David Chang’s Butter-Poached Lobster

Prep Time
2 minsCook Time
4-5 minsFree Time
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Steam lobster in the microwave just like David Chang does for fine-dining quality results. Adjust the power level and you get tender, sweet lobster that's perfect for salads or upgrading your mac and cheese. Make a fancy meal with zero fuss, all using your microwave.
All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwaves and home kitchens to make sure they work — and work well.
What You’ll Need
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 sprig of thyme
- 2 lobster tails (thawed if frozen), 4-6 oz each
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Lemon juice, to taste
- Chopped parsley or chives, for garnish
Preparation
- Add butter, olive oil, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and the lobster tails to the Anyday and stir to combine. Cover with lid (knob lifted).
- Cook in the microwave at Power Level 6✕
Certain foods cook best in the microwave at lower power levels.
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Different microwaves have different settings. See your microwave manual (or look it up online) to learn how to change your microwave’s power level.
For many microwaves: enter the cook time, press the “Power” (or “Power Level”) button, and select a number between 1-10. Other microwaves may require selecting the Power Level first, and then entering the cook time.
Microwaves list power levels in different ways. Here’s a guide to help you adjust:
PL 10 = 100% = High (default)
PL 9 = 90% = High
PL 8 = 80% = Med-High
PL 7 = 70% = Med-High
PL 6 = 60% = Medium
PL 5 = 50% = Medium
PL 4 = 40% = Med-Low
PL 3 = 30% = Med-Low
PL 2 = 20% = Low
PL 1 = 10% = Low
You will know if the power level has been successfully changed if you hear periodic changes in the microwave’s tone after it begins cooking.
- When the lobster is finished cooking, allow to cool slightly. Crack the shells with a shell cracker, then spoon some of the juices over the meat and season to taste with fresh lemon juice, chopped parsley, or your favorite toppings.
Serving suggestions & tips
- Add Worcestershire sauce when cooking the lobster for deeper flavor.
- For an easy lobster roll, serve cooked lobster pieces inside a warm buttered bun.
Recipe notes
- We used raw lobster tails, but you can use frozen as well. If using frozen add 1-3 more minutes while cooking.
- Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.