Lobster season has officially begun in Gaspésie! This iconic Quebec crustacean is the star of our springtime tables, and rightly so.
To highlight its delicate, sweet flesh, there’s nothing like simple, flavourful sides and thoughtfully chosen local wines.
Here’s how to make the most of Gaspé lobster using fresh, regional products.
Side Dishes for Gaspesian Lobster
When serving a whole lobster, remember — the crustacean is the main event!
Its meat is flavourful enough that it doesn’t need much fuss. The key is keeping things simple.
Citrus, Olive Oil & Sea Salt : Simple and refreshing. Drizzle lobster with fresh lemon or lime juice mixed with olive oil, then finish with a sprinkle of sea salt to bring out the flavour.
Garlic Flower Butter with Sea Salt: A delicate twist on classic garlic butter. Melt butter with finely chopped garlic scapes and a pinch of salt — the perfect companion without overpowering the lobster.
Green Salad : Keep it light with a crisp green salad dressed in a lemon-herb vinaigrette, like this dill and lemon version or even a seaweed salad for something different.
Pilaf or White Rice : Rice soaks up every drop of buttery goodness. Serve it plain or with fresh herbs to enhance without stealing the show.
Couscous : Quick and easy, couscous is an excellent neutral base. Add citrus zest or fresh herbs for extra flair.
Grilled Vegetables (eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, asparagus) : Grilled on the BBQ or in the oven, these colourful veggies add texture and a subtle bitterness that contrasts beautifully with sweet lobster meat.
Stuffed or Potato Salad : Choose between herb-stuffed baked potatoes or a zesty mustard potato salad with capers. Both pair wonderfully with lobster.
You can also serve it as an Asian-style lobster salad.
To find out how to cook lobster, cut it thermidor-style and shell it, see our article Lobster: how to cook, shell and prepare it.
Lobster from Gaspésie and Quebec wine, a perfect match
Not sure which one to choose?
A crisp white wine — think Vidal or Seyval Blanc — offers bright acidity and fruity notes that complement the sweet lobster meat.
A sparkling wine is another great choice. The bubbles cleanse the palate and enhance the richness of the dish.
Looking for something fresh and unexpected? Go with a dry rosé from Quebec — perfect for chilled or salad-style lobster.
Les Vents d’Ange Cuvée Catherine
This white wine seduces with its notes of grilled peaches and white flowers. Serve chilled with lobster. It also goes very well with dishes with lemony notes. Available at the SAQ
La Halte des Pèlerins Le Voyageur
This fruity, semi-sweet wine, with its aromas of tropical fruit, mango and pineapple, is a wonderful discovery. Served with grilled lobster, garlic butter and lemon, it was perfect.
Then, tasted on its own to finish the meal, its sweeter notes became more prominent. Delicious! Available at the SAQ
Vignoble Rivière du Chêne William
This white wine, with its tropical fruit, pear and citrus notes, is another must for lobster and other shellfish. Available at the SAQ
Léon Courville Vigneron Cuvée Détente
This dry rosé, with its aromas of red berries and herbaceous notes, is ideal served chilled to accompany grilled lobster, served as a salad or in a guédille. Available at SAQ
Cheers!
Practical Tips
Serving temperature: Serve lobster hot with warm sides for a harmonious meal.
Prep ahead: Grilled vegetables and salads can be made ahead to simplify things at dinnertime.
Presentation: Arrange your lobster over a bed of greens or veggies for an elegant, restaurant-worthy plate.
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Marie-Noël Ouimet is a writer and content creator specializing in gastronomy, wine, and travel. She is the founder of the digital magazine Urbaine City, where for over 10 years she has been highlighting the pleasures of the table and the destinations that bring them to life. She also holds the WSET Level 3 certification in wines and spirits.