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. In this blog post we look at the flavor and texture of lobster to help determine what to serve with lobster tails!
What does lobster taste like?
The meat of a cooked lobster can have a slightly buttery and nutty taste, due to the high-fat content. When it comes to the taste of lobster, it can vary depending on the species and the way it’s prepared. Some species of lobster, such as Maine lobster, are known for their sweet and delicate flavor. Other species, such as spiny lobster, have a more pronounced ocean flavor with a slightly chewy texture.
How to Prepare Lobster
Lobster can be prepared in a variety of ways, such as steamed, boiled, grilled, or baked. Each preparation method can affect the taste of the lobster, for example, steaming will retain the delicate flavor and tender texture of the meat, while grilling will add a smoky flavor to the meat. If you want the complete guide on how to cook lobster, make sure to check out our blog post that goes in depth on the best methods 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 Goes With Lobster
When serving lobster tails, it’s best to keep the sides and drinks simple to complement the delicate flavor of the lobster. This post will help you identify what goes with lobster tails. And it will also go into more detail on the best side dishes and drinks to pair with your next lobster dinner. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering what to eat lobster with, you’ll get all your answers here!
Classic Lobster Tail Side Dishes and Flavors
Seasonings and Sauces
A classic side dish to serve with lobster is drawn butter. Drawn butter is a simple sauce made by melting butter and adding a little bit of lemon juice for added flavor. It is often served on the side and can be used as a dip for the lobster. The butter adds a rich and creamy flavor that compliments the delicate flavor of the lobster. This traditional side dish is often served in seafood restaurants and is loved by seafood enthusiasts. It is easy to make and adds a touch of elegance to any lobster dish.
When it comes to seasoning and sauces, it’s important to keep it simple and not overpower the natural flavor of the lobster. This is something to always keep in mind while you are wondering what goes with lobster tail. A simple butter sauce made with garlic and lemon juice is a great option to consider.
To add some color and flavor to your lobster dish, consider serving it with a side of fresh herbs. Fresh parsley, cilantro, or basil will add a bright and refreshing flavor to the dish.
Avoid overpowering the delicate flavor of the lobster with strong spices or sauces. Instead, focus on pairing the lobster with simple sides and drinks that will complement the natural flavors of the lobster. By following these tips, you’ll be able to create a delicious and elegant meal that everyone will love. Let’s dive into some great options for side dishes.
Vegetables
If you’re looking to serve up some healthy veggies for your lobster side dishes, look no further. There are many vegetables that pair well with lobster, but some of the best options include:
Asparagus
Asparagus is a classic vegetable to serve with lobster. Its delicate flavor and tender texture complement the rich and buttery flavor of the lobster. It can be steamed, grilled, or roasted for a delicious and healthy side dish.
Green Beans
Green beans are another classic vegetable to serve with lobster. They are low in calories, high in fiber, and can be steamed, sautéed, or roasted for a flavorful side dish.
Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are a hearty and flavorful vegetable that pair well with lobster. They can be roasted or grilled and are often seasoned with garlic, lemon juice, or bacon for added flavor.
Corn on the Cob
Grilled or boiled corn on the cob is a great side dish to serve with lobster. The sweet and buttery flavor of the corn pairs well with the rich and buttery flavor of the lobster.
Roasted or Grilled vegetables
Roasting or grilling vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms add a smoky, rich flavor to the vegetables and complement the delicate flavor of the lobster.
Salad
A simple salad made with mixed greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers can be a great option for a side dish. A light vinaigrette dressing will complement the rich flavor of the lobster.
Ultimately, the best vegetable to serve with lobster will depend on personal preference and the flavors of the dish. Experiment with different vegetables and preparation methods to find the perfect pairing that you enjoy.
Best Grain dishes to serve alongside Lobster
Need something a littler heartier to serve alongside your lobster? Here are a few grain-based side dishes to serve alongside lobster:
Risotto
Risotto is a classic Italian dish made with Arborio rice, butter, and Parmesan cheese. It has a creamy texture and a rich flavor that pairs well with the delicate flavor of the lobster.
Quinoa
Quinoa is a versatile and healthy grain that can be served as a side dish. It can be cooked with various herbs and spices, and mixed with vegetables and seafood for a delicious and balanced meal.
Polenta
Polenta is a traditional Italian dish made with cornmeal. It can be served creamy or firm and it’s a great option to pair with lobster. It can be flavored with Parmesan cheese, herbs, or butter for added richness.
Couscous
Couscous is a North-African small pasta made from semolina wheat. It can be steamed and flavored with herbs, lemon juice, or olive oil for a refreshing and light side dish.
Farro
Farro is an ancient grain that has a nutty and chewy texture. Try it with vegetables, seafood, and herbs for a flavorful and healthy side dish.
