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    Home » Round Up » What To Serve with Lobster Tails

    What To Serve with Lobster Tails

    Published on Jun 1, 2023 Modified: May 29, 2023 by Alexandria Drzazgowski.

    Lobster tails are considered a very high-end main course, but they can be surprisingly easy to make for yourself at home or for any special occasion. If you are preparing some delicious lobster tails and want show-stopping sides to go with it, here are 27 of my favorite side dishes to complement this fancy meal.

    A lobster tail sitting on a bed of spinach.

    Lobster is considered by most to be a decadent, high-end meal. It is a tender meat with a sweet flavor, protected by a hard shell that makes cooking it look a little bit intimidating.

    If you have never cooked lobster before, you may be surprised by how easy it really can be. There are so many ways to cook it!

    You can boil lobster, grill it, steam it, or bake it. Any option you choose, when done right, ends up as melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

    Once you have mastered the main course, it’s time to make it a meal! 

    Depending on how the lobster tails are prepared, there are so many sides that can complement this mild seafood dish. It can be served in a fancy dinner as a decadent meal or made into a quick lobster meal with a simple side.

    I’m happy to share a few good recommendations for the perfect side dish to add to your dinner table!

    Jump to:
    • How To Purchase Lobster Tails
    • FAQs
    • Favorite Recipes
    • Expert Tips
    • What to Eat With Lobster Tails
    • Recipes to Serve with Lobster Tails
    • Homemade Mac and Cheese
    • Fries
    • White Rice in the Instant Pot
    • Mashed Potatoes in the Instant Pot
    • Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes
    • Filet Steak in a Cast Iron Pan
    • Aglio e Olio (Pasta without Sauce)
    • Herb Pangrattato on White Asparagus
    • Grilled Asparagus with Grilled Lemon
    • Crispy Roasted Mini Potatoes
    • Instant Pot Asparagus Risotto
    • Lobster Butter Sauce
    • Horseradish Mashed Potatoes
    • Mashed Cauliflower
    • Lemon Pepper Roasted Cauliflower
    • Brussels Sprouts with Figs, Manchego & Pumpkin Seeds
    • Lemon Basil Rice
    • Italian Pesto Bread
    • Zucchini Risotto
    • Easy Garlic Butter Sauce
    • Panzanella Salad
    • Marinated Heirloom Tomatoes
    • Citrus Couscous Salad
    • Brown Butter Gnocchi with Sage and Walnuts
    • Lemon Arugula Salad
    • Creamy Boursin Pasta
    • Garlic Mashed Redskin Potatoes
    • Other meals + what to serve

    How To Purchase Lobster Tails

    Purchasing Live Lobsters

    The first step to cooking lobster tails is purchasing lobster tails. If you have the opportunity to purchase fresh, live whole lobster, fresh food is always the best. 

    Choose a lobster that is alive. The antennae should be moving and the rubber bands on the claws should be securely attached. Live lobsters should not smell fishy, they should simply smell like the saltwater they are kept in.

    If you choose to purchase a live lobster, the most valuable part is the tail. But you can save other parts, like the claws, to add flavor to soups and other dishes.

    Purchasing Lobster Tails

    If you are purchasing just the tail, look for consistent color and no cracks in the shell. You should also not purchase any tails that look slimy or smell fishy. Even when dead, lobster meat has a very mild smell.

    You should also be aware of the size of the lobster and how much meat it produces. A one-pound lobster will produce about 3 to 4 ounces of meat and a typical serving size is 8-10 ounces so you may want to purchase more than one tail per person you plan to feed.

    You can usually find lobster tails for sale in your local grocery store or at Costco. They are often frozen, which is perfectly fine. Be careful about how you defrost the lobster for the best results.

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    FAQs

    How Do You Thaw Frozen Lobster Tails?

    You can thaw frozen lobster tails in cold water or in the refrigerator.  Do not attempt to cook the lobster until it is fully thawed or you may end up cooking it unevenly. 

