Lobster tails are an impressive, elegant dish that is perfect for special occasions and dinner parties. While lobster tails make for a delicious main course, you can take your meal up a notch by adding a starter to the menu.
If you’re finding a way to impress your guests with your culinary skills, the perfect pairing for lobster tails can be found in these recipes. Whenever I get a chance, I used to serve these recipes along with lobster tails as a starter.
All members of my family and friends enjoyed it a lot. Read on for ideas on how to prepare a stunning starter course that pairs perfectly with lobster tails.
In short – What to serve with lobster tails as a starter Soup or Salad, Garnishes, Antipasti Platter, Baked Brie and Figs, Tomato Bruschetta, Grilled Shrimp Skewers, Mussels, Roasted Garlic Bread, Grilled Corn, Baked Potatoes, Steamed Clams, Spinach Salad, Creamed Corn Chowder, Shrimp Cocktail, Potato Pancakes, Cucumber Salad with Dill Dressing, Caprese Skewers, Sautéed Mushrooms with Garlic Butter Sauce
What are lobster tails? What do lobster tails taste like?
Lobster tails are the edible fleshy portion of a lobster that is located in the tail section. They are typically cooked and served whole, though they can be cut into smaller pieces for easier handling.
Lobster tails have a sweet, delicate flavor that is often compared to crab meat. The texture of lobster tails ranges from firm and succulent to tender and flaky, depending on how it is cooked.
Lobster tails pair well with a variety of flavors, such as garlic, butter, herbs, citrus fruits, white wine sauces and creamy mayonnaise-based dressings. They can be enjoyed steamed or boiled, grilled or broiled, baked in the oven or pan-fried.
With its mild yet complex flavor profile and versatility in cooking methods, it’s no surprise that lobster tails are a beloved seafood delicacy.
30 MouthWatering Ideas to Serve with Lobster Tails as a Starter
1. Soup or Salad
A light soup or salad is always a nice way to start off a meal. It goes excellent with lobster tails. To go along with the seafood theme, consider making creamy seafood chowder or chilled cucumber soup as an appetizer.
Try topping mixed greens with crunchy vegetables such as grated carrots and bell peppers and adding some lemon vinaigrette for salads. Or keep it simple with baby spinach leaves topped with fresh fruits and nuts.
You can also opt for a traditional Caesar salad if you want something more hearty.
2. Garnishes
Garnishes are an easy and elegant way to add some flavor and visual appeal to lobster tails. Consider serving small dishes of olives, capers, diced shallots, diced tomatoes, and freshly chopped herbs such as parsley or dill alongside your lobster tails.
These garnishes will enhance the flavors of the dish while giving it an extra boost of color too!
Know More: What Salad Goes with Lobster Ravioli
3. Antipasti Platter
An antipasti platter is another great way to start off any meal that features lobster tails as its main course.
Include items such as cured meats like prosciutto or salami, marinated vegetables like artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers, cheeses like parmesan or brie, bread like focaccia or ciabatta, olives, nuts and crackers.
Depending on your choices, these will pair nicely with the lobster tails. Arrange everything on one platter in an aesthetically pleasing manner so you can wow your guests before they even taste their food!
4. Baked Brie and Figs
Baked brie and figs is a decadent combination of warm brie cheese, and roasted figs are sure to be a hit at any dinner party, especially with lobster tails.
Start by striping a baking sheet with parchment paper, then place a wheel of brie cheese in the center and top it off with fresh figs cut into quarters.
Drizzle the whole dish with honey, then bake it at 350 degrees until the cheese is melted and bubbling. Serve it with crackers or a sliced baguette, and watch as your guests marvel at its deliciousness!
Know More: What To serve with Lobster Ravioli
5. Tomato Bruschetta
Tomato Bruschetta is a classic Italian appetizer that is simple yet elegant – perfect for any special occasion meal like lobster tails. Start by pre-heating your oven to 350 degrees and slicing some crusty French bread into thick slices.
Put them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and drizzle them lightly with olive oil. Bake the slices until they’re golden brown, then remove them from the oven and let them cool before topping them with diced tomatoes, minced garlic, basil leaves, crumbled feta cheese, olive oil, salt and pepper to taste. Your guests will love this light yet flavorful starter!
6. Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Grilled Shrimp Skewers is a tasty shrimp skewer that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser! It is excellent to serve with lobster tails.
Start by marinating peeled shrimp in a mixture of olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper and lime juice for about 30 minutes. Then thread the marinated shrimp onto wooden skewers (soaked in water beforehand).
Heat up your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and cook each skewer until the shrimp are pink and cooked through (about 3 minutes per side). Serve these grilled shrimp skewers as an appetizer or even as part of your main course – they’re sure to be delicious no matter what!
Know More: Best Sauces To go with Lobster Ravioli
7. Mussels
Mussels are a delicious and affordable seafood option that pairs perfectly with lobster tails. They are briny, salty, and sweet in flavor, making them a great starter for those who like to begin their meals with seafood.
Mussels can be cooked in various ways, whether steamed, fried, or boiled — making them an even more versatile option to serve as an appetizer.
