Optional Sides to Complete Your Lobster Gourmet
The list of choices for what to serve with your perfectly steamed lobsters is nearly endless. Lobster dishes tend to be filling, thanks to the rich and naturally sweet meat hidden behind those shells. Therefore, it’s a good idea to keep it light when choosing sides to accompany lobster dishes. Try a fresh green salad, chilled pasta salad, or even a pile of simply grilled veggies.
Another great choice is to toss in the ingredients for a classic New England seafood boil: red skinned potatoes, corn on the cob, and other fresh shellfish such as clams and mussels. Just be sure to have plenty of melted butter for it all!
Whatever sides you choose, the first step is to cook those lobsters, so let’s get to it!
Ingredients
- 2 whole lobsters, about 1½ pounds each
- ½ cup butter
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh garlic
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- salt, to taste
- freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- sides of your choice, for serving
Directions
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Fill a large soup or stock pot with water about 2 inches high. Be sure to choose a pot that will fit both lobsters with ample room for steam to circulate around them.
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Bring the water to a rapid boil over high heat, then add the lobsters and cover immediately. Steam the lobsters for 8-10 minutes, until the antennae are easily removed. You can also check your lobsters with an instant read thermometer if desired. Insert the thermometer into the underside of the thickest part of the tail and look for it to be about 135-140℉.
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Using tongs, remove the lobsters from the heat and place on a cutting board or a large platter to cool. Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before cracking and serving.
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While the lobsters are cooling, make the garlic butter. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melted half of the butter. Add the garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until the garlic is lightly golden, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the remaining butter, using the heat of the pot to melt it completely. Stir in the lemon juice and salt and black pepper to taste. Serve alongside the whole steamed lobster for dipping.
P.S. This flavored butter is also delicious with other lobster dishes such as lobster rolls, grilled lobster, and even as a topping for lobster mac and cheese!
