What to serve with lobster (2024)

Lobster has a very sumptuous taste on its own but adding a palatable side dish to it would not only do wonders to the meal but also it would complement the lobster a whole lot especially if you choose a side dish that will not overpower the main lobster dish.

We have here some side dishes that will transform that lobster cuisine into an memorable meal.

Table of Contents

Mac and Cheese

What to serve with lobster (1)

Lobster tail is sweet and meaty, while mac and cheese is rich and creamy. They are absolute perfection together. Try a simple, classic mac and cheese recipe made with milk, butter, flour and sharp cheddar cheese.

Or, you might mix cookedlobster meat with mac and cheeseto make it easy for little ones to dig in.For lobster mac and cheese, use silky mascarpone and sharp cheddar: the better the cheese, the better the mac and cheese.

So, don’t go cheap on the cheese when you make mac and cheese. My top picks are Gouda, Mozzarella, Colby, Swiss, and Monterrey jack

Butter

Butter goes well with bread, corn, pastries. Lobsters are o exemption in this list. Having quality butter that’s prepared correctly is a key component – and the simplest side dish – for many different preparations of lobster, including whole lobster and lobster tails.

Clarifying butter is the important process that separates milk solids from the oily butterfat. This leaves you with almost completely pure butterfat.

To make clarified butter, you’ll first need to melt unsalted butter in a saucepan and allow it to come to a gentle boil.

As the butter boils, the foamy milk proteins will sink to the bottom, and the water will burn off. Once the bubbling comes to an end, you’ll pour the melted butter through cheesecloth or a coffee filter. You’ll be left with sweet golden clarified butter, ready for a lobster bath.

Baked Potato

Served with butter, just like your lobster, baked potatoes can be garnished with parsley or dill for some extra flavor.

You can also dress up a basic potato dish by boiling potatoes, allowing them to cool, cubing them and covering them in mayonnaise and chives for a simple potato salad. Alternatively, just serve baked tiny fingerling potatoes in olive oil alongside your lobster dish.

This dish is great because it will be ready to serve as soon as the lobster is ready, so there’s no need to stress about timing.

Corn on the CobWhat to serve with lobster (2)

Whether you grill your corn to get that nice char or simply boil it in water, it doesn’t matter – it will taste so good with lobster. With corn on the cob, you can be inventive and add all kinds of toppings or seasonings to make it more exciting.

It’s easy to prepare and great for a casual dinner with friends or family. This is another standard side dish to serve with lobster, because it’s also served with butter.

These more basic options ensure the lobster will remain the highlight of the meal.

Lobster Bisque

This stunning bisque oozes with flavor from the lobster, coconut milk, shallots, and tomato paste. As if that isn’t good enough, it’s even better with sweet white wine!

Together with lobster tails, lobster bisque makes for a fantastic seafood feast that you will not have any regrets of trying out

Clam Chowder

It is also a thick seafood soup that works well with lobster tails. This side dish contains spoonful’s of tender potato chunks drenched in thick white clam soup served on the side of sweet and juicy lobster tails. A cup of velvety clam chowder completes a traditional lobster roll meal.

Steamed Clams and Mussels

Clams and mussels have good and subtle sweet flavors that complement the lobster meal really well. Preparing this side dish is also easy. Just steam the shellfish in water, white wine, shallots, herbs, and a bay leaf for 5 to 6 minutes and it’s done!

Biscuits

Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. You may either get them from a bakery you treasure or even bake them your own. All in all they will taste awesome with lobster tails.

And, since your lobster main dish doesn’t have the biggest serving size, the addition of a starchy side compliments it nicely.

You can also use it to soak up all that extra butter on your plate! Spice it up a little by getting creative with some bacon and cheddar biscuits.

French Baguettes

French baguettes, also a great side to lobster tails, are crisp and chewy. Hence this texture gives a great contrast to the soft and tender lobster meat. They are also easy to make. No need to get them at a bakery.

Steamed White Rice

It’s filling, very easy to cook, and its mild taste helps make the lobster tails shine. Mix some of that clarified butter with that hot bowl of white rice.

Wild Rice

An interesting starchy side dish to serve with lobster is wild rice. It has a distinctive flavor but should be cooked with mild seasoning so it doesn’t overpower the lobster. Thiswild rice pilaf recipeis a tasty complement to lobster.

To make a rice pilaf suitable for accompanying lobster, cook the rice in a seafood broth (a splash of dry white wine is optional) and season with salt and pepper.

