Simple Lobster Platter

Category: Lunch

This dish shows whole lobsters boiled until juicy and then split in half to highlight the meat. You cook them in salted boiling water till they’re soft, then serve them warm with bright lemon wedges and rich melted butter to bring out the flavor. Paired with crunchy coleslaw and fresh baguette slices, it’s a tasty combo of textures and flavors. It’s easy to make and share for a great seafood treat.

Dana
Recipe Created By Dana
Last updated on Tue, 13 Jan 2026 19:51:09 GMT
Mouthwatering lobster dish with lemon on the side. Save
Mouthwatering lobster dish with lemon on the side. | chefsnaps.com

This lobster dish turns any simple seafood night into a special treat with sweet, tender lobster paired with fresh crisp sides. It's easy to make and looks great, perfect for chill weekends or fancy get-togethers.

I stumbled upon this when visiting New England and have made it tons of times since. Every time, it brings a fun coastal vibe and festive feel right to the dinner table.

Needed Ingredients

  • Fresh whole lobsters (two): make sure they’re lively and fresh for the best taste and texture
  • One lemon cut into wedges: adds a bright acidic punch to highlight the lobster’s natural sweetness
  • Four tablespoons melted butter for dipping: go for unsalted and melt it gently so it stays smooth
  • One cup coleslaw: brings a crisp, tangy side that cuts through the richness nicely
  • One baguette sliced: crispy and chewy bread that’s great for soaking up all the buttery juices

Step-By-Step Cooking Guide

Cool and Prepare:
After cooking, take the lobsters out with tongs and let them cool just enough to handle but keep them warm.
Arrange and Serve:
Put the split lobster halves nicely on a serving tray. Serve right away with lemon wedges, coleslaw, bread slices, and melted butter.
Bring Lobsters to a Boil:
Fill a big pot with salted water and heat until it’s boiling hard. This seasons and cooks lobsters well.
Split the Lobsters:
Use a sharp knife to cut the lobsters down the middle lengthwise so the meat is easy to reach.
Cook the Lobsters:
Put the lobsters carefully into the boiling water with tongs. Boil for 10 to 12 minutes till shells turn bright red and meat looks cooked through.
A plate of lobster with lemon wedges and butter.
A plate of lobster with lemon wedges and butter. | chefsnaps.com

Helpful Storage Advice

Helpful Storage Advice

Keep leftover lobster wrapped tight in the fridge and try to eat it within two days for the freshest taste.

Ingredient Swaps

Try swapping coleslaw for a fresh cucumber salad with dill for a lighter twist Trade the baguette for garlic butter toasted bread for a richer flavor Toss some fresh herbs like thyme or tarragon into the melted butter to boost the taste a bit

Great Pairings

Enjoy this with a chilled dry Champagne or Sauvignon Blanc to match the lobster’s sweetness A simple lemon vinaigrette garden salad keeps things light and fresh Roasted asparagus or grilled corn are tasty seasonal veggies that go really well here

Where It Comes From

This dish comes from classic lobster boils down in New England where simple fresh ingredients shine. Serving lobster with drawn butter and lemon is a beloved coastal tradition. Eating lobster like this connects you to seaside spots that treasure fresh local seafood.

A plate of lobster with lemon and butter.
A plate of lobster with lemon and butter. | chefsnaps.com

Getting lobster on the table doesn’t have to be tricky. This way makes fancy seafood feel relaxed and easy. Let those flavors do the talking and enjoy sharing a classic everyone loves.

Frequently Asked Cooking Questions

→ How can I tell lobster’s done right?

Boil lobsters about 10 to 12 minutes; their shells turn bright red and meat gets firm and not see-through.

→ What’s a good way to serve lobster halves?

Slice lobsters lengthwise and lay them on a dish so it’s easy to grab the meat, and then add lemon wedges and melted butter on the side.

→ Why do we add salt to boiling water?

Salt flavors the water which boosts the lobster’s taste and keeps the meat firm while cooking.

→ What sides go well with lobster?

Coleslaw gives a fresh, tangy crunch and baguette slices help soak up the butter and juices.

→ What tools help with cooking and serving lobster?

Grab tongs to handle hot lobsters, a sharp knife to split them, and a big platter to show them off.

Lobster Easy Platter

Soft lobster halves with lemon butter, crunchy coleslaw, and baguette make a fancy main dish.

Preparation Duration
10 minutes
Time to Cook
12 minutes
Overall Time
22 minutes
Recipe Created By: Dana

Type of Recipe: Lunch

Cooking Skill Level: Simple for Beginners

Cuisine Style: Seafood

Serving Amount: 4 Number of Servings (Feeds 2 to 4 folks)

Dietary Options: ~

Ingredients You'll Need

→ Seafood

01 Two fresh lobsters

→ Sides

02 Slice baguette into pieces
03 Melt 4 tablespoons butter
04 Cut one lemon into wedges
05 One cup coleslaw

Detailed Preparation Steps

Step 01

Lay lobster halves out with the meat side up on a platter. Bring out the lemon, melted butter, coleslaw, and bread right away.

Step 02

Take a sharp knife and slice each lobster down the middle lengthwise so you can see the meat inside.

Step 03

After boiling, take the lobsters out and give them a few minutes to cool so you can handle them safely.

Step 04

Fill a big pot with salted water and get it boiling hard. Gently drop the lobsters in. Cook for about 10 to 12 minutes until they’re done.

Helpful Tips

  1. Make sure lobsters are fully dropped in bubbling water so they cook evenly.

Essential Kitchen Tools

  • Big pot
  • Tongs
  • Sharp knife
  • Board for cutting
  • Plate for serving

Allergy Information

Always check labels for allergens and reach out to a healthcare expert if unsure.
  • Has shellfish, so skip if you’re allergic.

Nutrition Information (Per Portion)

Nutrition facts are provided for reference and don’t replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 450
  • Fat Content: ~
  • Carbohydrate Amount: ~
  • Protein Content: ~