Lobster tails are a luxurious treat, perfect for special occasions or a fancy dinner at home. But when you’re planning to serve these delectable crustaceans, the question inevitably arises: What To Serve With Lobster Tails to create a truly memorable meal? The answer is crucial to balance the richness of the lobster and create a harmonious dining experience. This guide will explore exquisite side dishes and pairings that will not only complement but also enhance the delicate flavor of lobster tails, turning your meal into a culinary masterpiece.
One of the most classic and celebrated pairings for lobster tail is the iconic surf and turf. Combining the tender, sweet lobster with a succulent steak creates a symphony of flavors and textures that is undeniably satisfying. This pairing is not just about indulgence; it’s about creating a balanced and exciting meal where each element elevates the other.
The Classic Surf and Turf Experience
Surf and turf is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. The richness of the steak, often a ribeye or New York strip, stands up beautifully to the delicate sweetness of the lobster. Grilling both to perfection, seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and perhaps a hint of oregano, allows the natural flavors of the high-quality ingredients to shine.
To further enhance this pairing, consider a vibrant and flavorful butter. A Greek chimichurri butter, infused with lemon, fresh herbs like parsley, oregano, and mint, and a touch of garlic, adds a zesty and aromatic dimension that complements both the steak and lobster without overpowering them.
Greek Chimichurri Butter Recipe: A Flavor Enhancer
This Greek chimichurri butter is incredibly easy to make and elevates the surf and turf to another level.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup (1 stick) of herb and garlic butter, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- ½ tsp lemon zest
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh oregano
- 2 tbsp mint
- 1 teaspoon salt and pepper
- ½ tsp of Chile powder (optional)
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, oregano, mint, salt, pepper, and chili powder (if using).
- Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
- Keep at room temperature if using immediately, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Grilling Your Surf and Turf to Perfection
Grilling steak and lobster tails is surprisingly straightforward. Here’s a simple guide to ensure both are cooked to perfection:
Ingredients:
- 2 Angus Cap Off Rib Steaks (approx 14 oz/400 grams total)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ tsp of dried oregano
- 4 frozen rock lobster tails (around 4 ounces/113 grams each), thawed, rinsed, and patted dry
- Greek chimichurri butter (recipe above)
Directions:
- Prepare the Steaks: Season steaks generously with salt, pepper, and dried oregano.
- Prepare Lobster Tails: Using kitchen shears or a sharp knife, cut down the center of the lobster tails. Butterfly if desired. Brush the lobster flesh with 2 tbsp of Greek chimichurri butter.
- Grill Steaks: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill steaks for 5-8 minutes per side for medium-rare, adjusting time for desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Rare: 120°F
- Medium Rare: 130°F
- Medium: 140°F
- Well Done: 160°F
- Grill Lobster Tails: About 5 minutes before steaks are done, place lobster tails flesh side down on the grill. Cook for 5 minutes, then flip and spread with another 1 tbsp of chimichurri butter. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, until shells are bright red and internal temperature reaches 140°F.
- Rest and Serve: Let steaks rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve steak and lobster tails on a platter, topped with generous dollops of chimichurri butter.
Beyond Surf and Turf: Delightful Side Dishes for Lobster Tails
While surf and turf is a fantastic option, lobster tails are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of side dishes. To truly answer “what to serve with lobster tails”, let’s explore some delicious and complementary options that go beyond the classic pairing.
Refreshing Salads to Balance Richness
Rich seafood like lobster benefits greatly from fresh, vibrant salads. Consider these options:
- Classic Greek Salad (Horiatiki): As suggested in the original recipe, a Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, olives, and feta cheese provides a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the lobster. Its bright acidity and fresh vegetables cut through the buttery flavor beautifully.
- Greek Potato Salad: Another excellent Greek-inspired side, potato salad with lemon, herbs, and a light vinaigrette offers a creamy yet zesty contrast.
- Citrus Salad with Avocado: A salad featuring oranges, grapefruit, and creamy avocado, dressed with a light vinaigrette, provides a burst of freshness and healthy fats that complement lobster perfectly.
- Simple Green Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette: Sometimes, simplicity is key. A mixed greens salad with a light lemon vinaigrette allows the lobster to remain the star while providing a palate-cleansing side.
Starchy Sides for a Hearty Meal
To create a more substantial and satisfying meal, incorporate some delicious starchy sides:
- Grilled Calabrese Baguette: Grilled bread, drizzled with olive oil or slathered with chimichurri butter, is perfect for soaking up the delicious juices from the lobster and steak.
- Risotto: A creamy Parmesan risotto or a lemon and herb risotto offers a luxurious and comforting side that pairs exquisitely with lobster.
- Garlic Roasted Potatoes: Simple roasted potatoes with garlic and herbs are a classic and crowd-pleasing side dish that complements almost any main course, including lobster.
- Asparagus Risotto: Combining the creamy texture of risotto with the fresh, slightly bitter notes of asparagus creates a sophisticated and flavorful side dish.
- Creamy Polenta: Smooth and buttery polenta provides a comforting and elegant base for lobster tails.
Vegetable Sides for Flavor and Color
Adding vegetable sides not only provides essential nutrients but also enhances the visual appeal and flavor profile of your lobster tail dinner:
- Grilled Lemons: Grilled lemons, as mentioned in the original recipe, are a must-have. Squeezing grilled lemon juice over lobster adds a bright, citrusy note that elevates the flavor.
- Grilled Asparagus: Asparagus spears, simply grilled with olive oil, salt, and pepper, are a classic and healthy side dish that pairs beautifully with lobster.
- Roasted Broccoli with Garlic: Roasting broccoli brings out its natural sweetness, and garlic adds a savory depth that complements the richness of lobster.
- Sautéed Spinach with Garlic: A quick and easy side dish, sautéed spinach with garlic provides a healthy and flavorful green element to the meal.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob, brushed with butter and herbs, is a summery and delicious side dish that pairs well with grilled lobster tails.
Why These Sides Work So Well
The key to choosing the perfect side dishes for lobster tails is to consider balance. Lobster is rich and buttery, so sides that offer acidity, freshness, or different textures work best. Salads provide lightness and acidity, while starches offer heartiness, and vegetables contribute both flavor and nutritional value. By selecting a combination of these side dish categories, you can create a well-rounded and truly satisfying lobster tail dinner.
Whether you opt for the classic surf and turf or explore other delightful pairings, remember that the goal is to enhance the star of the show – the lobster tail. With these suggestions for what to serve with lobster tails, you’re well-equipped to create an unforgettable and delicious meal for any occasion. Enjoy!
