Just to clarify...
How do you all feel about clarified unsalted butter v. melted salted butter? I went to Chops Lobster Bar last night with my husband for a "special treat" dinner and we had stuffed Lobster, which was served with a pretty little chafing ramekin of clarified butter. Now, I'm a huge Lobster lover, growing up in NE...and have eaten my fair share, served in every way possible. I've always loved a good boiled lobster with plain old melted salted butter the best. For me, the milk solids and salt in the plain ol'butter pairs best with the delicate flavor of the lobster. I have to say, my $45 lobster fest last night was, at best, "Meh"...due in large part I believe to the sad absence of that simple melted butter. The clarified butter had NO FLAVOR whatsoever...sure, it looked all pretty and golden in that little ramekin, but it was flavorless oil to me. A big disappointment. I almost was tempted to just ask for some melted regular butter. But didn't. I regret not doing so.
Now, maybe I'm in the minority here....I know "clarified" butter is fancier and perhaps more pleasing to the eye...but for me it lacks passion and flavor...I have to admit loving the milk solids and salt in my melted butter.
Who's with me?
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13 Comments:
I am, but I do allow the milk solids to settle to the bottom in each ramekin before serving. I feel that is the best of two worlds, as it leaves a "clarified" liquid for those who want, yet can be stirred up for those like me who prefer a more flavored condiment with their seafood.
Gator Pam at 8:04AM on 09/01/09
Totally agree. I'm from Maine, and with the lobster being sweet, I believe salted butter pairs better with it. Solids and all!
kmgagne at 10:06AM on 09/01/09
I'm with you--salted and solids=more butter flavor
Lilla at 10:15AM on 09/01/09
definitely. never found the appeal of clarified butter.
gastronomeg at 10:16AM on 09/01/09
I'm with you all!
BananaMonkey at 10:22AM on 09/01/09
absolutely with you on this one. clarified butter tastes like air.
laurelie at 11:39AM on 09/01/09
I'm in your camp, too. Clarified butter seems to upset my stomach. Is that even possible? Regardless, I agree that regular butter would be divine on lobster and I'd probably order it more often if I knew I could get it.
AuntJone at 12:35PM on 09/01/09
Yup, gotta have that salt flavor with lobster. I prefer crab legs, but always with melted salted butter.
soozm32 at 1:50PM on 09/01/09
@AuntJone ~ That's a bummer about clarified butter upsetting your stomach! Does ghee have the same effect on you?
Gator Pam at 4:21PM on 09/01/09
i've even been known to sprinkle a little salt in the clarified unsalted. totally meh.
dmarina at 10:03PM on 09/01/09
I'm with you too! Melted salted butter is much better in this case, no doubt.
alosha7777 at 12:16AM on 09/02/09
even better is when the milk solids in the regular butter are allowed to brown a bit. gives it a whole new depth of flavor.
cybercita at 10:20AM on 09/02/09
Seems I am not in the minority, after all. I wonder why, then, fancy-schmancy chefs continue to serve the "meh" clarified alongside lobster? I so should have sent it back!
juliebugsmama at 11:45AM on 09/02/09