Are you planning a special lobster dinner but dont know what sides to serve? Theres no need to worry – when it comes to lobster sides, less is more. The lobster will be the shining centerpiece of the meal, and the side dishes should enhance its rich, sweet flavor. In other words, a sumptuous lobster dinner can be uncomplicated and thrown together with little time and effort. Here are 12 dishes and sides you can pair with lobster: From
Fresh Maine lobster is commonly served with boiled corn on the cob, potatoes, and a side of melted butter. Nevertheless, you can still have fun making a complete feast with a variety of simple sides. Lets look at the best side dishes for different occasions, sure to transport you and your guests to the rocky shores of Maine.
Lobster is a delicacy that deserves to be served with care and intention Choosing the right side dishes can elevate your lobster meal from great to spectacular After analyzing over [NUM] recipes and guides, I’ve compiled the 12 most recommended pairings that will beautifully complement lobster’s sweet, succulent meat.
Buttered Corn on the Cob
Buttery corn on the cob was the most frequently recommended pairing showing up in [NUM] sources. The natural sweetness of corn perfectly mirrors and balances lobster’s gentle brininess. Grilled or boiled slathered in butter, sprinkled with salt and pepper – corn on the cob is a classic accompaniment for good reason.
Loaded Baked Potatoes
What’s better than a baked potato? A loaded baked potato! Coming in second with [NUM] mentions, baked potatoes are a versatile canvas. Load them up with butter, sour cream, chives, bacon, cheese, etc. Potatoes provide a pleasantly starchy counterpoint to lobster.
Fresh Green Salad
A bright, crisp green salad balances the richness of lobster. It was suggested in [NUM] articles. Building a salad with a variety of greens, vegetables, nuts and light dressing provides nutrition and texture contrast. Salads also add gorgeous color to the plate!
Homemade Biscuits
Flaky, buttery homemade biscuits earned [NUM] recommendations. Biscuits soak up butter and lobster juice perfectly. They also add a bit of decadence and satisfy as a heartier side. Making them from scratch is easier than you think!
Coleslaw or Potato Salad
Cool, creamy coleslaw shows up [NUM] times as a favored lobster pairer. Both coleslaw and potato salad provide rich, tangy compliments to sweeter seafood. The crunch of coleslaw also balances lobster’s tender texture.
Pasta Salad
[NUM] sources suggested pasta salad as an excellent lobster side. Blending starchy pasta with vegetables, cheese, herbs, etc. creates a fresh, robust accompaniment. Chilled pasta salads pack an extra refreshing punch in warmer months.
Steamed Asparagus
Several ([NUM]) guides highlighted steamed asparagus as an ideal match for lobster. Splashed with lemon and olive oil or hollandaise, tender steamed asparagus has a delicate flavor that lets lobster shine as the star.
Mac and Cheese
Comforting, cheesy mac and cheese was put forth by [NUM] sources. Adding lobster meat transforms it into an elegant duo. The rich creaminess contrasts lobster’s lean profile.
Bread with Compound Butter
[NUM] recommendations endorsed bread and butter, specifically flavored or compound butters. Garlic-parsley, lemon-chive – let your imagination run wild with infused butters. Bread sopped in flavored butter is heavenly.
Rice or Risotto
Simple steamed white rice or creamy risotto were both suggested [NUM] times. Rice offers blank canvas versatility to showcase lobster’s glory. Mix in vegetables, broths, herbs and more to customize.
Lobster Bisque
For those who think you can never have enough lobster, [NUM] guides proposed lobster bisque. This velvety tomato-based soup overloaded with lobster is a surefire win paired with lobster tails or a whole steamed lobster.
Dessert
Finally, [NUM] sources reminded us not to forget dessert! Lemon bars, chocolate mousse, creme brulee and fresh fruit balance indulgent lobster with light, sweet closure. A dessert wine pairing takes the experience over the top.
Lobster is luxurious on its own, but the right sides can take your meal to a whole new level of enjoyment. With endless options like these 12 crowd-pleasers, you’re sure create a spectacular feast worthy of this regal ingredient.
Steak and Lobster Tails
If you’re really aiming to impress, serve up restaurant-quality steak and lobster for dinner. A brilliant red lobster tail makes a statement on the plate. Add a homemade oven-broiled steak and you have an all-around winning combination for every palate that’ll satisfy even the most pretentious New England seafood chef.
We make this show-stopping dinner easy to pull off with our ready-to-prepare Captain’s Tails and Turf package. This combo includes two buttery-soft fillets with the meatiest Atlantic cold water lobster tails and a zesty key lime pie to finish things off.
Here’s how to prepare steak and lobster tails for dinner:
First, prep and season your lobster.
- Make a deep lengthwise cut in the top of the lobster tails.
- Gently pry the shells apart and season the meat with melted butter and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. If you like, you can add a dusting of Old Bay seasoning, smoked paprika, or any dried herb you love.
(For more tips on how to properly prepare lobster, Checkout our recipe How to cook Lobster Tails .)
Meanwhile, fire up your broiler to high and prepare the steaks.
- Place an oven rack two to three inches from the heat source.
- Place the steaks on a baking sheet and generously season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Place the baking sheet under the broiler.
- Use this chart to determine the best cooking time for your steaks.
- Remove the steaks from the oven just before they reach your desired doneness, transfer to a cutting board, cover with aluminum foil, and let the meat rest while you broil the lobster.
Cook the lobster.
- Place the prepared lobster tails on the same baking sheet.
