When it comes to choosing a side dish to pair with a succulent lobster tail, the options can be overwhelming.
The key is to select something that complements the delicate flavor of the lobster rather than overpowering it.
This guide will explore 19 mouth-watering side dishes that perfectly accompany lobster tails, along with an added section highlighting the essentials.
Garlic Gnocchi
If you’re looking for another dish that harmonizes with the rich flavors of lobster tail, consider Garlic Gnocchi with Parmesan Butter. This creamy, savory dish is a natural pairing with the buttery garlic typically used when cooking lobster. To make it, cook your gnocchi according to package instructions. Then, heat some butter in a pan and add red pepper flakes for added depth of flavor. Once the flakes are crispy, add the cooked gnocchi and toss until golden brown.
Next, sauté minced garlic until fragrant, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top before garnishing with a trio of fresh herbs – parsley, sage, and basil – that complement the dish beautifully.
Coleslaw
For a quick and easy side dish that pairs well with many meals, look no further than this classic Coleslaw recipe. To make it, start by thinly slicing some cabbage and mixing it with shredded carrot. Next, create your dressing by combining milk, buttermilk, mayonnaise, lemon juice, grated onion, sugar, onion powder, and seasoning in a separate bowl. Once you have your dressing ready, pour it over the cabbage and carrot mixture, then mix everything together until well combined.
Finally, refrigerate the Coleslaw overnight to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
Pasta Salad
Elevate your pasta salad game by transforming a simple dish into a flavorful experience! Start by cooking your pasta until al dente, then toss it with olive oil to prevent sticking while it cools. Next, combine cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, parsley, toasted pine nuts, chickpeas, arugula, and crumbled feta in a bowl for the perfect blend of textures and flavors.
To bring everything together, whisk together olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and sea salt to create a tangy and savory dressing. Finally, pour the dressing over your pasta and get ready to indulge in a satisfying side dish.
Green Salad
A Green Salad with a Twist: Elevate Your Lobster Tail with a Simple yet Sophisticated Side Dish Elevate your lobster tail experience by pairing it with a fresh and flavorful green salad. The key is to create a harmonious balance between the richness of the lobster and the lightness of the greens. To make this delightful combination, start by crafting a tangy and sweet dressing using Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, pepper, and extra virgin olive oil.
This will provide the perfect accompaniment to your mixed greens, crumbled bacon, sunflower seeds, thinly sliced red onion, and cucumber. Once you’ve prepared your ingredients, simply toss everything together in a bowl and add the dressing just before serving. Give it another gentle toss to combine all the flavors and textures.
This simple yet elegant side dish is sure to impress, and its fresh flavor will cut through the richness of the lobster, creating a truly unforgettable dining experience.
Potato Salad
For a more filling salad option, consider making a batch of Potato Salad that can be enjoyed later. Start by boiling white potatoes – Yukon golds are a great choice – until they’re tender, then drain them and remove the skins. In a large mixing bowl, combine the potatoes with some acidity in the form of white vinegar. Add some extra flavor and texture with chopped green onions, celery, and diced hard-boiled eggs.
Meanwhile, mix together mayonnaise, yellow mustard, seasonings, and celery seed in a separate bowl. Once the two components are ready, you can combine them to create a delicious Potato Salad that’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Hasselback Potatoes
Transforming a classic side dish like Hasselback Potatoes into a culinary masterpiece is easy when paired with the indulgent treat of lobster tails. To create this harmonious union, start by selecting large potatoes and washing them thoroughly before pat drying them. Next, cut slits along the potato’s length, being careful to keep the bottom intact. This will allow for even cooking and prevent the potato from breaking apart.
Brush the potato liberally with melted butter, ensuring each nook and cranny is coated in the rich, golden goodness. Add a pinch of seasoning to enhance the flavor profile, then place the potatoes in the oven to bake until they’re cooked through. To add an extra layer of crispiness, baste the potatoes with additional butter during the final stages of cooking. Once crispy and golden, remove from the oven and serve immediately.
For added flair, garnish with fresh herbs or sprinkle a generous helping of grated cheese over the top.
