Lobster tail is considered a delicacy and is often served at upscale restaurants or for special occasions. When serving lobster tail, it is important to pair it with a vegetable side dish that will complement the sweet, rich flavor of the lobster meat. The right vegetable pairing can truly elevate a lobster tail dish. So what vegetable goes best with lobster tail? There are a few key options to consider.
Asparagus
One of the most classic vegetable pairings with lobster tail is asparagus. The crisp, green flavor of asparagus is a perfect match for lobster. There are a few reasons why asparagus makes an ideal pairing:
- Flavor – The subtle grassy flavor of asparagus is a nice contrast to the sweetness of lobster. This allows each ingredient to shine.
- Texture – Asparagus has a firm, dense texture which provides a nice contrast to the soft, luxurious texture of lobster meat.
- Color – The vibrant green of asparagus paired with the red hue of lobster tail makes for an appetizing dish.
- Versatility – Asparagus can be prepared in various ways like grilling, roasting or steaming which allows for versatility when accompanying lobster.
- Healthiness – Asparagus is packed with nutrients like vitamins A, C, E, K and folate. It’s a healthy vegetable that pairs well with a rich protein like lobster.
Some popular ways to serve asparagus with lobster tail include grilling the asparagus, roasting with olive oil and seasoning, blanching and topping with hollandaise sauce, or lightly sautéing in butter. The preparation options allow the asparagus to complement the lobster tail beautifully.
Asparagus with Lobster Hollandaise
One specific recipe for asparagus and lobster tail is to prepare steamed or blanched asparagus topped with a lobster hollandaise sauce. Hollandaise is a creamy, buttery emulsion sauce that pairs fabulously with seafood. The rich sauce soaks into the asparagus, coating it in lobster-infused flavor. Lemon juice can also be added to brighten up the dish. Other fresh herbs like dill or tarragon can also be incorporated into the hollandaise to complement the lobster. This elegant dish is easy to make and perfect for serving at dinner parties or holiday meals.
Corn
Sweet corn on the cob or corn kernels off the cob also pair well with lobster tail. The natural sweetness of corn complements the sweet flavor of the lobster meat. Corn adds a pop of color to the plate and the juicy kernels provide great textural contrast to lobster. Some ideas for preparing corn with lobster include:
- Grill shucked corn on the cob alongside lobster tails for caramelized kernels.
- Sauté corn kernels in butter and seasonings to use as a bed for lobster.
- Make a corn and lobster succotash by sautéing corn with other vegetables.
- Include corn in a lobster bisque by pureeing corn with cream and lobster stock.
The versatility of corn makes it a tasty pairing option whether Enjoyed on or off the cob. Just take care not to overcook the corn, as the sweetness can become lost. Corn and lobster is a classic summertime pair.
Potatoes
Potatoes are another versatile vegetable to serve with lobster tails. The starchy, creamy potatoes complement the texture of lobster meat. Potatoes absorb all the buttery, flavorful juices from lobster and can be prepared in many ways including:
- Baked potatoes
- Mashed potatoes
- Hasselback potatoes
- Potato gratin
- Scalloped potatoes
- Roasted potatoes
Some tips for preparing potatoes with lobster:
- Par-cook potatoes before roasting or baking for maximum fluffiness.
- Infuse mashed potatoes with lobster stock or pieces of lobster meat.
- Top baked potatoes with lobster meat, hollandaise and fresh chives.
- Slice potatoes thinly when making gratins or scalloped potatoes to help them cook through.
The creaminess of potatoes balances out the lean lobster meat. Don’t be afraid to add a generous amount of butter too.
Spinach
Leafy greens like spinach make a healthy and delicious pairing with lobster tails. Spinach has a subtle flavor that perfectly complements, rather than competes with, the flavor of the lobster. Spinach also contains vitamins A, C, E, K, iron, and folic acid making it nutritious addition to this protein-focused dish.
Spinach can be prepared in numerous ways to pair beautifully with lobster:
- Sauté spinach with garlic, olive oil and seasonings for a simple side.
- Wilt baby spinach leaves into hot pasta along with chunks of lobster.
- Add spinach to macaroni and cheese along with lobster for a grown-up version.
- Combine spinach and artichokes with creamy lobster dip.
- Make a salad with baby spinach, orange segments, avocado and lobster meat.
The soft texture and hint of sweetness from fresh spinach or baby spinach leaves enhance the flavor of the lobster tail remarkably.
Broccoli
Like asparagus, broccoli provides the perfect complexity of flavors and textures to balance out lobster tail. Broccoli has a deep green flavor with notes of pepper and bitterness. The small broccoli florets provide texture, while the stems can be chopped and sautéed with seasonings. Broccoli pairs especially nicely with butter-poached lobster tails. Some preparation ideas include:
- Roast broccoli florets drizzled with olive oil in the oven until caramelized then top with lobster meat.
- Sauté broccoli stems in garlic butter then add florets at the end for the perfect lobster side.
- Make a simple broccoli slaw to balance out rich lobster rolls or tacos.