- Place them under the broiler and cook until the meat is opaque, about 5 to 10 minutes.
Finally, plate everything up and dig in!
Steak and scallops might be a more unusual approach to surf and turf, but it still fits the bill. In fact, plump, fresh sea scallops have a soft and flaky texture that pairs well with steak.
Since scallops are so naturally buttery on their own, you can swap the more traditional fillet with a high-quality New York strip steak.
This surf and turf pairing calls for the stovetop. Use a large, heavy-bottomed cast-iron pan or skillet to sear both your steaks and scallops.
Here’s how to cook it:
- First, pat the scallops and steaks dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper. Brush them with a thin coating of canola oil or another high-heat oil.
- Heat your pan over medium-high heat for a good 3 to 5 minutes, until hot.
- Gently place the steaks in the skillet and sear for 4 minutes, or until you have a nice brown crust on one side. Use tongs to flip the steaks and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on the other side.
- Add a 2-tablespoon pat of butter to the skillet and as it melts, spoon the butter over the steaks for another minute.
- Remove the steaks from the skillet when they are 5 to 10 degrees away from your desired doneness. Place on a cutting board, cover with aluminum foil, and rest while you sear the scallops.
- Return the skillet to medium-high heat.
- When the oil is hot, gently place the scallops into the skillet, leaving several inches of space between each scallop.
- Sear for 2 minutes undisturbed, then add 1 tablespoon of butter to and gently flip the scallops with tongs or a thin fish spatula to sear for another minute, until cooked through but still soft in the center.
Plate up your steaks and scallops and serve hot!
Side Dishes that Pair Perfectly with Dinner
To round out your surf and turf dinner, add a side dish or two that adds a bit of color and freshness to the plate.
Some classic side dishes to pair with surf and turf include:
- Sautéed Mushrooms. Melt down thinly sliced mushrooms in plenty of garlic and butter for a side dish that doubles as a sauce for your steak.
- Grilled Asparagus. Throw thick stalks of asparagus on the grill alongside your shrimp and fillet for an instant splash of brightness with minimal effort.
- Mashed Potatoes. This steakhouse classic is always welcome next to the steak. Add fresh herbs for a lighter touch to compliment your seafood.
- Caesar Salad. Crisp romaine, savory parmesan, and crunchy croutons add a refreshing counterpoint to the feast on your dinner plate.
- Boston Seafood Chowder. We’re always partial to a creamy seafood soup as a first course. Don’t forget the oyster crackers for the full New England experience.
Side Dishes to Accompany Lobster Tails, Steak, Chicken, Fish and Pork
FAQ
What is a good side dish for lobster?
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Mashed Potatoes:Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic and satisfying pairing with lobster, especially when served with a generous amount of melted butter.
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Roasted Asparagus:Steamed or roasted asparagus adds a touch of freshness and a subtly earthy flavor that complements the rich taste of lobster.
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Garlic Bread:A warm, crusty loaf of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover butter and adding a savory flavor to the meal.
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Mac and Cheese:A creamy and cheesy side that’s a crowd-pleaser, especially for a casual lobster dinner.
What appetizers go well with lobster?
Charcuterie boards. These trendy appetizers are a perfect entertaining addition to a lobster dinner. Make your charcuterie board your own by adding cheeses, crackers, grapes, jams, prosciutto, honey, jam, olives, nuts, and more!
What to serve with lobster tails and crab legs?
- Corn on the Cob. This classic seafood side dish pairs perfectly with crab legs. …
- Roasted Potatoes. …
- Coleslaw. …
- Garlic Bread. …
- Grilled Asparagus. …
- Lobster Tails. …
- Shrimp Scampi. …
- Steamed Clams or Mussels.
What beverage pairs well with lobster?
Rum and ginger beer: A rum and ginger ale is a classic cocktail that pairs well with the smoky and savoury flavours of grilled lobster. Choose a light-bodied rum, such as Bacardi or Cruzan, and pair it with a crisp ginger beer.
What to serve with a lobster tail?
A scoop of flavorful risotto is a great side for your lobster tail. This easy Homemade Rice Pilaf is a classic rice dish that’s simple to make in one pot or skillet, is packed full of flavor, and is a favorite side dish of many!
What to serve with grilled lobster?
It’s one of the best sides for lobster when you’re preparing a tropical menu. Topped with crunchy walnut dressing and spicy roasted sweet potatoes, this kale salad is a perfect way to round out your weeknight meal. Serve Sweet Potato Kale Salad with your grilled lobster for a light meal.
What to eat with lobster?
Potatoes are drizzled with olive oil, sprinkled with herbs and seasonings, roasted to crispy perfection, then topped with Cheddar cheese. Potato salad pairs perfectly with lobster. This creamy mayonnaise-based recipe is flavored with garlic and lots of mustard. Looking for a lighter lobster side dish that still packs a flavorful punch?
What goes well with lobster rolls?
Coleslaw – Crunchy cabbage and carrots tossed in a creamy dressing is a popular fried seafood side. Works well with lobster rolls too. Rich, velvety chowders and bisques make magic when paired with lobster. The smooth, creamy base allows the sweet lobster flavor to sing.
What desserts go with lobster?
New England has some of the finest desserts to serve with your lobster, from the classic Maine blueberry pie and watermelon slices to fudgy, gooey brownies. We’ve compiled a list of over 30 desserts to serve at the end of your lobster dinner. See our best desserts to pair with lobster.