    Leave frozen lobster tails in the refrigerator overnight to thaw.
     
    A faster method is to put the lobster tails in a plastic bag and submerge them in cold water for 30 to 60 minutes at a time until it is thawed. 

    How Do You Butterfly Lobster Tails?

    Butterflying your lobster tails allows you to add extra seasoning to the meat as it cooks, helps it to cook more evenly, and allows for a pretty presentation. 

    Use some sharp scissors to make a cut down the middle of the shell lengthwise. Be careful not to drop any bits of shell onto your meat. Use a spoon to separate the meat from the shell on the underside.

    From here you have two options: You can cook the meat inside the shell or you can remove it, place the shell back together and put the meat on top of the shell.

    How Can You Tell When Lobster Tail is Cooked?

    Lobster tail is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees. 

    You can tell the lobster tail is cooked just by looking at it. If the shell is bright white and red and the meat is white or pink, it is cooked. Raw lobster tail is pink or slightly gray.

    What Temperature Should I Cook Lobster At?

    If you are cooking lobster in your oven it can be broiled or cooked at a high heat between 400 and 500 degrees. 

    Be careful not to overcook your lobster as this will make the meat tough and chewy. You also don’t want to place lobster meat too close to the broiler or it will burn.

    What Should I Season Lobster Tails With?

    Lobster tails are great with a little paprika, garlic, seasoning salt and butter but you can add whatever seasonings you like. There is no need to go overboard with your seasoning. Lobster has a naturally mild flavor that you don’t want to mask.

    Can You Reheat Lobster Tails?

    If you made a lobster dinner and have some leftovers, you can save it to enjoy again the next night. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. On the next night, wrap the meat in some aluminum foil with a dab of butter and place them in a preheated oven for about 9 minutes. 

    Leftover lobster is also great for lobster rolls, lobster mac and cheese, this Vegetable and Lobster Eggs Scramble Recipe, or creamy soup like lobster bisque!

    It is not a good idea to freeze cooked lobster as the texture will change when it is thawed.

    Favorite Recipes

    1. This Lobster Tail with Vanilla Sauce is so surprisingly delicious with the perfect creamy texture. It’s definitely worth a try! 
    2. This Baked Lobster from Scrambled Chefs is an easy recipe with simple ingredients to serve lobster to your guests at home. 
    3. Grilled Lobster from Mom’s Dish is an excellent addition to your next BBQ! 

    Expert Tips

    • Lemon and butter are the most popular seasonings for lobster tails. 
    • Citrus flavors are the perfect accompaniment for the sweetness of the lobster. If you are cooking your juicy lobster tail with lemon, do not add it to your lobster tail until you are ready to cook. The acid in the lemon juice can actually cook the lobster.
    • Use a meat thermometer to correctly measure the temperature of your lobster tails. 
    • Lobster tails are best enjoyed right after cooking as they get tough when reheating!

    What to Eat With Lobster Tails

    Sides: Macaroni and cheese, crusty bread, cheesy biscuits, potato salad, pasta salad, French baguettes, Caesar salad, fresh fruit, simple baked potato, french fries, white rice, simple green salad

    Garnishes: Lemon wedges, lemon juice, parsley, garlic butter, melted butter, fresh herbs

    Vegetables: Asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, spinach, mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, cauliflower, green beans, roasted sweet potatoes, veggie fries

    Additional Protein: Lobster is one-half of the main dish in surf and turf. It’s great to serve with high-quality steak

    Recipes to Serve with Lobster Tails

    Homemade Mac and Cheese

    Spoonful of Homemade Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
    This homemade macaroni and cheese recipe is the ultimate comfort food. The cheese sauce is thick and creamy, and perfect for transporting you to a cheesy bliss. Plus it comes together in about 25-30 minutes from start to finish.  
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    Fries

    Fries with Andalouse Dipping Sauce
    Belgian Frites are soft on the inside, impossibly crispy on the outside, and so crunchy you can hear each bite from across the room. There’s a secret to making fries this delicious!
    Read More

