Here's What You Should Serve With Lobster Tails

Lobster tails are a bonafide delicacy. Over the years, this seafood went from a relative afterthought to a main attraction, and it's not difficult to see why. Its decadent flavors and its richness make it a certified treat. But when dealing with a main dish of such prominence, special attention must also be paid to what you choose to pair with it. So what can you bring to the table to make sure your meal of lobster tails is as amazing as possible?

When it comes to pairings for your lobster tails, two theories emerge. Lobster tails are somewhat complex in both flavor and texture: an interesting mix between indulgent and rich, but also light and sweet. With this in mind, you want to choose sides and drinks that play into lobster's luxurious, buttery-ness or use bright and zesty flavors to complement its delicate flavors. But you don't have to limit yourself — selecting a good variety of pairings will diversify your meal while creating a backdrop that puts the focus squarely on your lobster tails.

When you think of freshly prepared lobster, it is often accompanied by sides that are either bright and light or decadent and hearty. A lighter side might make you think of a fun picnic on a summer's day, whereas a heartier dish may be used to "dress up" your lobster tails for a luscious dinner.

When it comes to light pairings, nothing matches the crunch and zestiness of fresh coleslaw. There's enough acid to clean your palate between mouthfuls of lobster, keeping your whole meal lively. Other picnic staples also do the trick, such as a cold pasta salad or creamy potato salad. You might also try some steamed veggies sprinkled with lemon juice or a warm roasted potato salad dressed in a citrus vinaigrette for sophisticated but simple side dishes.

Heavier sides paired with lobster tails may seem counterintuitive, but these simply hearty dishes complement lobster beautifully for an indulgent meal. Gooey macaroni and cheese or herbaceous pesto pasta are good options. Potato dishes run aplenty too, with a delightful herbed potato salad being an excellent choice. If you really want to make some jaws drop, plate your lobster on a beautiful bed of risotto.

What matters is the complementary or contrasting nature of your sides. Heavy dishes usually enhance the flavors already present in lobster, while lighter dishes tend to center your meal's focus on the lobster itself. However, no one's stopping you from implementing both options next time you cook up some lobster tails.

Lobster tails, like many seafood dishes, ought to be served with a nice white wine, though some whites will pair better than others. Ideally, you want a wine that will remain distinct when paired without detracting from lobster's unique flavor. For this reason, opt for a fresh, light wine such as a Pinot Grigio or a Sauvignon Blanc. However, a buttery Chardonnay won't go amiss either. Acidity is your friend here — think about how much a simple lemon squeeze elevates a fish dish. A dry white with a decent acidity will level up your dining experience. But if you prefer reds, you don't have to miss out — just make sure you choose a lighter option such as a Pinot Noir or a Sangiovese so your flavor profiles don't clash.

There's no reason to stop at wines, though. Remember that note about keeping a citrusy acidity in your beverage of choice? This tip also applies to beer and cocktails. For beer, a light blonde won't detract at all from your lobster, while something with citrus notes such as a witbeir will remain refreshing and satisfying with shellfish. As far as cocktails go, you can't go wrong with drinks that feature citrus or herbs, such as a margarita, daiquiri, mojito, or even a Bloody Mary. These cocktails can also be modified to be alcohol-free if liquor isn't for you. With drinks, just like with sides, the right choices can help you round out your dinner preparations and make your lobster tails a meal to remember.