Gordon Ramsay Butter Poached Lobster

Gordon Ramsay’s Butter Poached Lobster is a dish that epitomizes luxury and sophistication in the culinary world.

This method of cooking lobster, involving gently poaching it in a bath of melted butter, infuses the meat with rich flavor and results in an incredibly tender texture.

Ramsay, a chef renowned for his exacting standards and innovative techniques, transforms the already decadent lobster into a sublime dining experience.

It’s a recipe that I’ve reserved for special occasions, always to rave reviews from guests. The process might seem intimidating at first, but it’s surprisingly straightforward and yields spectacular results.

What Goes Best with Gordon Ramsay Butter Poached Lobster

This luxurious dish pairs beautifully with sides that complement its richness without overshadowing the delicate flavors of the lobster.

I’ve found that a simple risotto, particularly a lemon or saffron risotto, works wonderfully, providing a creamy texture that echoes the buttery lobster.

Steamed asparagus or green beans, lightly dressed with olive oil and lemon, offer a fresh counterpoint to the dish’s richness.

For a more decadent pairing, a glass of chilled Chardonnay or Champagne elevates the meal even further.

Ingredients

To prepare Gordon Ramsay’s Butter Poached Lobster, you’ll need:

• 2 whole live lobsters (about 1-1.5 pounds each)
• 1 pound (about 450g) unsalted butter
• A few sprigs of fresh thyme
• 2 cloves of garlic, lightly crushed
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Lemon wedges, for serving

How to Prepare Gordon Ramsay Butter Poached Lobster

1. Prepare the Lobsters: Begin by dispatching the lobsters humanely. Place them in the freezer for about 30 minutes to numb them before quickly cutting through the head.
2. Cook the Lobsters: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Blanch the lobsters for about 2 minutes, then transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, remove the meat from the shells.
3. Poach in Butter: In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the thyme sprigs and garlic cloves to infuse the butter with their flavors. Gently add the lobster meat to the melted butter, ensuring it’s fully submerged. Poach the lobster in the butter over very low heat for 5-8 minutes, or until the meat is tender and cooked through.
4. Season: Season the lobster with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Print Recipe

Gordon Ramsay Butter Poached Lobster

Gordon Ramsay's Butter Poached Lobster is a dish that epitomizes luxury and sophistication in the culinary world. This method of cooking lobster, involving gently poaching it in a bath of melted butter, infuses the meat with rich flavor and results in an incredibly tender texture. Ramsay, a chef renowned for his exacting standards and innovative techniques, transforms the already decadent lobster into a sublime dining experience. It's a recipe that I've reserved for special occasions, always to rave reviews from guests. The process might seem intimidating at first, but it's surprisingly straightforward and yields spectacular results.

Ingredients

• 2 whole live lobsters about 1-1.5 pounds each
• 1 pound about 450g unsalted butter
• A few sprigs of fresh thyme
• 2 cloves of garlic lightly crushed
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

• Prepare the Lobsters: Begin by dispatching the lobsters humanely. Place them in the freezer for about 30 minutes to numb them before quickly cutting through the head.
• Cook the Lobsters: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Blanch the lobsters for about 2 minutes, then transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, remove the meat from the shells.
• Poach in Butter: In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the thyme sprigs and garlic cloves to infuse the butter with their flavors. Gently add the lobster meat to the melted butter, ensuring it's fully submerged. Poach the lobster in the butter over very low heat for 5-8 minutes, or until the meat is tender and cooked through.
• Season: Season the lobster with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Notes

Serve the butter-poached lobster immediately after cooking, drizzled with some of the poaching butter and accompanied by lemon wedges for squeezing over the meat. Present it alongside your chosen sides, such as risotto or steamed vegetables, for a complete and elegant meal.

How to Serve Gordon Ramsay Butter Poached Lobster

Serve the butter-poached lobster immediately after cooking, drizzled with some of the poaching butter and accompanied by lemon wedges for squeezing over the meat. Present it alongside your chosen sides, such as risotto or steamed vegetables, for a complete and elegant meal.

How to Reheat Gordon Ramsay Butter Poached Lobster

• Microwave: Not recommended, as it can easily overcook the lobster meat.
• Oven: Preheat the oven to a low temperature (about 275°F or 135°C). Place the lobster in a baking dish with some of the poaching butter, cover with foil, and heat gently until just warm.
• Stovetop: Gently reheat the lobster in the remaining poaching butter over low heat, just until warmed through.

How to Store Leftovers of Gordon Ramsay Butter Poached Lobster

If you have leftover butter-poached lobster, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Ideally, keep it submerged in the poaching butter to help preserve its moisture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Gordon Ramsay Butter Poached Lobster

• Can I use frozen lobster? While fresh lobster is preferred for optimal flavor and texture, you can use thawed, frozen lobster tails if fresh is not available. Ensure they are fully thawed before poaching.
• Is it possible to over-poach the lobster in butter? Yes, poaching the lobster for too long or at too high a temperature can result in tough, overcooked meat. It’s crucial to maintain a very low heat and to monitor the lobster closely.

Nutritional Information

Butter-poached lobster is undoubtedly a rich dish, with the majority of its calories coming from the butter. An approximate nutritional breakdown per serving, not including sides, is as follows:

• Calories: 300-400
• Fat: 20-30g (predominantly from butter)
• Protein: 20-25g
• Carbohydrates: 0-5g
• Sodium: Variable

These values can vary based on the size of the lobsters and the exact amount of butter used. While it’s a luxurious treat, enjoying this dish in moderation can fit into a balanced diet, especially when paired with light, healthy sides.