Pasta Salad

Pasta salad is a loved Italian dish that gives you a hearty combination of healthy artichokes and starchy bowtie pasta. Use little shells to accompany the lobster and then add what you like – corn, tomatoes, cucumber, peppers and red onion which are all good options.

Mix up a light herb vinaigrette with oil and vinegar and you’re set. Season your salad with a simple vinaigrette featuring the oils and herbs you prefer.

Potato Salad

What to serve with lobster (3)

Rich and creamy, a great compliment to the lobster tails. Potatoes, mayonnaise, and lobster are what you will refer to as an awesome combination. A summery, lemony potato salad tastes exquisite with lobster rolls any day any time.

Try a Lemon-Dijon Potato Salad recipe which has lemon zest, Dijon mustard, minced shallot, honey, celery and olive oil. You can either serve the salad either hot or cold.

Coleslaw

Coleslaw is a classic lobster side dish. It’s crunchy, light, slightly sweet and peppery, and it can be prepared quickly and easily. A zesty citrus coleslaw works best with rich lobster flavor.

Consider making coleslawdressed in orange juice, lime, oil, sugar and salt. Mix in veggies like a red bell pepper, green onion and toss in cilantro. If you want a little heat, you can add a minced jalapeño — just make sure to wear gloves!

Greens

They include the following:

Baby glazed carrots with a touch of brown sugar are a yummy root vegetable to serve with lobsters.

Fresh blanched green beans work well with cherry tomatoes drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with salt, pepper and maybe a handful of torn basil leaves.

String beans and broccoli covered in butter and fresh grated Parmesan cheese is delicious, or try mixing green and white beans and covering them with lemon juice and fresh herbs.

Grilled or steamed asparagus is enjoyable with lobster. Lemon and olive oil make a simple dressing, or if you’re feeling more adventurous, a sesame mayonnaise dip or sesame oil dressing makes for a mouth-watering asparagus dish.

A simpletomato and cucumber salad is a summertime favorite to serve with fresh seafood, especially on a warm day.

Veggie Fries

These crisp and flavorful veggies will surely brighten up your lobster meal. Consider serving other veggie sides like zucchini fries or carrot chips.

To make zucchini fries,you’ll need breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, eggs and zucchini. You’ll dip the zucchini strips into whisked eggs, then the breadcrumb-cheese mixture, and bake for about 20 minutes.

Sweet, crispy carrot chips are a yummy alternative to potato chips and are easy to make. To make carrot chips, you’ll onlyneed to slice carrots, toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder, and spread the chips onto a baking sheet.

Bake at 450 degrees for about 30 minutes or until the chips are brown and crispy.

Drinks

Technically, drinks are not side dishes. That doesn’t mean you can’t enhance the flavor of a lobster dish by pairing it with the perfect supreme beverage.

In this case for a lobster dish, a simple, cold, crisp mug of beer will do nicely. Get a beer infused with citrus flavors. This complements the already sweet lobster really well.

If beer isn’t your cup of tea, don’t fret. A glass of white wine such as chardonnay, a fruitier wine like Gewurztraminer, or even a rose would all be nice pairings with lobster. Kick it up a notch and serve champagne for a delightful summer meal.

Grilled Caesar

For something different, try a grilled Caesar salad. The slightly charred lettuce and warm salad is a wonderful alternative to a cold salad with a lobster dinner.

To make a grilled Caesar, slice the romaine hearts in half, leaving the stem attached. Drizzle oil and lemon juice over the lettuce and grill for 1-2 minutes per side. Serve with dressing, bacon bits, croutons and Parmesan cheese.

Dessert

Seafood and dessert are great companions. Think lemon bars, lemon cheesecake, creme brulee, chocolate mousse, or even fresh fruit! The list is just endless.

As you have seen above you will never lack a side dish to pair with your lobster so whenever you have a plate with lobster look no further than these culinary options.

What to serve with lobster (2024)

FAQs

What to serve with lobster? ›

The Best Sides to Serve for an Epic Lobster Dinner
  • Mac and Cheese.
  • Baked Potato.
  • Clam chowder.
  • Salad.
  • Risotto.
  • More seafood (like clams or mussels)
  • String beans or other green vegetables.

What vegetable goes well with lobster? ›

Asparagus, broccoli, and green beans are some fantastic veggies that accompany lobster really well.

What is a typical lobster dinner? ›

A lobster roll typically comes with a bag of chips, perhaps a pickle, and not much else. With a whole lobster, corn on the cob, salt potatoes, chowder, steamers, and coleslaw are de rigueur — all part of the lobster dinner experience.