8. Roasted Garlic Bread
Rich and buttery roasted garlic bread is the perfect accompaniment for lobster tails. The crispy texture and savory flavor of the garlic-infused bread complement the sweetness of the lobster meat perfectly. Serve it warm with a generous amount of melted butter on top!
9. Grilled Corn
Grilled corn is a classic summer side dish that works incredibly well with lobster tails. The smoky char marks from the grill combined with the sweet kernels of corn provide a unique flavor contrast against the luxurious shellfish that will surely delight your guests!
10. Baked Potatoes
A baked potato is always a welcomed addition when lobster tails are served as a starter. Whether it’s mashed potatoes or oven-baked spuds, potatoes provide a starchy yet comforting base that pairs wonderfully with shellfish starters like lobster tails. Plus, they’re easy to make and serve!
11. Steamed Clams
Clams are one of those underrated seafood items that often get overlooked when it comes to serving as part of a starter platter — but they should not be overlooked when it comes to serving alongside lobster tails!
The briny flavor of steamed clams is balanced out nicely by the sweetness of the lobster meat and makes for a winning combination of flavors when served together as part of your starter course!
12. Spinach Salad
Serving up some greens along with your seafood starters is always a great idea — especially if you’re looking for something crunchy yet light in between bites of rich and creamy shellfish like a lobster tail!
A simple spinach salad tossed in vinaigrette dressing works just fine here, but you can also opt for other leafy green salads such as baby arugula or kale if you prefer!
13. Creamed Corn Chowder
If you want something more substantial than your typical side dishes like me, then creamed corn chowder should definitely be at the top of your list when considering sides to serve alongside your lobster tails entree!
This thick and creamy soup packs plenty of flavors while still being light enough not to overpower the subtle sweetness found within every bite of succulent shellfish meat!
14. Shrimp Cocktail
Another classic seafood starter item that pairs wonderfully with lobster tails is shrimp cocktails — both visually appealing & delicious at once!
This cold dish features succulent shrimp surrounded by the cocktail sauce, which adds a nice kick against all that decadent shellfish meat already on hand — making this an ideal appetizer consideration if you’re looking to add some extra wow factor into your meal much before entrées even come out on plates!
15. Potato Pancakes
Potato pancakes make for one impressive side dish, especially when served alongside luxurious entrees such as grilled lobster tails!
These lightly-fried potato patties are golden brown on the outside yet soft & fluffy inside — ideal for dipping into any sauces you may have on hand or simply eating by themselves without anything else added in.
16. Cucumber Salad with Dill Dressing
Sometimes all you need is some freshness among all those rich flavors brought forth from various seafood items like lobster tails. Cucumber salads are excellent to serve with lobster tails.
Due to their crisp texture & cooling effect, cucumber salad bring onto any palate/appetite after indulging in luxurious starters such as grilled lobster tails beforehand. Think light yet flavorful dill dressing mixed together with slices of cucumbers & maybe even some diced onions thrown atop everything else before serving up this refreshingly tasty side item soon afterward, too!
17. Caprese Skewers
Looking for something fancy & fun? Then caprese skewers can certainly fit right into this category thanks to their charming presentation & Mediterranean flavors they bring onto every plate, especially lobster tails.
Juicy cherry tomatoes interspersed between cubes of mozzarella cheese pieces then topped off with fresh basil leaves atop each skewer, and olive oil/balsamic vinegar drizzled over everything else just before serving.
These colorful delights certainly won’t disappoint anyone either way, so make sure these get included sometime soon too during mealtime festivities too!
18 Sautéed Mushrooms with Garlic Butter Sauce
Not everyone loves mushrooms, but sautéed mushrooms become so much different from their raw counterparts; think softened golden brown caps covered in fragrant garlicky butter sauce plus parsley flakes sprinkled atop everything else before serving.
A luxurious side, to be sure, as mushrooms can easily take on all that flavor & still come out with flying colors (in terms of taste) each time! So, make sure these get included in your lobster tails starter course soon enough too.
19. Citrus-Ginger Salad
Citrus-Ginger Salad is excellent to serve with lobster tails as a starter. Start off with a light, refreshing salad made with fresh oranges and lemons, baby greens, crisp, and a zesty ginger dressing.
20. Garlic Bread
Garlic bread pairs well to lobster tails. Warm garlic bread adds an extra layer of flavor to your meal. Boasting a garlicky butter base, this delicious side dish is sure to be a hit!
21. Avocado Salsa
Brighten up the plate with some crunchy diced avocado salsa, perfect for dipping lobster tails or topping salads and other dishes.(Recipe)
22. Sweet Potato Fries:
Add some sweetness to lobster tails with sweet potato fries! Enjoy them as an appetizer for dipping in sauces or as a tasty side dish.
23. Roasted Asparagus
Roasted Asparagus goes well with a lobster tail as a starter. Keep things healthy with some roasted asparagus dusted with parmesan cheese and herbs for an extra flavorful kick!
24. Grilled Corn on the Cob
Grilled Corn on the Cob is paired excellently with lobster tails. It adds some smoky sweetness to the plate. It is perfect for all sorts of toppings and sauces.
