Lobster tails are a delicacy these days, and with reason, as they take time and money to prepare. If you like them, you know that whatever you serve can make or break your meal. Do not ruin your delicate and delicious lobster tails and choose the perfect side dish.
Here, we will let you know the best sides for lobster tails at home, for a dinner party, or a cookout.
What Are Lobster Tails?
Lobster tails are the end of the lobster, which is believed to be the meatiest part of the animal. There are variations of lobster tails, but for the most part, they are considered high-end food. They are often served at seafood restaurants and near the water.
The lobster can live in both cold and warm water. They come from America, Canada, South Africa, Australia, Brazil, and New Zealand. Coldwater lobster tail is sweeter and delicate, while warm water lobster tail is cheaper and less flavorful.
When you buy and prepare lobster tails, you should look for a tail opaque in color and white. The tails should also not be grey or green or have an off-color. Finally, the shell should never have cracks in it.
For the most part, lobster tails are grilled or baked. In some cases, they can be sous-vide or steamed. Lobster tails are almost always served with drawn butter.
Nutrition Facts
One lobster tail (85 g) has the following nutritional content (*):
- 60.4 calories
- 14 g protein
- 0 g fat
- 0 g carbohydrate
- 0 g fiber
- 0 g sugar
- 20.4 mg calcium
- 230 mg potassium
- 350 mg sodium
- 300 IU vitamin A
- 69.7 mg cholesterol
As you can see, lobster tails do not contain much fat or carbs. However, they are a great source of lean protein and a few vitamins and minerals. Nonetheless, it is best to cook them without added fat.
Best Side Dishes for Lobster Tails
Below are some options for side dishes that you can eat with lobster tails at any time!
#1. Lemon Butter Zucchini
Zucchini is a very delicate vegetable but also extremely versatile. Adding it to your meal with lobster tails can elevate the flavors without overpowering the dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 large zucchinis
- 1 cup shallots, chopped
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Follow these steps to prepare your lemon butter zucchini:
- Wash your zucchini. Cut it into circles and chop the shallots too.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter. Once bubbly, add the garlic.
- Place the shallots and zucchini in the skillet. Cook for about 8-12 minutes or until the zucchini is softened and golden in the center.
- Add the lemon juice and continue cooking for a few more minutes.
- Serve warm with fresh parsley on top.
#2. Cheese and Garlic Bread
What better way to absorb all the fat and flavor from your lobster tails than bread? This recipe is cheesy and delicious, and it only takes a few minutes to make.
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf of French bread
- ⅓ cup butter
- ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon dry oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Follow these steps to prepare your cheese and garlic bread:
- Preheat your oven to 350 to 375 degrees F.
- On a cutting board and using a bread knife, slice your bread into 1 or 2-inch pieces.
- Melt the butter. Transfer it to a bowl, along with the Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the butter mixture onto your bread slices. Place them on a baking sheet lined with tin foil.
- Bake with cheese and butter face up for 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and brown.
- Serve warm next to lobster tails.
#3. Truffled Mac and Cheese
Another traditional dish that is a great complement to lobster and lobster tail is mac and cheese. In this case, adding truffle oil to the recipe makes it even more delicate and flavorful, taking your meal to another level.
Ingredients:
- ½ stick butter
- 1 box elbow pasta
- 2 tablespoons truffle oil
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded Italian cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Follow these steps to prepare your truffled mac and cheese:
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
- In the meantime, cook the pasta according to the box instructions. Drain it and transfer it to a bowl.
- Drizzle the pasta with the truffle oil and add garlic powder. Toss everything.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter. Once bubbly add the flour, cumin, and mustard. Mix well for a few minutes until there are no clumps.
- Whisk in the milk along with the salt and pepper. Simmer for about 5 more minutes.
- Add the cheese and stir until it has melted and becomes smooth.
- Pour your cheese sauce over the pasta and mix well. Transfer pasta to a greased baking dish. Bake for about 20 minutes or until the top is golden.
- Serve warm on the side of your lobster tails.
#4. Green Beans with Bacon
Green beans are another fantastic vegetable to serve along with lobster tails. In this case, the bacon adds a bit of flavor and texture, making your meal more complete. Substitute the bacon with ham or turkey if you want.