- Purée broccoli with cream cheese, garlic and seasonings for a flavorful lobster dip.
The next time you steam lobster tails or prepare lobster macaroni and cheese, serve it alongside fresh, green broccoli for a well-rounded meal.
Brussels Sprouts
While Brussels sprouts are a highly underrated vegetable, they can actually pair incredibly well with lobster when prepared properly. Quartered or halved Brussels sprouts caramelize beautifully in the oven or pan. The salty, nutty undertones of Brussels sprouts balance the sweetness of the lobster. Try pairing lobster with:
- Roasted Brussels sprouts with garlic, olive oil and lemon
- Shaved raw Brussels sprouts salad with a creamy dressing
- Braised Brussels sprouts with bacon lardons and whole grain mustard
- Fried shredded Brussels sprouts for texture contrast
Because larger Brussels sprouts can have a dense texture, make sure to trim and halve them before cooking. This helps ensure they cook through fully and caramelize nicely. The compact size and nutty flavor make Brussels sprout a complementary pairing.
Fennel
Fresh fennel bulb has a crunchy texture similar to celery along with a licorice-like sweetness that goes well with seafood like lobster. Fennel contains antioxidants and fiber for health benefits. There are several ways to enjoy the anise notes of fennel with rich lobster tail:
- Shaved raw fennel salad dressed simply with olive oil and lemon
- Roasted fennel wedges garnished with fresh parsley
- Pan-seared fennel bulbs with butter and fresh herbs
- Thinly sliced fennel added to lobster bisque as a garnish
The versatility of fennel makes it easy to find a preparation that suits your flavor preferences. Just take care not to overcook the fennel, which can make it mushy. Enjoying it raw, roasted or with light cooking preserves the signature crunch.
Carrots
For a pop of eye-catching color on the plate, carrots pair excellently with lobster. The natural sweetness of carrots goes well with the sweet flavor of lobster meat. Carrots also provide fiber, vitamin A, vitamin K, potassium and antioxidants. Some easy ways to prepare carrots with lobster include:
- Roasted rainbow carrots with fresh thyme
- Honey glazed heirloom carrots
- Sautéed carrot matchsticks
- Steamed baby carrots
- Spiralized carrot noodles tossed with brown butter
Roasting carrot at a high heat helps caramelize their natural sugars and concentrates the flavor. They provide a satisfying crunch and burst of sweetness in each bite. For a restaurant-worthy presentation, get creative with unique carrot varieties like purple, yellow or white.
Peppers
For a pop of color and hit of sweet flavor, don’t overlook bell peppers and chili peppers as potential lobster pairings. Peppers contain healthy antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin B6, and potassium. Mixing different types of peppers can provide optimal flavor and texture contrast with lobster. Consider:
- Grilling lobster tails with slices of colorful bell peppers
- Serving lobster salad stuffed in a whole sweet mini pepper
- Adding shishito peppers to garlic butter for dipping lobster
- Topping lobster bisque with microgreens and diced peppers
- Making lobster tacos with quick-pickled peppers and slaw
The versatility of peppers makes them easy to incorporate into a variety of lobster recipes. Their juicy crunch stands up well to lobster’s texture beautifully.
Tomatoes
Vine-ripened tomatoes are fantastic for serving with lobster in the summertime. Tomatoes contain lycopene, vitamin C, potassium and vitamin K. The balance of sweetness and acidity in tomatoes complements lobster’s natural sweetness. Some pairing ideas include:
- Cherry tomato salad with burrata cheese and basil
- Sungold tomatoes baked with parmesan and breadcrumbs
- Blistered heirloom tomatoes
- Marinated tomatoes with fresh mozzarella and avocado
- Tomatoes simmered with garlic and olive oil
Make sure to use colorful, ripe tomatoes at their peak of freshness for maximum flavor potential. Under-ripe tomatoes can come across as overly tart with lobster. The choices are endless when it comes to enjoying tomatoes and lobster during summer.
Onions
Onions provide the perfect aromatic base to build a dish around lobster. Onions contain fiber, potassium, vitamin B6 and vitamin C. Their pungent hit of flavor and versatility make them a stellar match for lobster. Ways to incorporate onions include:
- Caramelized onions
- Sautéed shallots
- Red onion salad
- Onion soup topped with lobster
- Onion and lobster flatbread
When caramelizing onions, be sure to cook them low and slow to coax out their natural sweetness. Raw red onions add great crunch and flavor to simple salads. Shallots are ideal for quick sautés with white wine to dress lobster. Play around with different onion varieties and preparations to find your favorite pairing.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, the possibilities for vegetable pairings with lobster tail are endless. The key is focusing on crisp, fresh vegetables that will complement rather than overpower the sweet flavor of the lobster meat. Crunchy vegetables like asparagus, carrots and bell peppers are excellent choices. Going with classics like corn or spinach is always a safe bet too. Don’t be afraid to experiment with ways to incorporate your favorite vegetables into this luxurious surf and turf meal. A thoughtfully paired vegetable can truly make your lobster dish sing.