What Sauces Go With Lobster? The Complete Guide!

ByViolet ParkerEditorial Policy

Looking to take your lobster game to the next level?

Look no further than the saucy side of things!

While lobster is delicious on its own, a good sauce can elevate it to a whole new level of decadence.

From classic butter sauces to spicy aiolis, let’s take a look at the perfect sauces to serve with your lobster dinner… 

What Sauces Go With Lobster?

Some of the best sauces for lobster include:

  • Classic choices like butter sauce, white wine sauce, lemon butter sauce, and Thermidor 
  • Quick and easy options including garlic aioli, cocktail sauce, and tartar sauce 
  • Herb-based offerings such as pesto, Béarnaise, and escargot herb butter
  • Asian inspired sauces, for example ginger soy and sweet and sour

Read on to find out more, including expert preparation tips… 

Classic Lobster Sauces

Butter Sauce

Butter sauce is a simple yet delicious option for your lobster dish.

To make this light, flavourful sauce, all you need is some melted butter.

You can also get creative by adding herbs, spices, and other ingredients, such as ginger, chili pepper, or garlic for a richer taste.

For a decadent touch, try dipping your lobster tails into clarified butter, which has a higher smoke point and a silkier texture. 

White Wine Sauce

A white wine sauce is an elegant choice that pairs beautifully with seafood, including lobster.

To make this sauce, start by sautéing garlic and shallots in olive oil.

Then, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine, such as champagne or a light, crisp variety.

Let the sauce simmer to reduce and intensify the flavours. To finish, whisk in a touch of cold butter to create a velvety texture.

This sophisticated sauce will enhance your lobster dish and impress your dinner guests.

Lemon Butter Sauce

For a zesty twist on the classic butter sauce, try making a lemon butter sauce.

The tangy citrus flavour complements the sweetness of the lobster meat.

To prepare this sauce, simply melt butter and whisk in freshly squeezed lemon juice, some chopped parsley, and finely chopped shallots.

Drizzle this light, tasty sauce over your cooked lobster for a delightful dining experience.

Thermidor Sauce

Thermidor sauce is a luxurious, classic sauce associated with famous lobster dishes, such as lobster thermidor.

This rich, creamy sauce is made with a combination of egg yolks, mustard, and heavy cream, which creates a velvety texture.

To add depth and complexity to the flavour, you can also include ingredients like tarragon, shallots, and paprika.

Gently cook the sauce over low heat, taking care not to let it boil, as this may cause the sauce to separate.

Serve this indulgent sauce alongside your lobster dish for an elevated culinary experience during special occasions and dinner parties.

Quick and Easy Sauces

Garlic Aioli

One of the tastiest accompaniments for lobster is a delicious garlic aioli sauce.

To make your own, simply combine mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a bowl.

You can also add a touch of Dijon mustard for an extra kick. Adjust the ingredients to your taste and enjoy the creamy, garlicky goodness with your lobster.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with the flavours, as aioli can be easily customised with a variety of herbs or spices.

Cocktail Sauce

A zesty cocktail sauce is a classic choice when it comes to dipping sauces for lobster.

To make a tangy, homemade version, mix together ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and hot sauce.

You can adjust the heat level by adding more or less hot sauce, according to your preference.

Cocktail sauce pairs wonderfully with chilled lobster, making it an ideal option for a refreshing summertime meal.

Tartar Sauce

Tartar sauce is another fantastic option for your lobster dipping needs.

To whip up your own batch, simply mix mayonnaise, finely chopped gherkins, capers, and a splash of lemon juice in a bowl.

Add a sprinkle of dill, parsley, or chives for a pop of herbaceous flavour.

Play around with the ratios of each ingredient to find the perfect balance of creaminess and tanginess that suits your taste.

Tartar sauce is an excellent companion to both chilled and warm lobster dishes, so feel free to serve it however you like.

Herb-Based Lobster Sauces

Pesto Sauce

Pesto is a versatile and aromatic sauce that complements lobster’s sweetness perfectly.