    White Rice in the Instant Pot

    Large green serving bowl filled with long grain white rice prepared in the instant pot.
    If you have never made rice in your instant pot you are missing out! It takes just 10 minutes to make perfectly cooked rice to go alongside your lunch or dinner. When you need dinner on the table fast, this Instant Pot Long Grain White Rice is for you!
    Read More

    Mashed Potatoes in the Instant Pot

    Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
    Mashed Potatoes are a known classic, but making Mashed Potatoes in the Instant Pot is a new way to make this favorite side dish! The potatoes will be ready for mashing in just about 6 minutes, making this old favorite so much easier to make and enjoy!
    Read More

    Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes

    A baked sweet potato topped with pecans and cranberries with parsley on the side.
    This post will teach you How to Make Sweet Potatoes in the Instant Pot, one of the very best side dishes! These Sweet Potatoes are smooth and soft and the perfect hands-off recipe.
    Read More

    Filet Steak in a Cast Iron Pan

    Filet served in a cast iron skillet with rosemary next to it.
    This recipe is made with thick, 7 oz filet steaks that are cooked in a cast iron skillet, then served with a cream sauce. This recipe is inspired by Eswatini’s national dish, but can be enjoyed anywhere!
    Read More

    Aglio e Olio (Pasta without Sauce)

    Aglio e Olio (Pasta without Sauce) on a plate.

    This pasta without sauce (or pasta with garlic and olive oil OR aglio e olio, it goes by many names), is basically the grown-up, gourmet version of buttered noodles. Technically, it does have a sauce. The oil, garlic, cheese and pasta water come together to create the barest of coatings for the pasta (debatable though, whether you would call it a full on sauce).

    Read More

    Herb Pangrattato on White Asparagus

    Herb Pangrattato on White Asparagus in a shallow bowl.

    Tasty Herb Pangrattato is a toasted seasoned breadcrumb mixture that is delicious on everything from steamed white asparagus to baked mac ‘n’ cheese. Use your favourite herbs and spices to customize it to your liking.

    Read More

    Grilled Asparagus with Grilled Lemon

    Grilled Asparagus with Grilled Lemon on a tin foil lined baking sheet.

    This Easy Grilled Asparagus Recipe With Charred Lemon is sure to become your go-to summer side dish. It’s delicious, quick, and uses pantry staple ingredients!

    Read More

    Crispy Roasted Mini Potatoes

    Crispy Roasted Mini Potatoes in a serving bowl with a wooden spoon.

    These roasted mini potatoes are crispy on the outside, creamy within, and seasoned perfectly. Easy enough for weeknights, and good enough for Sunday dinner!

    Read More

    Instant Pot Asparagus Risotto

    Instant Pot Asparagus Risotto topped with grated parmesan.

    Ready in under 30 minutes, this Instant Pot Asparagus Risotto is creamy and so easy to make! No need to babysit this risotto over the stove, the Instant Pot does all the hard work for you!

    Read More

    Lobster Butter Sauce

    Lobster next to Butter Sauce and lemon wedges.

    This easy lobster butter sauce can be made four different ways. Try it plain, or season with lemon, garlic or cayenne. Serve with lobster!

    Read More

    Horseradish Mashed Potatoes

    Bowl of horseradish mashed potatoes topped with melted butter and chopped green onions.
    These horseradish mashed potatoes are filled with chives, sour cream, milk, and horseradish. They are perfect as a side to red meat, including steak or prime rib.
    Read More

    Mashed Cauliflower

    Mashed Cauliflower  in a serving bowl with herbs.

    This Creamy Mashed Cauliflower Recipe may be lower in carbs and calories but they are just as mouthwatering as regular mashed potatoes. Made with sour cream, parmesan cheese, garlic, and butter, these creamy Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes are full of delicious buttery flavor and make the perfect, keto-approved side dish!

