Herb-Infused Butter Poached Lobster Tails Recipe
If you are looking for a decadent, restaurant-quality seafood dish that feels both luxurious and comfortingly familiar, the Herb-Infused Butter Poached Lobster Tails Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This simple yet elegant preparation uses fresh herbs and rich butter to gently poach lobster tails, resulting in tender, juicy meat that practically melts in your mouth. The combination of fragrant thyme, rosemary, and garlic with a bright hint of lemon makes each bite a perfectly balanced celebration of classic flavors. Whether you’re treating yourself for a special occasion or impressing guests, this dish will quickly become a beloved staple.

Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward, fresh, and absolutely essential to crafting the rich, aromatic profile that defines this recipe. Each component plays a specific role in building layers of flavor and ensuring the lobster stays tender and succulent throughout the poaching process.
- 4 lobster tails (4–6 oz each): Choose fresh or thawed lobster tails for the sweetest, most tender meat.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks): The luscious base for poaching, butter carries all the herbs and flavors perfectly.
- 4 cloves garlic (smashed): Adds a mellow yet savory depth that infuses the butter without overpowering the lobster.
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme: A delicate herb that brings subtle earthiness, complementing the seafood beautifully.
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary: Offers a fragrant pine-like aroma that brightens the buttery bath.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Lifts the entire dish with a fresh citrus note, balancing the richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overshadowing them.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Just enough heat to add complexity and warmth.
- Lemon wedges (for serving): Perfect for squeezing over the finished tails, adding extra brightness.
- Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish): Adds a pop of green color and a fresh finishing touch.
How to Make Herb-Infused Butter Poached Lobster Tails Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Lobster Tails
Using kitchen shears, carefully cut lengthwise along the top shell of each lobster tail, stopping just before the tail fan. Gently lift the exposed lobster meat and rest it on top of the shell without fully detaching it. This technique not only looks impressive but also allows the butter to envelop the lobster evenly. Lightly season the meat with salt and pepper to bring out its natural sweetness.
Step 2: Infuse the Butter with Herbs and Garlic
In a medium saucepan set over low heat, melt the unsalted butter along with smashed garlic cloves, fresh thyme, and rosemary sprigs. Let this mixture gently simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally to encourage the flavors to meld delightfully. The key here is to draw out the aromatic oils from the herbs and garlic without browning the butter.
Step 3: Add Lemon Juice and Poach
Once the butter is richly infused with herb and garlic aroma, stir in the fresh lemon juice to add a zesty brightness. Turn the heat down to the lowest setting possible to maintain the butter warm but not bubbling—aiming for about 160 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit if you have a thermometer. Carefully submerge the lobster tails, meat side down, in the buttery bath.
Step 4: Gentle Poaching
Allow the lobster tails to poach gently for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking. Keep spooning the warm herb butter over the lobster meat as it cooks; this ensures thorough coating and moisture retention. You’ll know the lobster is done when the meat turns opaque and feels tender to the touch. Remove from heat and give the tails a 2-minute rest before serving.
How to Serve Herb-Infused Butter Poached Lobster Tails Recipe

Garnishes
Serving your lobster tails with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a splash of verdant color and a mild herbal note that contrasts wonderfully with the rich butter. Don’t forget the lemon wedges—one quick squeeze of fresh lemon over the meat perfectly brightens and lifts every bite.
Side Dishes
This Herb-Infused Butter Poached Lobster Tails Recipe pairs beautifully with creamy risotto, buttery mashed potatoes, or crisp grilled asparagus. These sides complement the luxurious texture and buttery flavor of the lobster without competing for attention, rounding out a balanced and elegant meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a striking presentation, serve the lobster tails on a bed of lightly sautéed spinach or a drizzle of saffron aioli. You can also serve the butter sauce in a small ramekin alongside, inviting everyone to dip or drizzle more as they please. Finish the plate with microgreens or edible flowers for a restaurant-worthy touch that’s as beautiful as it is appetizing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover lobster tails can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain their delicate texture, cover the lobster with some of the remaining herb butter before sealing to help prevent drying out.
Freezing
If you want to keep leftovers longer, wrap each lobster tail tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen lobster tails can last up to one month with best quality preserved, but keep in mind that freezing might slightly alter the texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently by warming the lobster tails in a low-temperature oven or by briefly poaching in herb butter again over low heat. Avoid high heat or microwaving, as this can toughen the lobster meat and diminish its tender, buttery appeal earned from the original cooking method.
FAQs
Can I use frozen lobster tails for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them fully in the refrigerator overnight before starting. This helps ensure even cooking and the best texture for your poached lobster tails.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
While fresh thyme and rosemary impart the best flavor, dried herbs can work in a pinch. Use about one-third the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated, and add them early in the butter melting step for maximum infusion.
Is there a substitute for butter if I want a lighter version?
Butter is central to the poaching technique here because of its richness and ability to carry flavors gently. For a lighter alternative, you might try olive oil, though the texture and taste will differ, and the poaching process may require adjustments.
How do I know the lobster tails are done?
The lobster meat should be opaque and firm but still tender when done. Overcooking will turn it rubbery. Using a gentle poaching temperature ensures you don’t overshoot the perfect doneness.
Can I prepare the herb butter ahead of time?
Yes, you can infuse the butter with herbs and garlic ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. Gently rewarm it and add fresh lemon juice before poaching the lobster tails for best results.
Final Thoughts
Embracing the Herb-Infused Butter Poached Lobster Tails Recipe in your kitchen means treating yourself to a dish that feels indulgent but is surprisingly approachable. Its tender meat and fragrant buttery bath make every bite memorable and special. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—you might just find it becoming the star of your dinner parties and cozy nights in alike.
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Herb-Infused Butter Poached Lobster Tails Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Experience a luxurious seafood dinner with these Herb-Infused Butter Poached Lobster Tails. Tender lobster meat is gently poached in garlic and herb-infused melted butter, creating an ultra-rich and flavorful dish perfect for an elegant main course.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 4 lobster tails (4–6 oz each)
Butter Mixture
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 4 cloves garlic (smashed)
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Serving
- Lemon wedges
- Chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Lobster Tails: Using kitchen shears, cut the top shell of each lobster tail lengthwise down the center, stopping at the tail. Gently lift the meat and rest it on top of the shell without detaching it. Season the lobster meat lightly with salt and pepper.
- Infuse Butter: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter with garlic, thyme, and rosemary. Simmer gently for 5–7 minutes to infuse the butter, stirring occasionally.
- Add Lemon Juice: Stir in the fresh lemon juice and reduce the heat to its lowest setting—just enough to keep the butter warm without bubbling.
- Poach Lobster Tails: Carefully add the lobster tails to the butter, placing them meat side down. Poach gently for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the lobster meat is opaque and tender, spooning the warm butter over the lobster as it cooks.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from heat and let the lobster rest for 2 minutes. Serve immediately with extra herb butter, lemon wedges, and a sprinkle of chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use a thermometer to keep the butter temperature between 160–180°F for optimal poaching results, which prevents toughness and yields ultra-tender lobster.
- Serve the lobster tails over creamy risotto, mashed potatoes, or alongside grilled asparagus for a complete meal.
- Ensure the lobster meat is just cooked through; overcooking will make it tough.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Poaching
- Cuisine: American