Ingredients:
- 2 lb green beans
- ½ lb bacon
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Follow these steps to prepare your green beans with bacon:
- In a large pot with water, cook your green beans for about 5 minutes or until tender. Drain the green beans and place them in a bowl.
- In a skillet, cook the bacon until it turns crisp. This should take about 5 to 8 minutes.
- Transfer your bacon to a plate with a paper towel and drain the excess fat.
- Add the garlic, lemon juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the green beans and continue cooking for another 2 minutes.
- Return the bacon to the pan and toss everything.
- Serve warm next to your lobster tails.
#5. Herbed Potato Salad
Broccolini is another great vegetable to serve with meat, and when it comes to meatloaf, it can add flavor and nutrients. The lemon adds a bit of acidity to break through the meat flavors of your dish.
Ingredients:
- 9 to 10 red potatoes
- ½ cup olive oil
- ⅓ cup parsley
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Follow these steps to prepare your herbed potato salad:
- Wash your potatoes and slice them into quarters.
- Add the potatoes to a large pot with water and cook until soft. This should take about 10 minutes. Drain the potatoes, place them in a bowl, and save a little bit of the cooking water.
- Add the olive oil, parsley, lemon juice, garlic powder, and Dijon mustard to a blender. Blend for a few seconds, add the reserved water and blend again.
- Add the herb liquid to the potatoes.
- Add the paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix if necessary, and cover the bowl. Let them absorb the liquid for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Refrigerate your potatoes for at least one hour.
- Serve your herbed potato salad cold next to your lobster tails.
#6. Easy Pasta Salad
Pasta salad is a summer favorite but goes well with seafood any time. In this case, it can make for a refreshing and fulfilling side dish that adds citrus and flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 box farfalle pasta
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup olives, sliced
- 1 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
- ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Follow these steps to prepare your easy pasta salad:
- Cook your pasta according to instructions. When ready, drain, and place in a bowl.
- In the meantime, mix the apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, and parsley in another bowl.
- Chop the bell peppers, tomatoes, and olives. Add them to the vinaigrette bowl.
- Add the pasta slowly, whisking everything. Finish by adding the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for two hours or before serving. Keep stored in the fridge for later.
- Serve cold and keep cold at all times.
#7. Broccoli Salad
Broccoli is never a bad idea, particularly when it comes to making a meal a little healthier and more filling. You can add or swap some of the ingredients to make this salad a bit different too.
Ingredients:
- 3 broccoli heads, cut into pieces
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 red onion, chopped
- ½ cup sliced almonds
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Follow these steps to prepare your broccoli salad:
- Cook your broccoli in a pot with boiling water. Your broccoli should be tender after a couple of minutes.
- Drain your broccoli and place it in a bowl. Add the cheese, red onion, and sliced almonds.
- In a separate bowl, mix the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing onto the vegetables and toss them together.
- Refrigerate the salad for a while and serve cold.
How Can I Pick The Perfect Lobster Tail Sides?
Not everyone dares to prepare lobster tails because they are delicate and expensive. Still, they are worth it and can make for a decadent and nutritious meal. Either way, if you decide to prepare them or serve them, you should know exactly what to cook as a side dish.
For grilled or broiled lobster tails, you might want to choose a side dish that is fresh and worthy of a cookout. Try the herbed potato salad, which is not too heavy and very creamy and flavorful. You can also serve your tails with the broccoli salad to give a little crunch and green to your meal.
When you make your lobster tails with butter or baked, you can serve a more elevated side dish. Try preparing the truffled mac and cheese for a cheesy recipe that is also very decadent. You could also try the cheese and garlic bread that helps you pick up the extra butter left on the plate.
Finally, you could accompany any lobster tail with a side dish that is versatile and easy to make. Try making the lemon butter zucchini or the green beans with bacon, both of which take a few ingredients and little time to prepare. The easy pasta salad is also perfect for any occasion and will last a few days in the fridge.
Conclusion
Your lobster tails are worthy of the best side dish that stops everyone on their tracks. All of these recipes are delicious and will leave everyone wanting more. Combine them as you want, and your meal will be worthy of a five-star restaurant.
*image by tete_escape/depositphotos
