Tequila and butter poached lobster Mac

Instructions

1/2 pounds salted butter
1 pound finely-diced yellow or sweet onion
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon white pepper
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
6, 6″-8″ fresh tarragon sprigs, for flavoring the butter
1/2 cup champagne or white wine
6, 6″-8″ fresh tarragon sprigs, for garnishing the finished dish

Step 1. Prep the onion as directed. In a 3 1/2-quart chef’s pan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the onions, followed by the garlic powder, red pepper flakes, white pepper, lemon juice and champagne.

Step 2. Adjust heat to a gentle, steady simmer and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is very soft and translucent, about 6-8 minutes.

Step 3. Add the tarragon sprigs. Using a spoon, submerge them in the butter. Cover and gently simmer, until tarragon has lost its bright green color, about 4 minutes. Remove from heat.

Remove and discard the tarragon (to prevent its flavor from overpowering the mixture). Cover the butter and set aside, while you prep the lobster tails according to the following directions:

Step 4. Using a pair of kitchen shears, cut along the left and right hand sides of the bottoms of:

6, 10-12-ounce lobster tails (thawed if frozen).

Using your fingertips, remove and discard the spiny “cut out” bottoms. Using your fingertips, remove the meat from the shells, in one large piece, keeping the shells intact.

Step 5. Cut the lobster meat into large, bite-sized chunks and pieces, about 1 1/2″-2″.

Note: The lobster can be prepped to this point one day in advance of cooking and serving. Place shells and meat on two separate plates, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. Remove both from refrigerator about 1 hour prior to poaching.

Step 6. Just prior to poaching the lobster meat, place the empty lobster shells in a 4-quart stockpot. Add cold water until the pot is about half full. Bring to a boil, adjust heat to simmer, and cook for 1 minute.

Remove from heat. Step 7. Using a pair of tongs, remove the shells from the water and place them, open sides down, on a paper-towel-lined plate to drain.

Set aside, while you poach the lobster meat according to the following directions:

Step 8. Return the butter to the stovetop over low heat, until it starts steaming, but not simmering or boiling. Add the chopped, room temperature lobster meat. Stir.

Step 9. Continue to poach the lobster, adjusting the heat to keep the butter steaming but not simmering or boiling, until the lobster is opaque in color and just cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.

Step 10. Generously portion the creamy (still warm) orzotto into the bottom of six warmed serving plates or bowls and top/garnish it as directed in the recipe.

Place/arrange an empty lobster shell on top of the orzotto on each plate. Using a slotted spoon, fill each lobster shell “to the max” with butter-poached lobster meat. Using a small ladle, drizzle the flavored butter over everything. Serve:

Elegant & Exquisite: Butter-Poached Lobster Tails: Recipe yields 6 servings.

Special Equipment List: cutting board; chef’s knife; 3 1/3-quart chef’s pan w/straight, deep sides & lid; kitchen shears; 4-quart stockpot; tongs; paper towels; large slotted spoon; small ladle

Cook’s Note: In case you’re ever looking for a decadent appetizer with a similar flavor: Try my Tarragon, Sweet Onion & Red Pepper Butter on ~ Melanie’s Wine-Steamed Clams ~.