Buttered Lobster Recipe

Cook Time: 30 minutes  

   Prep Time: 20 minutes

Buttered Lobster Ingredients

Buttered Lobster Instructions

  1. Fill a large stockpot with enough water to fully submerge the lobsters, add a generous amount of sea salt, and bring it to a rapid boil over high heat.
  2. Place the live Canadian lobsters into the boiling water headfirst, cover the pot, and boil for 8–9 minutes until the shells turn bright red and the meat is opaque.
  3. Using tongs, transfer the cooked lobsters to an ice bath to stop the cooking process and cool them for 2–3 minutes.
  4. Twist off the lobster claws, knuckles, and tails. Crack the shells using lobster crackers or the back of a heavy knife, and carefully remove all the meat, ensuring you extract the meat from the legs and knuckles as well.
  5. Pat the lobster meat dry with paper towels and set aside.
  6. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil. Sauté the finely diced shallot and minced garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  7. Pour in 1/2 cup dry white wine and simmer for 2–3 minutes until reduced by half.
  8. Add 1 cup of unsalted European-style butter to the saucepan and melt it gently, stirring constantly until fully melted and emulsified with the wine, garlic, and shallot mixture.
  9. Stir in the chopped tarragon, chives, parsley, lemon zest, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  10. Reduce the heat to low and add the lobster meat to the butter sauce, gently tossing and basting the meat for 2–3 minutes until fully coated and heated through.
  11. Transfer the buttered lobster meat to a serving platter, spooning extra herbed butter sauce over the top.
  12. Garnish with microgreens and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Estimated Calories: 327, Servings: 3

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Healthy Buttered Lobster Tips

To boost the health factor of this classic Canadian Buttered Lobster recipe, start by selecting the freshest lobster you can find—wild-caught if possible, for that authentic, ocean-bright flavor and maximum health benefits. Swap out traditional butter for a heart-healthy alternative like olive oil or a blend of olive oil and a touch of grass-fed butter, which still delivers that rich, silky mouthfeel but with less saturated fat. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of chopped herbs like parsley or dill to infuse the dish with vibrant, zesty notes while packing in antioxidants and vitamins. The aroma of the lobster mingling with these fresh, simple ingredients is nothing short of intoxicating, promising a delicious, easy, and healthy meal that doesn’t sacrifice taste for health.
For the best, quick, and easy homemade version, consider steaming or broiling the lobster instead of pan-frying, which keeps the meat tender and juicy while reducing unnecessary fats. Use just enough butter or oil to coat the lobster, letting the natural sweetness of the meat shine through—this is the secret to a perfect, tasty, and health-conscious Canadian recipe. Serve with a side of crisp, seasonal vegetables for added fiber and nutrients, and you’ve got a meal that’s not only delicious but also supports your health goals. With these tips, you’ll discover how to make a simple, authentic, and healthy Buttered Lobster that’s bursting with flavor, aroma, and texture—truly the best way to enjoy this Canadian classic while keeping your health in mind!

About Buttered Lobster Recipe

The Canadian Buttered Lobster recipe is truly a celebration of the sea, and it’s one of the best ways to showcase the natural sweetness of fresh lobster. When you’re searching for an easy and quick dish that’s both delicious and authentic, this homemade recipe stands out. The secret to the perfect Buttered Lobster lies in selecting the freshest ingredients and mastering the simple technique of gently poaching the lobster meat in rich, melted butter. This method not only enhances the lobster’s flavor but also ensures a tender, succulent texture that’s simply irresistible.
If you’re wondering how to make this classic Canadian dish at home, you’ll be delighted by how simple and straightforward the process is. With just a handful of quality ingredients—fresh lobster, creamy butter, a touch of lemon, and a sprinkle of herbs—you can create a tasty and elegant meal in under 30 minutes. My best tips for achieving restaurant-quality results include using unsalted butter for better control over seasoning and never overcooking the lobster, as this keeps the meat juicy and flavorful. This recipe is perfect for both special occasions and quick weeknight dinners, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire.
For those seeking the best homemade Buttered Lobster experience, focus on the details: use authentic Canadian lobster for that unmistakable taste, and don’t be afraid to experiment with subtle flavor additions like garlic or chives. The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity, allowing the natural flavors to shine through. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook, following these tips will guarantee a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish every time. Serve your Buttered Lobster with crusty bread or fresh greens for a meal that’s as impressive as it is easy to prepare.

