Unveiled: the secret to a tender, garlic-infused whole lobster feast

Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more? Our garlic butter whole lobster recipe is a symphony of flavors, combining the succulent sweetness of lobster with a rich and aromatic garlic butter sauce. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice home cook, this step-by-step guide will empower you to create a restaurant-worthy lobster dish that will impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

• 1 live whole lobster (1-1.5 pounds)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

• Large pot or lobster pot
• Steamer basket
• Tongs
• Sharp knife

Instructions

1. Prepare the Lobster

• Place the lobster in the freezer for 30 minutes to stun it. This will make it easier to handle.
• Remove the lobster from the freezer and place it on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut the lobster in half lengthwise.

2. Steam the Lobster

• Fill a large pot or lobster pot with 3 inches of water. Add a steamer basket to the pot.
• Place the lobster halves on the steamer basket. Cover the pot and bring the water to a boil over high heat.
• Reduce heat to medium and steam the lobster for 10-15 minutes, or until the meat is opaque and cooked through.

3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

• While the lobster is steaming, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
• Stir in the chopped parsley, cilantro, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Baste the Lobster

• Remove the lobster from the steamer basket and place it on a serving platter.
• Brush the lobster halves generously with the garlic butter sauce.

5. Grill or Broil (Optional)

• For a smoky flavor, you can grill or broil the lobster for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the garlic butter sauce is browned and bubbly.

6. Serve

• Serve the garlic butter whole lobster immediately with your favorite sides, such as roasted potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a side salad.

Variations

1. Herb Butter

• Add your favorite herbs to the garlic butter sauce, such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano.

2. Lemon Butter

• Increase the amount of lemon zest and juice in the garlic butter sauce for a brighter and more acidic flavor.

3. Spicy Butter

• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the garlic butter sauce for a kick of heat.

Tips

• For a tender and juicy lobster, don’t overcook it.
• If you don’t have a steamer basket, you can use a large colander or a metal sieve.
• Serve the lobster with drawn butter for dipping.
• Leftover lobster can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Finishing Touches

To elevate your garlic butter whole lobster experience, consider these finishing touches:

• Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro.
• Drizzle with a squeeze of lemon juice for a burst of acidity.
• Serve with a side of melted butter for dipping.

Culinary Inspiration

The garlic butter whole lobster recipe is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some culinary inspiration ideas:

• Lobster Rolls: Combine the lobster meat with the garlic butter sauce and serve it on toasted rolls.
• Lobster Salad: Flake the lobster meat and mix it with the garlic butter sauce, mayonnaise, and chopped celery.
• Lobster Bisque: Use the lobster shells to make a flavorful lobster bisque.

Questions You May Have

1. What size lobster should I use?

• For this recipe, use a 1-1.5 pound lobster.

2. Can I use frozen lobster?

• Yes, you can use frozen lobster. Thaw the lobster overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.

3. How do I know when the lobster is cooked?

• The lobster is cooked when the meat is opaque and cooked through. You can also check by inserting a toothpick into the thickest part of the tail. If it comes out clean, the lobster is done.