elevate a lobster tail dinner from everyday to gourmet. Just pair with one or two thoughtfully chosen and well-executed accompaniments to allow the lobster flavor to shine.

Kick things up a notch with fresh seafood crudo, goat cheese polenta rounds or prosciutto-wrapped grilled asparagus. The possibilities are endless when you start with a foundation of perfectly cooked lobster tails.

Pairings to Avoid

On the flip side, some sides don’t jive as well with lobster. Avoid heavy, dense foods like greasy French fries, beefy slabs of steak or rich pastas in cream sauce. These tend to overwhelm the delicate seafood rather than working in harmony.

Skip strong flavored sides too like famously pungent bleu cheese, highly spiced Cajun dirty rice or assertive Caesar salad. The goal is complementary, not competing, flavors.

Suggested Lobster Tail Menus

Here are some lobster tail dinner menus with perfectly paired sides:

• Lobster tails, steamed baby potatoes, and garlic sautéed green beans
• Lobster tails, crab Louie salad, and crusty bread
• Lobster tails,tomato-basil salad, and wild rice pilaf
• Lobster tails, asparagus with lemon butter, and wild mushroom risotto
• Lobster tails, baked acorn squash, and kale salad with cranberries

With so many delicious options, you could enjoy lobster tail dinners all week without repetition. Browse seasonal farmer’s markets and quality grocery stores for inspiration for your next surf and turf meal.

Make It a Meal

Don’t forget drinks and dessert to round out your lobster dinner! Sparkling wines, light beers and seafood-friendly white wines are perfect pairings. For dessert, lemon tarts, fruit crumbles and chocolate mousse make excellent choices.

Pulling together a well-composed lobster meal may sound daunting. But thoughtfully chosen sides, beverages and treats don’t have to be complicated. Start with the succulent star – lobster tails. Build around them with complementary flavors, textures and colors. Then savor this ultimate indulgent surf and turf dining experience.