Buttered Lobster Story

The memory opens with the kitchen bathed in late afternoon sunlight, the air tinged with a briny sweetness that promised something special. My grandmother moved with a practiced grace, her laughter mingling with the sizzle and pop that filled the room. There was a sense of anticipation, a quickening of the senses, as the aroma grew richer and more inviting. Even now, I recall the way my heart beat a little faster, knowing that this was not just any meal but the best kind of family gathering, where stories and secrets were shared as easily as smiles.
As we gathered around the table, the first bite was a revelation—tender, luxurious, and impossibly delicious. The warmth of the dish seemed to melt away the chill of the outside world, drawing us closer together. My uncle declared it the best he had ever tasted, and I remember thinking that this recipe must be a family treasure, passed down for generations. The laughter was easy, the conversation flowed, and the sense of belonging was as comforting as the food itself. It was a moment that felt both fleeting and eternal, a snapshot of happiness that I carry with me still.
Looking back, I realize how those evenings shaped my idea of what makes a meal truly great. It was not just the healthy ingredients or the fast, easy preparation, but the way the experience lingered long after the plates were cleared. The memory is seasoned with gratitude and nostalgia, a reminder that the simplest pleasures can be the most profound. Even now, the thought of that dish conjures a quick rush of warmth and contentment, proof that some flavors never fade.

Storage Tips

When considering storage, the best approach for buttered lobster is to let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. The aroma of rich, melted butter and sweet lobster lingers, so sealing it well is essential to prevent the delicate flavors from mingling with other foods. For a healthy and delicious result, place the container in the coldest part of your refrigerator, where the lobster will remain fresh and the texture will stay tender, making it easy to enjoy leftovers that taste almost as good as the original recipe.
Shelf life is a crucial factor for this dish, as seafood is highly perishable. Buttered lobster, when stored properly, will keep its great flavor and succulent texture for up to two days in the refrigerator. After this quick window, the lobster may lose its sweet aroma and the butter can take on an off note, so it is best to savor any leftovers soon. For a fast and easy meal the next day, simply serve chilled or gently reheat, ensuring you experience the full, luxurious taste of the original recipe.
Reheating buttered lobster requires a gentle touch to preserve its delicious, melt-in-your-mouth quality. The best method is to use low heat, either in a covered skillet or in the oven, allowing the butter to re-emulsify and coat the lobster evenly. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the lobster rubbery and diminish the subtle, briny aroma that makes this dish so special. With a little care, you can quickly revive the flavors and textures, making your leftovers taste as if they were freshly prepared by a great chef.

Buttered Lobster History

The cultural origins of buttered lobster in Canada are deeply rooted in the maritime provinces, where the briny Atlantic air mingles with the scent of melted butter and fresh seafood. This dish is a celebration of the region’s bountiful waters, and it is often enjoyed during festive gatherings or family feasts. The best part of this tradition is the communal experience, where hands get messy and laughter fills the air, making every bite feel like a good memory in the making. The aroma of warm, clarified butter mingling with the sweet, oceanic notes of lobster is both inviting and comforting, evoking a sense of place that is uniquely Canadian.
Over time, the recipe for buttered lobster has evolved from a simple, rustic preparation to a dish that can be both quick and sophisticated. While the classic approach remains a favorite for its easy, fast execution and delicious results, modern chefs have experimented with infused butters, adding herbs, citrus, or even a touch of spice to elevate the flavor profile. This evolution has allowed the dish to maintain its healthy, clean essence while offering new layers of aroma and texture. The interplay between the tender lobster meat and the silky, aromatic butter creates a great harmony that continues to inspire both home cooks and professionals.
Regional adaptations across Canada have given buttered lobster a variety of personalities, each reflecting local tastes and available ingredients. In some areas, a splash of maple syrup or a sprinkle of sea salt from the nearby coast adds a unique twist, while others might serve it alongside fresh garden vegetables for a more balanced, healthy meal. These adaptations showcase the versatility of the recipe, making it easy to tailor for any occasion, from a quick weeknight dinner to a grand celebration. The result is always a delicious, memorable dish that highlights the best of Canadian culinary creativity.