What appetizer goes with lobster? ›

From simple raw veggies with a creamy dip to steamed broccoli or sugar snap peas, crisp, fresh vegetables provide a healthy, flavorful appetizer for the heavier main dish to follow. Serve broccoli and cauliflower florets or strips of red, yellow and green bell peppers with a light ranch dressing as a dip.

What vegetable goes with steak and lobster? ›

The natural flavors of the steak and lobster should be the focus of this dinner, so we generally serve simple sides of steamed green beans and dinner rolls. If you're feeling indulgent though, you can pick up an extra lobster tail and whip up some Lobster Mashed Potatoes to serve as a side dish.

What goes with lobster tails for dinner? ›

Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots

These Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots are a great side dish for any meal, but they go exceptionally well with lobster tails. The roasted carrots are tender, buttery, and full of garlic flavor. They're also surprisingly easy to make! Carrots are the quintessential pairing for lobster tails.

How long do you boil lobster? ›

Clamp the lid back on tightly and return the water to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and cook the lobsters for 12 to 18 minutes (hard-shell lobsters will take the longer time), until the shells turn bright red and the tail meat is firm and opaque when checked.

How do you serve cooked lobster? ›

How to prepare a cooked lobster - BBC Good Food - YouTube

Why is lobster so expensive? ›

Perhaps the number one reason for rising lobster prices is that lobsters are much more in-demand than they were when they were more plentiful. Back when the lobsters were so over-populated that they washed up on shore, there were almost more of them than people knew what to do with.

Do you season lobster water? ›

If you are cooking a lot of lobsters you'll either need to cook them in stages or have more than one pot of water boiling. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil: Fill a large pot 3/4 full of water. Add a tablespoon of salt for every quart of water.

What is a good side for lobster bisque? ›

FAVORITE SPECIAL OCCASION SIDES

Bread: Garlic Bread, Dinner Rolls, Garlic Parmesan Butter Breadsticks or Pesto Pull Apart Bread.

How long do you boil lobster tails? ›

* How Long to Boil Lobster Tails: Simmer lobster tails, uncovered, for 8 to 12 minutes or until shells turn bright red and the meat is tender when poked with a fork. For larger or smaller tails, adjust the cooking time as needed. Drain.

How long do you cook lobster tails? ›

Broiling times can vary depending on size and length of the lobster tails. For a smaller lobster tail it is best to cook them about 7 to 9 minutes. Anything over 6 ounces will takes about 7 to 10 minutes long broiling them.

How do you eat a whole lobster? ›

How to Eat a Whole Lobster
  1. Prepare your space. Eating lobster can be a messy experience, so plan accordingly. ...
  2. Start with the claws. Twist each claw to pull it off the body. ...
  3. Next, remove the tail. The lobster's tail should come off easily. ...
  4. Contend with the head and body. ...
  5. Snap off the legs.
Sep 21, 2021

How do you prepare frozen lobster tails? ›

How to Cook Frozen Lobster Tails - YouTube

What do you eat with lobster Thermidor? ›

Opt for a simple pasta or crispy french fries to add texture to the dish. We recommend serving a light dessert such as fresh fruit or meringue following this rich, creamy dish. A sprig of mint may also be a refreshing addition to your dessert.

Can you drink red wine with seafood? ›

For ages, diners have been told that drinking red wine while eating seafood can produce an unpleasant fishy aftertaste. The rule of thumb has been red wine with meat, white wine with fish. But the rule is not hard and fast. Seafood can taste fine with some reds, whereas some whites can ruin the meal.

What wine goes with steak and lobster? ›

Steak and Lobster.

A nice Sauvignon Blanc will do. If you are not a white wine drinker and would prefer a red, then try a red wine that's lightly bodied with low tannin levels. A Pinot Noir would be a good choice.

Why do you boil lobsters alive? ›

Why Do People Cook Lobsters Alive? Boiling lobsters alive is a way to reduce the risk of food poisoning from bacteria that live in their flesh and that quickly multiply on their carcasses, according to Science Focus. Plus they have been deemed tastier and better presented on the plate when cooked this way.

Is it better to steam or boil lobster? ›

For recipes that call for fully cooked and picked lobster meat, boiling is the best approach. Benefits of Steaming: In contrast, steaming is more gentle, yielding slightly more tender meat. Steaming preserves a little more flavor and it's more forgiving on the timing front.

Is it better to boil or bake lobster tails? ›

Options For Cooking Lobster Tails At Home

When you buy lobster tails, you can steam them, boil them, grill them, bake them, broil them or even smoke them. If you aren't sure which method to use, we strongly recommend boiling your lobster tails because it's your best bet to avoid the tails sticking to the shell.

