How to Butter Poach Lobster?
To butter poach lobster, start by adding wine and butter to a small saucepan over low heat.
Once the butter has melted, add 1 pound of uncooked lobster meat and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until it is bright white and firm.
Be careful not to cook it too fast, as this can cause the lobster to release a white protein substance called pellicle.
Season with sea salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste.
It is best to eat the butter-poached lobster immediately after cooking, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 days.
To reheat, simply add the desired amount of lobster and poaching liquid to a small saucepan and heat over low heat until hot.
Enjoy!
Quick Tips and Facts:
1. The practice of butter poaching lobster originated in France during the 19th century, where it was known as “homard à l’américaine,” or American-style lobster.
2. Butter poaching involves gently cooking the lobster meat in melted butter, creating a rich and tender texture without overpowering the natural flavors of the meat.
3. Contrary to popular belief, butter poaching lobster does not make it exceptionally high in calories. The majority of the butter used in the process remains in the shell, resulting in a minimal amount actually being absorbed by the meat.
4. Lobster butter, the flavorful liquid left behind after butter poaching, is a highly sought-after culinary ingredient. It can be used as a base for sauces, added to soups and stews, or even drizzled over grilled seafood to enhance the taste.
5. Butter poaching is not limited to lobster; it can also be used to cook other delicate seafood, such as shrimp or scallops, providing a unique and indulgent cooking method for various types of shellfish.
Ingredients And Measurements
To create a delicious butter-poached lobster dish, follow these steps:
- Start with 1 pound of uncooked lobster meat.
- Melt several tablespoons of unsalted butter in a saucepan over low heat.
- Place the lobster meat in the saucepan, ensuring it is completely submerged in the melted butter.
- Poach the lobster in the butter for about 5-7 minutes, or until it turns opaque and tender.
- Carefully remove the lobster from the butter using a slotted spoon, allowing any excess butter to drain off.
- Serve the butter-poached lobster immediately, either on its own or as part of a larger seafood dish.
Don’t forget to enjoy this decadent and flavorful dish with friends and family!
- A pound of uncooked lobster meat
- Several tablespoons of unsalted butter
Cooking Process And Time
Start the process by adding a generous amount of wine and a few tablespoons of unsalted butter to a small saucepan. Set the heat to low, allowing the ingredients to melt together and create a flavorful mixture.
Once the butter has melted and blended with the wine, gently add the uncooked lobster meat to the saucepan. It is crucial to maintain a low heat throughout the cooking process to ensure the delicate lobster meat is not overcooked.
Allow the lobster to cook in the butter and wine mixture for approximately 4 to 5 minutes. The butter will keep the lobster tender and moist, enhancing its natural flavors as it poaches.
Preventing Overcooking And Pellicle Formation
Improving Text:
To ensure tender and perfectly cooked lobster meat, it is crucial to follow these steps:
- Cook at a gentle pace: Avoid overcooking and the formation of a tough white protein substance called pellicle by cooking the lobster meat at a low heat.
- Monitor the cooking process: Keep a close eye on the lobster while it cooks to prevent the release of the pellicle.
- Flip the lobster: Approximately halfway through the cooking time, flip the lobster meat to ensure even cooking on both sides.
- Cook until bright white: Continue cooking the lobster for an additional 4 to 5 minutes until it turns a bright white color, indicating that it is fully cooked.
- Check for texture: The lobster should have a firm but tender texture when properly cooked.
Remember, maintaining a low heat and being attentive to the cooking process are key to achieving the best results when cooking lobster.
- Start by cooking the lobster meat at a low heat to avoid overcooking.
- Monitor the cooking process closely to prevent the formation of pellicle.
- Flip the lobster approximately halfway through the cooking time for even cooking.
- Cook until the lobster turns a bright white color and has a firm but tender texture.
“To prevent pellicle formation, maintain a low heat and monitor the cooking process closely.”
Improving the text:
“To prevent pellicle formation, it is advisable to maintain a low heat throughout the cooking process and keep a close eye on the lobster.”
