Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creamy Lobster Risotto is a luxurious and rich dish that brings together tender lobster meat and the comforting, creamy texture of risotto. The perfect balance of seafood and creamy rice makes this recipe a standout for special occasions or when you want to indulge in something truly special. It’s a sophisticated yet easy-to-make meal that elevates any dinner.
Ingredients
- Arborio rice
- Lobster tails (or pre-cooked lobster meat)
- Unsalted butter
- Olive oil
- Onion (finely chopped)
- Garlic (minced)
- Dry white wine
- Chicken or seafood broth
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until soft and fragrant.
- Add the Arborio rice to the pot and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to toast the rice slightly.
- Pour in the white wine, stirring until the liquid is mostly absorbed by the rice.
- Begin adding the broth, one ladle at a time, stirring frequently and allowing the liquid to be absorbed before adding more. Continue this process until the rice is tender and creamy, about 18-20 minutes.
- While the risotto is cooking, cook the lobster tails in a separate pan with a bit of butter and olive oil until fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes). Once cooked, remove the meat from the shells and chop it into bite-sized pieces.
- Once the risotto is ready, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Gently fold in the cooked lobster meat and allow it to warm through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields about 4 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a refreshing citrus zing.
- Incorporate other shellfish like shrimp or scallops for a mixed seafood risotto.
- Use a combination of different cheeses like Asiago or Pecorino for added flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover Lobster Risotto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to restore the creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen lobster?
Yes, frozen lobster works fine. Just be sure to thaw it properly before cooking.
Is there a substitute for Arborio rice?
You can use Carnaroli rice or even another short-grain rice, though Arborio is ideal for risotto.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Risotto is best served fresh, but you can prepare the risotto base ahead of time and add the lobster just before serving.
What wine should I use?
A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay works best in this recipe.
Can I use a different type of seafood?
Yes, you can substitute lobster with shrimp, crab, or scallops.
Conclusion
Creamy Lobster Risotto combines the elegance of lobster with the richness of risotto for a dish that’s both comforting and indulgent. Perfect for a romantic dinner or a special celebration, this recipe is sure to impress with its smooth texture and deep flavors.
PrintCreamy Lobster Risotto
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A rich and flavorful creamy risotto with tender lobster chunks, perfect for special occasions or an indulgent meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lobster tails, cooked and chopped
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 4 cups seafood or chicken stock
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant (about 3 minutes).
- Add the Arborio rice to the pan, stirring to coat the rice with the oil and butter, and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in the white wine, stirring constantly until it has mostly absorbed into the rice.
- Gradually add the warm stock, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring frequently. Wait until most of the liquid is absorbed before adding more stock.
- Once the rice is tender and creamy (about 18-20 minutes), stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and lobster meat. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the lobster is heated through.
- Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste. Remove from heat.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half.
- Make sure to use freshly cooked lobster for the best flavor and texture.
- Stir the risotto frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan and to achieve the creamy texture.