To make your own pesto sauce, combine fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, extra-virgin olive oil, Parmesan cheese and salt in a food processor, then blend until smooth.

Feel free to adjust the proportions to your taste, as the intensity of the flavour can be easily adjusted.

To serve it with lobster, you could either drizzle the pesto over the cooked lobster meat or mix it with pasta for a delightful lobster pasta dish.

If you want to use a readymade version, take a look at our guide to improving store-bought pesto!

Béarnaise Sauce

Béarnaise is a classic French sauce that goes excellently with lobster.

To make a Béarnaise sauce, start by making a reduction of white wine vinegar, shallots, tarragon and black pepper.

Next, whisk egg yolks and the reduction together over a double boiler until they thicken.

Gradually add melted butter, whisking constantly until you obtain a creamy consistency, and finally season with salt and freshly chopped tarragon.

Béarnaise has a rich and tangy flavour that shines when served with lobster – simply spoon it over your lobster dish or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce.

Escargot Herb Butter

While traditionally used for escargot, this herb butter sauce is a fantastic option for lobster lovers as well.

Start by combining softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and a hint of lemon juice in a mixing bowl.

You can also add a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Once the ingredients are mixed well, gently toss with your cooked lobster meat to coat it evenly, or you could even spread a little of the herb butter on top of the lobster meat before broiling it in the oven.

Asian Inspired Sauces for Lobster

Ginger Soy Sauce

A simple yet incredibly flavourful option, ginger soy sauce brings out the natural sweetness of lobster while adding a salty, umami depth.

To make this delectable dipping sauce, simply combine the following ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon minced ginger
  • 2 teaspoons honey
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil

Instructions:

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, ginger, honey, garlic, and sesame oil.
  2. Allow the sauce to sit for 10-15 minutes, to let the flavours meld together.
  3. Serve with your grilled or boiled lobster for a mouth-watering dining experience.

Sweet and Sour Sauce

Another delightful option for your lobster feast is a classic sweet and sour sauce. This tangy sauce balances the natural sweetness of the lobster with a fruity and sour kick.

To whip up this tasty sauce, gather the following ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup pineapple juice
  • 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch

Instructions:

  1. In a small saucepan, whisk together the pineapple juice, rice wine vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, and soy sauce.
  2. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then whisk in the cornstarch.
  3. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Allow the sauce to cool before serving alongside your perfectly cooked lobster.

Cheese-Based Sauces for Lobster

Parmesan Cheese Sauce

A delicious and simple option for a cheese-based sauce is a parmesan cheese sauce.

To make this sauce, you’ll need:

  • 1/4 cup of unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 cup of heavy cream
  • 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  1. Start by melting the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, typically for about 1-2 minutes.
  2. Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to cook for a few minutes, letting it thicken slightly.
  3. Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully incorporated and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Once your sauce has reached the desired consistency, simply drizzle it over your lobster dish or serve it as a dipping sauce on the side.

Cheese Fondue

Another delightful option is cheese fondue, a Swiss-style, melted cheese dish that can elevate your lobster experience.

To prepare this classic sauce, you’ll need:

  • 200g Gruyère cheese, grated
  • 200g Emmental cheese, grated
  • 1 clove garlic, halved
  • 300ml dry white wine
  • 1 tsp cornflour
  • 2 tbsp kirsch (cherry brandy)
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Freshly grated nutmeg
  1. In a large bowl, combine the grated Gruyère and Emmental cheeses.
  2. Rub the halved garlic clove around the inside of your fondue pot to season it.
  3. Pour the dry white wine into the pot and heat it gently until hot, but not boiling.
  4. Gradually add the cheese, stirring continuously until it melts and combines smoothly with the wine.
  5. In a small bowl, mix the cornflour and kirsch together, then add it to the fondue pot. Continue to cook gently, stirring continuously until slightly thickened.
  6. Season with freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg.

Which of these sauces will you be trying with your lobster?