This revised text provides clear instructions on cooking lobster meat to perfection while avoiding the formation of pellicle.
Seasoning And Serving Suggestions
Once the lobster has been butter-poached to perfection, it is time to season and serve this delectable dish. Consider using sea salt and fresh cracked pepper to enhance the natural flavors of the lobster. Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your personal taste preferences.
To serve, place the butter-poached lobster meat on a plate and garnish with a sprinkle of sea salt and cracked pepper. Accompany the lobster with a side of fresh salad or lightly sautéed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
- Season the lobster with sea salt and fresh cracked pepper
- Garnish with a sprinkle of sea salt and cracked pepper
- Serve with a side of fresh salad or lightly sautéed vegetables
Note: Butter-poaching is a cooking technique that involves gently cooking the lobster in melted butter, resulting in a tender and succulent texture.
Storage And Reheating Instructions
After cooking, store any leftover butter-poached lobster meat and poaching liquid in separate airtight containers to preserve its freshness.
- For optimal freshness, refrigerate the leftovers and consume within 2 to 3 days.
- Alternatively, you can freeze the butter-poached lobster for up to 3 days.
- When reheating, add the desired amount of lobster and poaching liquid to a small saucepan.
- Heat over low heat until the lobster becomes hot throughout.
“Leftover butter-poached lobster can be refrigerated for 2 to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 days to maintain its freshness. To reheat, gently warm the lobster in a small saucepan.”
Nutrition Information And Chef Billy Parisi
This scrumptious butter-poached lobster recipe has the following nutrition information per serving:
- Calories: 195 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 0.2 g
- Protein: 19 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Cholesterol: 174 mg
- Sodium: 482 mg
- Potassium: 237 mg
- Sugar: 0.1 g
- Vitamin A: 354 IU
- Calcium: 99 mg
- Iron: 0.3 mg
By following this recipe and using Chef Billy Parisi’s expert guidance, you can create a butter-poached lobster dish that will impress your family and friends with its richness and depth of flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you poach with butter?
To poach with butter, begin by melting the butter until it is fully liquefied. Then, submerge the food completely in the melted butter, making sure it is completely coated. Next, maintain a consistent temperature and cook the food gently. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to infuse and ensures that the butter poaching method tenderizes the food while adding a rich taste. The timing will vary depending on the thickness and type of ingredient, but with patience, you can achieve the desired level of doneness, resulting in a deliciously buttery poached dish.
What butter to eat with lobster?
When it comes to pairing butter with lobster, the best choice would be clarified butter. This clean and pure butterfat enhances the rich flavor of lobster without any distractions. Clarified butter is the perfect companion to lobster, allowing its natural sweetness to shine through while adding a touch of richness to each delectable bite. Its smooth and velvety texture creates a delightful harmony with the tender meat of the lobster, creating a truly indulgent seafood experience. So, if you’re looking to elevate your lobster dish, look no further than a drizzling of silky clarified butter.
What is the best way to cook lobster?
Although steaming is a popular method for cooking lobster, another excellent option is grilling. Grilling lobster enhances its natural flavors, imparting a smoky and charred taste to the tender meat. By combining high heat and direct flames, grilling can create a delectable and slightly crispy texture on the lobster while preserving its succulent juiciness. Furthermore, grilling allows for various flavor-enhancing possibilities, such as brushing the lobster with melted butter or adding herbs and spices to infuse it with a delightful aroma. Whether steaming or grilling, both approaches yield mouthwatering results; however, grilling adds an enticing touch of smokiness that can elevate the lobster dining experience.
What is poaching in butter called?
Poaching in butter, also known as beurre monte, is a decadent culinary process that elevates the taste of various foods. Beurre monte is an emulsion created by combining butter and water, resulting in a luxurious texture and exceptional flavor. While it may not provide significant calorie savings, the indulgent technique of butter poaching offers a unique and unforgettable dining experience.