25. Broiled Tomatoes
For a more savory option, try serving broiled tomatoes seasoned with salt and pepper for an unforgettable flavor combination! Broiled Tomatoes are excellent to serve with lobster tails as a starter.
26. Artichoke Dip
Indulge in creamy artichoke dip served alongside warm crusty French bread, a classic starter to any meal, especially with lobster tails.
27. Caprese Salad
Caprese Salad pairs well with lobster tails. Enjoy the fresh flavor of a classic caprese salad with slices of tomatoes, basil leaves, and mozzarella cheese in a light balsamic vinaigrette dressing.(Recipe)
28. Crab Cakes
Get creative with crab cakes made from fresh lump crab meat and savory seasonings; the perfect seafood starter for lobster tails.
29. Lobster Mac & Cheese
Lobster Mac & Cheese is the perfect companion for lobster tails. It indulges in a creamy, cheesy dish of lobster mac and cheese topped with breadcrumbs for a decadent twist.
30. Lobster Bisque Soup
Lobster Bisque Soup serves well with lobster tails as a starter. The guests definitely warm up with a delicious soup made of lobster bisque, garlic, onions, carrots, celery and herbs. Enjoy!
P.S.: Don’t forget to enjoy your lobster tails with a nice glass of white wine! Cheers! 🙂
What are the best flavors to go with lobster tails?
When it comes to lobster tails, there are a variety of flavors that can be used to enhance the delicate taste of this seafood delicacy.
Some of the most popular flavors to pair with lobster tails include buttery garlic and lemon, herbs such as dill or parsley, spicy chili peppers, creamy white wine sauces, fresh tomato salsa, zesty citrus-based marinades, and sweet honey glazes. Each flavor will bring out different nuances in the lobster tail and can provide a delicious and unique culinary experience.
For a truly indulgent experience, try pairing your cooked lobster tails with a rich butter sauce featuring accents of garlic and herbs like parsley or dill. If you prefer something tangier, consider whisking up a citrus-based marinade infused with fresh ginger or jalapeno peppers for an added kick of flavor.
For something a little sweeter, try brushing your cooked lobster tails with melted butter before drizzling them with warm honey for an irresistible finishing touch.
How do you jazz up lobster tails?
One way to jazz up lobster tails is to stuff them with herbs and butter. Start by taking the meat out of the tail and mixing it in a bowl with softened butter, garlic, lemon zest, fresh herbs like parsley or tarragon, salt, and pepper.
Fill each tail cavity with this mixture, then place them on a baking tray lined with foil. Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until the lobster is cooked through. You can also top the lobster tails with breadcrumbs before baking for added crunch and flavor. Serve your stuffed lobster tails with melted butter or a favorite sauce for added flavor. Enjoy!
How do you display lobster tails on a platter?
To display lobster tails on a platter, start by arranging the largest tails in the center and then fanning out the smaller tails around them. Consider using fresh herbs, lemon wedges, or sprigs of parsley to add visual appeal.
For added drama, place a large serving fork or tongs on the side of the platter with some of the larger lobster tails poking up through it.
After arranging the lobster tails, you can garnish them with more herbs or vegetables for a pop of color. Serve your beautiful presentation with drawn butter and hot sauce on the side for an elegant seafood experience!
Wrap Up
Depending on your choices, you can serve the recipes as a starter with lobster tails as the main course of your dinner party; you can rest assured that it won’t go unnoticed.
From decadent baked brie dishes to classic tomato bruschetta recipes to grilled shrimp skewers, these starters pair perfectly with succulent lobster tails for an unforgettable meal that will leave everyone satisfied. So get creative and show off your culinary skills by creating the perfect starter for your next lobster tail feast!
FAQs
What vegetable goes well with a lobster tail?
Some vegetables that pair nicely with the lobster tail are corn on the cob, asparagus, broccoli, grilled zucchini, and Brussels sprouts. All of these options provide a great crunchy texture to contrast with the tenderness of the lobster tail.
What sauce to eat lobster with?
There is no one proper answer when it comes to the best sauce for lobster. Many people enjoy traditional butter-based sauces, while others prefer more creative options.
A few popular choices include clarified butter, garlic butter, lemon or lime juice, white wine and cream sauces, hot pepper sauces, and yogurt or mayonnaise-based dressings.
While some chefs might recommend certain flavor combinations over others, ultimately, it’s up to your individual tastes! Experiment with different flavors and discover what works best for you.
What does lobster taste good with?
Lobster is a versatile dish and can be served with a variety of accompaniments. For example, it pairs nicely with melted butter and lemon, creating a light yet flavorful combination.
You could also opt for classic sides like drawn butter, coleslaw, steamed vegetables, rice pilaf or potatoes.
Alternatively, some people enjoy pairing lobster with innovative dishes such as mango salsa or creamy garlic-herb sauce. Experimentation is key to finding the best flavor match for your palette.
Additionally, wine and beer pairings can help enhance the flavors of lobster if you are looking to take your experience to the next level.