Is frozen lobster good? ›

All participants comparing samples of fresh or previously frozen lobster meat were experienced consumers of fresh lobster, yet in sensory evaluation categories such as Interior Color, Flavor, and Texture: dry-moist; tender-tough, and mushy-fibrous, results were nearly identical.

What part of lobster can you not eat? ›

Tomalley: The light-green tomalley (hepatopancreas) in the carapace of the lobster is the liver and pancreas. Although lobster lovers adore the rich as butter tomalley, it should not be eaten regularly.

Are lobsters cooked alive? ›

Lobsters and other shellfish have harmful bacteria naturally present in their flesh. Once the lobster is dead, these bacteria can rapidly multiply and release toxins that may not be destroyed by cooking. You therefore minimise the chance of food poisoning by cooking the lobster alive.

How much lobster do you need for one person? ›

With a yield of around 30 to 40%, you should plan on about on 1 1/2-pound lobster per person, giving you 6 to 8 ounces of actual meat.

How much does a 3 lb lobster cost? ›

Live Lobster – 3 lb
12-416+
$79.95$78.50$74.00

How old is a 20 lb lobster? ›

George weighed 20 pounds (9.1 kg), and has an estimated age of 140 years.
...
George (lobster)
BreedAmerican lobster
Known forold age
Weight20 lb (9.1 kg)
2 more rows

Do lobsters scream when boiled? ›

For starters, lobsters don't scream when you boil them. In fact, they lack lungs and don't even have the proper biological equipment to form a scream. What you hear is air and steam escaping from the shells of their simmering suppers.

How do you know when lobster is done? ›

Using a chef's knife, split the shell where the tail meets the body. If the meat is white, the lobster is fully cooked. If it's still translucent, back into the pot it goes.

Do you put lobster in cold water after boiling? ›

Once the lobster is cooked (I personally prefer steaming), let it cool down for a few minutes, either with cold water, an ice bath or at room temperature. Remember that the lobster keeps cooking after being steamed, so I prefer to shock it with ice to stop the cooking immediately to prevent over-cooking.

What is a good side for lobster bisque? ›

FAVORITE SPECIAL OCCASION SIDES

Bread: Garlic Bread, Dinner Rolls, Garlic Parmesan Butter Breadsticks or Pesto Pull Apart Bread.

Do you season lobster water? ›

If you are cooking a lot of lobsters you'll either need to cook them in stages or have more than one pot of water boiling. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil: Fill a large pot 3/4 full of water. Add a tablespoon of salt for every quart of water.

Why do they call it surf and turf? ›

What does surf and turf mean? Surf and turf is a dish consisting of both seafood and meat, usually lobster and steak. The word surf is a fanciful way of referring to the ocean or sea, where seafood comes from, and the word turf refers to grass or land—where cows graze.

Why is lobster so expensive? ›

Perhaps the number one reason for rising lobster prices is that lobsters are much more in-demand than they were when they were more plentiful. Back when the lobsters were so over-populated that they washed up on shore, there were almost more of them than people knew what to do with.

How much is a whole lobster? ›

How much does a lobster cost? Lobster prices can vary greatly depending on the time of year, type of lobster, and that season's availability. The average price of lobster can run anywhere from $35 to $120 per pound. Shipping prices can also increase the overall total of your lobster purchase.

What is the healthiest meal at Red Lobster? ›

Most Nutritious Option

To gain the most nutritional benefits from your meal at Red Lobster, order the simply grilled rainbow trout, part of the restaurant's classic menu. You'll benefit from the trout's protein, omega-3s, and vitamin D, and the plate comes in at under 500 calories.

What goes with lobster tails for dinner? ›

Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots

These Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots are a great side dish for any meal, but they go exceptionally well with lobster tails. The roasted carrots are tender, buttery, and full of garlic flavor. They're also surprisingly easy to make! Carrots are the quintessential pairing for lobster tails.

How long does thawed lobster last in the fridge? ›

Cooked lobster that has been thawed in the fridge can be kept for an additional 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator before cooking; lobster that was thawed in the microwave or in cold water should be eaten immediately. How long does cooked lobster last at room temperature?

What goes well with seafood bisque? ›

Roasted Vegetables: Your favorite seasonal vegetables are another wonderful light side dish to serve with rich bisque! Corn on the cob: Fresh corn on the cob is one of my favorite sides to pair with seafood bisque! French Fries: Because bisque and frites should totally be a thing!

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