Name: Lemon Butter Lobster Risotto
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Seafood
Ingredients: 2 lobsters (or 1 lb lobster meat, if pre-cooked); 1 ½ cups Arborio rice; 2 lemons (zested and juiced); 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lemon Butter Lobster Risotto is the ideal meal for seafood lovers. The creamy risotto, perfectly cooked with tender lobster meat, is made even more delicious with the infusion of lemon butter. The combination of flavors creates a dish that is sophisticated yet simple to prepare, bringing restaurant-quality results right to your kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy meal at home, this risotto is sure to impress.

Ingredients

2 lobsters (or 1 lb lobster meat, if pre-cooked)
1 ½ cups Arborio rice
2 lemons (zested and juiced)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cups vegetable broth
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Lobster: If using live lobster, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lobsters and cook for 8-10 minutes until the shells turn bright red. Remove the lobster and place it in an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, extract the lobster meat from the claws and tail, discarding the shell. Chop the lobster into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
Heat the Broth: In a saucepan, heat the vegetable broth over low heat to keep it warm throughout the cooking process.
Prepare the Lemon Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over low heat. Add the zest of one lemon and a splash of lemon juice. Stir until combined, and set aside.
Cook the Risotto: In a large skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the Arborio rice, toasting the grains for 1-2 minutes until slightly translucent.
Add the Broth: Gradually add the warm vegetable broth to the rice, one ladleful at a time, stirring constantly. Wait until each addition of broth is absorbed before adding the next. Continue adding broth until the rice is creamy but still al dente, about 15-20 minutes.
Incorporate the Lobster: Once the risotto is cooked, gently fold in the lobster meat, followed by the lemon butter sauce. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and adjust the consistency with more broth if necessary. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve: Spoon the risotto into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour

Variations

Lobster Substitute: If you don’t have access to lobster, you can use other seafood like shrimp or scallops, or even a mixture of both for a seafood medley.
Vegan Option: For a vegan version, substitute the lobster with sautéed mushrooms or artichoke hearts and use plant-based butter and vegan Parmesan cheese.
Extra Zest: For even more citrus flavor, try adding lemon zest into the risotto during the cooking process or garnish with extra zest before serving.
Herb Variation: Swap the parsley for fresh basil or tarragon for a unique twist.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover risotto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat the risotto on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little extra broth to bring back its creamy consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.

FAQs

1. Can I use pre-cooked lobster meat?

Yes, you can substitute pre-cooked lobster meat for live lobster. Just be sure to chop it into bite-sized pieces and add it to the risotto at the end of cooking to prevent overcooking.

2. Can I make this dish without Arborio rice?

Arborio rice is the key to making creamy risotto, but if you don’t have it, you can try other short-grain rice like Carnaroli. However, the texture may differ.

3. Can I prepare the risotto ahead of time?

Risotto is best served fresh, as it can become overly thick and lose its creamy texture upon reheating. However, you can prep the lobster and broth in advance to save time.

4. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, risotto is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free broth and ensure no gluten-containing additives in the Parmesan cheese or other ingredients.

5. Can I make this dish with other seafood?

Absolutely! You can use shrimp, scallops, or a mix of seafood instead of lobster for a different flavor profile. Adjust the cooking times as necessary to prevent overcooking the seafood.

6. Can I use lemon juice from a bottle instead of fresh lemons?

Fresh lemon juice will give the dish a more vibrant, natural flavor, but you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch. Fresh zest, however, is highly recommended.

7. How do I make the risotto creamier?

For an extra creamy risotto, stir in more Parmesan cheese, or add a splash of heavy cream toward the end of the cooking process.

8. Can I freeze leftover risotto?

Risotto doesn’t freeze well, as it tends to lose its creamy texture when thawed. It’s best to enjoy it fresh or store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days.

9. Can I use a different type of broth?

Yes, vegetable broth is typically used in this recipe, but you can substitute chicken broth or even seafood broth for more depth of flavor.

10. What’s the best way to ensure the lobster doesn’t overcook?

Add the lobster meat to the risotto at the end of cooking, just after the rice has absorbed the broth. This way, the lobster heats through without becoming tough.

Conclusion

Lemon Butter Lobster Risotto is an elegant and indulgent dish that combines the delicate flavors of lobster with the creamy richness of risotto. The bright and refreshing lemon butter sauce elevates the entire dish, making it the perfect meal for special occasions or whenever you want to treat yourself. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is a guaranteed winner that will leave everyone at the table impressed.