A beautifully elegant seafood dish that combines the sweet, tender meat of lobster with the rich, aromatic warmth of saffron-infused butter and bright citrus from fresh lemon. The lobster is roasted until perfectly cooked and then bathed in a fragrant butter sauce that infuses each bite with depth and complexity. This recipe highlights the natural sweetness of lobster while enhancing it with subtle spice and citrus brightness.
Ingredients
- Fresh lobster tails (quantity based on number of servings)
- Unsalted butter
- Saffron threads
- Fresh garlic, minced
- Lemon juice
- Lemon zest
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Lobster Tails
Begin by preparing the lobster tails. If they are frozen, thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight, or place them under cold running water until softened and easy to work with. Once ready, use a pair of sharp kitchen scissors or a sharp chef’s knife to cut each lobster tail lengthwise down the center of the shell. Be careful not to cut all the way through to the underside; only slice through the top shell to expose the meat beneath.
Once the top shell is split, gently turn the lobster meat upward and slightly loosen it from the shell. This makes it easier for the saffron butter to penetrate the meat during roasting. Pat the lobster meat dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which helps ensure even roasting.
2. Infuse the Saffron
Place a small pinch of saffron threads in a tiny bowl and pour in a tablespoon or two of warm water. Let the saffron steep for at least 5–10 minutes. As it steepes, the liquid will take on a rich golden hue and the saffron will begin to release its fragrance. This step is important because saffron is an expensive spice and steeping helps extract its full flavor and color, intensifying its contribution to the butter sauce.
3. Make the Saffron Butter
While the saffron steeps, prepare the saffron butter. In a small saucepan over low heat, gently melt a generous amount of unsalted butter. Use a low setting to avoid browning the butter; you want a smooth, silky base for the saffron.
Once the butter has just melted, add the minced garlic and sauté gently for about one to two minutes until fragrant. Avoid letting the garlic brown, as this will make the flavor sharp rather than mellow and aromatic.
After the garlic becomes fragrant, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the steeped saffron along with its golden liquid, then add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly so that the saffron strands and lemon elements are evenly distributed throughout the butter. The aroma at this stage should be rich with warm saffron and bright citrus notes.
4. Brush the Lobster and Roast
Preheat your oven to a moderate roasting temperature, typically around 200–220 °C (400–425 °F). Arrange the prepared lobster tails on a baking sheet or in a shallow roasting pan, meat-side up. Use a pastry brush or spoon to generously coat each lobster tail with the saffron butter mixture. Make sure each crevice of the meat is brushed so the flavors seep into the lobster rather than simply sitting on the surface.
Place the tray in the preheated oven. Roast the lobster for approximately 10–12 minutes, depending on the size of the tails, until the meat becomes opaque in color and firm to the touch. The shell should turn a vibrant red and the exposed meat should show no translucent spots. Cooking time can vary slightly based on the size and thickness of the lobster tails, so keep an eye on them as they roast.
During roasting, you can baste the lobster once or twice with more of the saffron butter from the pan. This keeps the meat moist and deepens the flavor.
5. Rest and Serve
Once the lobster is fully roasted, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a minute or two. This allows the juices to settle and makes serving easier. Pour any remaining saffron butter from the pan over the lobster tails just before serving so each piece is thoroughly coated in buttery richness.
Serve the roasted lobster on warmed plates with additional lemon wedges on the side for guests who enjoy a bright citrus squeeze over their seafood. The saffron butter will have developed a rich golden color with flecks of lemon zest and soft threads of saffron throughout, creating a visually stunning presentation.
This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides that won’t overpower the delicate lobster, such as lightly seasoned steamed vegetables, a crisp green salad, or herb-buttered new potatoes. The aromatic saffron butter and lemon combination elevates the lobster into a luxurious meal perfect for special occasions or when you want to make a memorable dining experience at home.