Boston Baked Beans
Incorporating Boston Baked Beans into your meal can provide a delightful contrast to lighter fare like lobster tails. To prepare this dish, start by creating a flavorful base by soaking white beans with aromatics such as onion, carrot, garlic, and herbs like rosemary. A bay leaf and Kosher salt will also add depth to the mixture. After allowing the ingredients to meld together, bring the mixture to a boil before simmering it until the beans are tender.
Reserve the liquid for later use in the molasses-based sauce. Next, brown some pork in a Dutch oven, then add in the cooked beans, bean water, and the molasses mixture. Allow everything to come together by baking for approximately four hours, or until the sauce has thickened to your liking.
Lobster Bisque
For an indulgent twist, pair lobster tail with its rich and creamy counterpart – Lobster Bisque. Begin by cooking the lobster until it’s cooked through, then chill and reserve the flavorful liquid. Next, combine butter and oil in a Dutch oven and sauté the lobster shells and bodies until they’re a deep red hue. Add aromatics like onion, carrot, celery, and garlic, allowing them to soften before adding a splash of brandy, white wine, and reserved water with chicken broth.
The mixture will reduce and intensify in flavor as you add herbs like parsley, bay leaf, and tarragon sprigs. Bring the mixture to a boil, then simmer uncovered until it reaches the desired consistency. Strain the solids from the liquid and reserve them for later use. Blend the stock with cooked vegetables and cream until smooth, then strain the soup into a pot and reheat it. Season the bisque with salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne for added depth.
Finally, warm bowls by adding chunks of lobster meat, melted butter, coriander, minced parsley, chives, and tarragon. Serve the luxurious Lobster Bisque warm and enjoy every rich and creamy bite.
Steamed Clams
When pairing seafood with lobster, it’s only natural to think of complementary dishes. A classic choice is Steamed Clams, which can be elevated by a rich and aromatic sauce. To make this dish, start by melting butter in a pan over medium heat. Next, sauté some garlic until fragrant before adding a squeeze of lemon juice and a splash of white wine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and add the clams along with a pat of butter and cover to steam until they open.
Discard any unopened clams and finish the dish by sprinkling parsley on top and serving with a slice of lemon for added brightness.
Clam Chowder
Elevate your seafood meal by pairing your lobster tail with a rich and creamy bowl of Clam Chowder. To make this indulgent dish, start by cooking crispy bacon in a Dutch oven until golden brown. Set the bacon aside and sauté sliced onions and celery until tender, then add minced garlic to the pot for added depth of flavor.
Next, stir in diced potatoes, clam juice, water, salt, pepper, thyme, and bouillon, bringing the mixture to a boil before reducing the heat to simmer and allowing the potatoes to cook through. Once the potatoes are tender, combine flour with half-and-half to create a roux, then add it to the pot and stir to combine.
Increase the heat to boiling and let the chowder simmer for a couple of minutes, before adding in freshly shucked clams, crumbled bacon, and a splash more half-and-half.
Let the clams cook until they’re tender and the soup has reached your desired consistency. Serve immediately over your lobster tail and enjoy!
Cilantro Lime Rice
Transform your lobster tail with an understated yet flavorful side dish: Cilantro Lime Rice. Start by heating a saucepan over medium heat and melting either butter or oil. Add rinsed rice, stirring to coat the grains evenly. As the onion softens, introduce garlic into the mix, followed by vegetable or chicken stock (water works too). Use a gentle stirring motion as you add the liquid. Once the mixture is well combined, reduce the heat and cover the saucepan.
Periodically check for doneness by removing a single grain of rice from the pan. When cooked to your liking, fluff the rice with a fork and finish it off with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a sprinkle of cilantro. This harmonious combination is sure to elevate your lobster tail game.
Clarified Butter
Elevating the humble lobster tail doesn’t require a complex recipe or exotic flavors – sometimes, simplicity is the key. The surprising power of melted butter can be harnessed to create an unforgettable dining experience. By serving a small bowl of clarified butter alongside the tails, you’ll unlock a depth of flavor that’s simply sublime. For added richness and aroma, consider incorporating garlic into the mix, allowing its pungency to meld with the sweetness of the lobster.
With this effortless approach, you’ll be well on your way to crafting an unforgettable culinary moment.
Dessert
When enjoying lobster tail as a standalone meal, consider pairing it with a complementary dessert that won’t overpower its rich flavors. Fruit-based desserts like tarts or baked fruits can provide a subtle contrast, while fruit sorbet can cleanse the palate and prepare it for the next bite. Alternatively, try a creamy dessert like Pavlova or baked pudding to introduce sweetness without overwhelming the dish’s more delicate notes.