Orzo
Orzo is a small type of pasta that is great as a side dish or in a salad. Add lemon juice, herbs, and seafood for a light and refreshing side dish.
Baked potato
While not a grain, another popular side dish to serve with lobster tails is a baked or roasted potato. For a unique twist, consider making a potato gratin with layers of thinly sliced potatoes, cream, and cheese. This dish will be a perfect complement to the rich and buttery flavor of the lobster.
These are just a few examples of grain-based side dishes that can go well alongside lobster. Experiment with different grains and preparation methods to find the perfect pairing that you enjoy.
What Drinks to Pair with Lobster
When asking yourself, what goes with lobster look to this guide to help pair a perfect drink with 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.
Pairing White Wine with Lobster Tails
When choosing a wine to pair with lobster, it’s important to consider the flavor profile of the wine and the dish. Lobster is a delicate and flavorful seafood that pairs well with white wines with a light body and high acidity. Here are a few guidelines to follow when choosing a wine to pair with lobster:
Opt for a dry white wine
Dry white wines, such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or Pinot Grigio, have a high acidity and light body that will complement the delicate flavor of the lobster.
Avoid heavy and oaky wines
Wines that are heavy and have a strong oak flavor, such as a full-bodied Chardonnay, can overpower the delicate flavor of the lobster.
Choose a wine with a high acidity
High acidity wines, such as Riesling or Vermentino, will help to balance out the rich and buttery flavor of the lobster.
Consider a Sparkling wine
Sparkling wines, such as Champagne or Prosecco, have bubbles that can cleanse the palate and enhance the flavors of the lobster.
Look for a wine with a hint of mineral
Wines with a mineral undertone, such as Chenin Blanc, can complement the seafood flavor of the lobster.
Pairing Red Wine with Lobster Tails
Red wines are not the traditional pairing for lobster, as the delicate and sweet flavors of lobster are usually better with white wines that have a high acidity and light body. However, depending on the preparation, some red wines may pair well with lobster. Here are a few guidelines to follow when choosing what to serve with lobster:
Light-bodied red wines
Look for light-bodied red wines with a high acidity, such as Pinot Noir, Gamay, or a young Tempranillo. These wines will complement the delicate flavor of the lobster and won’t overpower it.
Lighter style red wines
Look for red wines that are less tannic and have a lower alcohol content, as they will be less likely to overpower the flavors of the lobster.
Red Wines with a hint of fruit
Wines with a hint of fruit, such as a cherry or strawberry, can complement the sweetness of the lobster.
Red Wines with a hint of spice
Look for red wines with a hint of spice, such as a red wine with a hint of pepper, to complement the flavors of the lobster.
Red wine with a hint of earthy notes
Red wines with a hint of earthy notes, such as a red wine with a hint of mushroom or truffle, can complement the seafood flavor of the lobster.
When pairing wine with lobster, it’s important to remember that the flavor of the sauce or seasoning used on the lobster will also play a role in the wine pairing. For example, a wine with a high acidity will complement a lemon butter sauce, while a wine with a hint of mineral will pair well with a garlic butter sauce.
Ultimately, the key to a successful wine and lobster pairing is to experiment and try different wines to find the perfect pairing that you enjoy.
Pairing Cocktails with Lobster Tails
Cocktails can also make a great addition to a lobster dinner and add a touch of elegance to the meal. Here are a few cocktail options to consider serving with your lobster meal:
Classic Martini
A classic martini made with gin or vodka is a great option to pair with lobster. The clean and crisp flavors of the gin or vodka will complement the delicate flavor of the lobster.
Seafood Bloody Mary
A Bloody Mary made with seafood-infused vodka and garnished with a shrimp or lobster claw is a unique and delicious way to pair lobster with a cocktail. Look no further when thinking about what to serve with lobster tails.
Champagne Cocktail
A Champagne cocktail, such as a French 75 or a Kir Royale, is a great option to pair with lobster. The bubbles in the Champagne will help to cleanse the palate and enhance the flavors of the lobster.
Gin and Tonic
A gin and tonic is a refreshing and light cocktail that will complement the delicate flavor of the lobster. The botanical flavors of the gin will pair well with the seafood flavor of the lobster.
Experiment with different ingredients and flavors to find the perfect pairing that you enjoy.
Overall, the delicate flavor allows for a wide range of side dishes for lobster tails and drinks to complement it without overpowering the dish. This makes it easy to pair with a variety of side dishes, and allows for a lot of experimentation and creativity in the kitchen. We hope that this guide answers any questions you may have had on what to serve with lobster tails!
If you’re curious on where to eat lobster in San Francisco – make sure to check out our deep dive! It includes Pier Market and our other restaurant on PIER 39, Fog Harbor Fish House!