    Read More

    Lemon Pepper Roasted Cauliflower

    Lemon Pepper Roasted Cauliflower with sauce and lemon slices on parchment paper.

    This Lemon Pepper Roasted Cauliflower tastes like sunshine! Crispy cauliflower with lemon and garlic with bursts of fun flavors.

    Read More

    Brussels Sprouts with Figs, Manchego & Pumpkin Seeds

    Brussels Sprouts with Figs, Manchego & Pumpkin Seeds

    The perfect healthy holiday or celebratory dinner side dish, these healthy roasted brussels sprouts with manchego, dried figs, and pepitas are savory, crunchy, salty, and just the right amount of naturally sweet.

    Read More

    Lemon Basil Rice

    Lemon Basil Rice

    This easy 30-minute Lemon Basil Rice is perfectly fresh, zesty, and delicious. With star ingredients like butter, fresh basil, lemon juice, and lemon zest, this refreshing side dish pairs well with anything and everything!

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    Italian Pesto Bread

    Italian Pesto Bread on a cutting board.

    This Italian pesto bread is an easy braided bread recipe that is perfect for any occasion. Light and fluffy homemade Italian bread is braided with bright green basil pesto for not only a beautiful presentation, but delicious flavor.

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    Zucchini Risotto

    Zucchini Risotto in a bowl with lemon slices, tomatoes, and microgreens.

    This zucchini risotto recipe is a decadent yet simple entree or side dish. It’s made with creamy Arborio rice cooked with broth and white wine, then finished with salty cheese, zucchini, fresh basil, and lemon zest. 

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    Easy Garlic Butter Sauce

    Easy Garlic Butter Sauce in a small cast iron skillet next to a log.

    Flavorful and aromatic, this easy Garlic Butter Sauce is a 4-ingredient recipe that can enhance different dishes from seafood to pasta.

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    Panzanella Salad

    Panzanella Salad in a bowl with salad tongs.

    A classic Tuscan Italian recipe, Panzanella is a simple mixture of crusty bread, juicy tomatoes, and an olive oil vinaigrette that makes the perfect light, summery side dish.

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    Marinated Heirloom Tomatoes

    Marinated Heirloom Tomatoes in a shallow bowl with heirloom tomatoes around them.

    These marinated heirloom tomatoes capture the flavor of summer. Garden fresh tomatoes sit in a bright, bold marinade of olive oil, vinegar, fresh garlic, and oregano to create a salad or sandwich topping that looks beautiful and tastes even better!

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    Citrus Couscous Salad

    Citrus Couscous Salad in a bowl with lime wedges on the side.

    Citrus Couscous Salad is a fresh side dish made with zucchini, tomatoes, onions, cilantro and garlic. Perfect for the hot summer days or to serve with anything.

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    Brown Butter Gnocchi with Sage and Walnuts

    Browned butter gnocchi with parmesan up close
    This brown butter gnocchi with sage and walnuts is the perfect 30 minute dinner! It comes together quickly, and the browned butter adds a depth and richness to the dish. Top it with some parmesan and mwah…. perfection.
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    Lemon Arugula Salad

    Lemon Arugula Salad sprinkled with parmesan cheese and pine nuts, with lemon wedges in the background.

    Lemon Arugula Salad with Pine Nuts is a quick and easy salad that is peppery, sweet and satisfying. Arugula is tossed with cherry tomatoes, toasted pine nuts and parmesan cheese and finished off with a lemony, olive oil dressing. 

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    Creamy Boursin Pasta

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    This recipe for Boursin Pasta is the most delicious creamy pasta you’ll ever eat with just 5 ingredients and less than 30 minutes of cooking time! It’s a quick side dish or vegetarian meal that’s easy and delicious. One of the most popular recipes on this site, the 5 star reviews don’t lie!

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    Garlic Mashed Redskin Potatoes

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    No holiday meal is complete without the perfect, creamy, mashed potatoes. This easy recipe is seasoned with garlic, green onions and loads of butter. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth delicious side dish!
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