Oven Baked Potato
Elevate your lobster tail dinner with a perfectly cooked baked potato. Preheat your oven to an extraordinary 450°F (232°C), ensuring it’s nice and hot. To prevent bursting, gently poke the potato with a fork before baking for about 25 minutes or until the skin feels dry and crumbly. Next, brush on some melted butter or oil to add richness, followed by a sprinkle of Kosher salt. Return the potato to the oven until it achieves a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior.
With this simple yet effective method, you’ll be enjoying a sublime side dish that complements your lobster tail beautifully.
Corn On The Cob
When preparing lobster tail, consider adding a crunchy element with corn on the cob. To achieve this, microwave the corn on a suitable plate until partially cooked, then let it cool slightly before removing the silk and husk. For an added layer of flavor, melt butter over the corn and finish it under the grill to crisp up the texture.
Steak (Surf and Turf)
To elevate your Surf and Turf experience, combine a tender cut of steak with succulent lobster tail. Start by seasoning the steak and searing it in a hot pan with olive oil, allowing it to cook undisturbed until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Once cooked, remove the steak from the heat and let it rest while you prepare the lobster. Cook the lobster tail according to your preference, then arrange it atop the rested steak.
Finish the dish by spooning garlic butter infused with chopped parsley over the top, allowing the flavors to meld together in perfect harmony.
Grilled Asparagus
The harmonious union of grilled asparagus and lobster tail is elevated by the pungency of garlic and the nuttiness of Parmesan cheese. To bring out the best flavors, begin by trimming the asparagus spears to a uniform size. Next, arrange them in a single layer within a pan, sprinkling with a pinch of seasoning before drizzling with olive oil. Once the grill is hot, place the asparagus in a row and cook until tender to the fork and adorned with caramelized char marks on all sides.
Finally, return the spears to the pan while still warm, then coat them generously with minced garlic and Parmesan cheese. This delectable combination will surely delight your palate.
Maple Glazed Carrots
When it comes to pairing vegetables with lobster tail, you can’t go wrong with a sweet and savory combination like Maple Glazed Carrots. Start by steaming baby carrots until they’re tender but still retain some firmness, then transfer them to a dish. In a separate bowl, whisk together vegetable oil and maple syrup until well combined. Add the cooked carrots to the mixture and sauté until they’re fully coated and cooked through to perfection.
Finally, season the glazed carrots with a pinch of nutmeg and cinnamon for added depth and warmth.
Sautéed Spinach
A quick and easy way to prepare Sautéed Spinach is by combining its health benefits with a flavorful dish that can be ready in no time. To start, simply rinse the spinach leaves under cold running water, then gently spin them dry using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Next, heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Once the aroma fills the air, add the spinach to the pot, tossing it with the garlic and oil to combine.
Add your choice of seasonings, such as salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes, and toss again to ensure the spinach is evenly coated. Cover the skillet with a lid and turn the heat up to high, allowing the spinach to cook until it reaches your desired level of wiltiness. Finally, serve the Sautéed Spinach hot, accompanied by a pat of butter and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for added richness and brightness.
Parmesan-Topped Broccoli
The Parmesan-studded side dishes that accompany lobster tails often showcase its saltiness in a harmonious balance. For instance, Parmesan-Topped Broccoli is an excellent example of this synergy. To prepare this dish, first mix olive oil with the key ingredients – Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and seasonings – in a Ziploc bag.
Then, place the broccoli florets in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake until they reach a perfect crisp-tender texture, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Final Thoughts
While a lobster tail can be a delightful standalone dish, pairing it with complementary side dishes can elevate the overall dining experience to new heights.
The key is to find combinations that resonate with your personal taste preferences. Perhaps you’ll opt for a hearty serving of gnocchi, perfectly complementing the rich flavors of the lobster.
Alternatively, you might choose to amplify the garlic notes with some creamy bisque, or even add another layer of indulgence by incorporating more lobster into the dish.
Barbara is an enthusiastic food-exploring person that goes through different culinary experiences. She got inspired by creating a pizza blog post after she tasted one of the best-selling pizzas in Toledo.