Butter Poached Lobster Recipe French Laundry
When it comes to fine dining, the French Laundry is one of the most prestigious and respected restaurants in the world. Located in California's Napa Valley, the restaurant is known for its exceptional culinary creations, including its famed butter poached lobster dish. If you're looking to recreate this dish at home, you're in luck. In this article, we'll walk you through the steps needed to make the perfect butter poached lobster recipe French Laundry style.
Gather Your Ingredients
The first step in creating this delicious dish is to gather all the necessary ingredients. For the butter poached lobster, you'll need:
- 2 lobsters (1 1/2 pounds each)
- 1 pound unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup water
- Sea salt and freshly ground white pepper
- Lemon juice
For the accompanying sauce, you'll need:
- 1/2 cup white wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup shallots, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 pound unsalted butter, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Kosher salt and freshly ground white pepper
Make sure all your ingredients are of the highest quality possible, as this will greatly affect the taste of the final dish.
Preparing the Lobster
The first step in preparing the butter poached lobster is to cook the lobsters. Here's how:
- Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil.
- Add the lobsters and boil for 6 minutes.
- Remove the lobsters from the pot and immediately transfer them to an ice bath to cool for 5 minutes.
- Remove the meat from the lobster tails and claws, being careful to keep the meat in large pieces.
Butter Poaching the Lobster
Now that the lobster meat is prepared, it's time to start butter poaching. Here are the steps:
- In a large pot, melt the butter over low heat.
- Add the water and stir until combined.
- Season the butter with salt, white pepper, and lemon juice.
- Add the lobster meat to the pot and cook over low heat for 5 minutes, until the meat is tender and cooked through.
- Remove the lobster meat from the pot and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain off excess butter.
Making the Sauce
The final step in creating this dish is to make the accompanying sauce. Here's how:
- In a small saucepan, combine the white wine vinegar and shallots.
- Bring to a boil and cook until the mixture has reduced by half.
- Add the white wine and cream and continue cooking until the mixture has reduced by half again.
- Reduce the heat to low and whisk in the butter, one piece at a time, until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Season the sauce with salt and white pepper to taste.
Serving and Enjoying Your Dish
Once you've prepared the lobster and sauce, it's time to plate and enjoy. Here's how to do it:
- Place the lobster meat on a serving plate and spoon the sauce over the top.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.
- Pair with your favorite wine and enjoy your delicious creation!
Conclusion
The French Laundry's butter poached lobster is a culinary masterpiece that is sure to impress. By following the steps outlined in this article, you'll be able to recreate this dish in your own kitchen and impress your guests with your culinary skills. Remember to use the highest quality ingredients and take your time with each step, and you'll be sure to end up with a dish that will be the talk of your next dinner party.