Ingredients
Seafood
- 8 ounces raw lobster tail meat or 8 oz pre-cooked lobster meat
Butter and Aromatics
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 1 large shallot, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves plus extra for garnish
Risotto
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 4 cups lobster or seafood stock, warmed
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving (optional)
Seasoning and Garnish
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Lemon wedge, optional for serving
Instructions
- Butter Poach the Lobster: For raw lobster, melt ¼ cup butter over medium-low heat in a large skillet or braiser. Add shelled raw lobster meat and gently poach for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through. Remove lobster and chop into bite-sized pieces. For precooked lobster, melt ¼ cup butter over low heat, add lobster meat and warm for 2-3 minutes, then chop if needed.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet with the lobster butter, add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Sauté finely chopped shallot, minced garlic, and thyme leaves with a pinch of salt over medium heat until shallots are translucent and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Toast the Rice: Add Arborio rice to the skillet, stirring to coat the grains with butter and aromatics. Toast the rice until edges become translucent, about 2 minutes.
- Deglaze with Wine: Stir in the dry white wine and let it simmer until the wine is fully absorbed by the rice.
- Add Stock Gradually: Begin adding the warm lobster or seafood stock one ladle at a time, stirring constantly. Wait until each ladle is almost fully absorbed before adding the next. Continue until rice is creamy and al dente, about 18-20 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as you go.
- Finish with Lobster and Cheese: Stir in the chopped lobster meat, fresh thyme leaves, and grated Parmesan cheese if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 2-3 minutes more until lobster is warmed through and cheese is melted.
- Serve: Spoon risotto onto plates, garnish with extra thyme leaves, Parmesan cheese, and optional lobster claws or lemon wedges for a bright finish.
Notes
- This recipe serves 4 generous side servings or 2 generous main course servings.
- To reduce cook time, prepare lobster and risotto in separate pans, starting lobster later as it cooks faster.
- Stir frequently during risotto cooking to achieve creamy texture and prevent sticking.
- Season gradually as you cook to layer and enhance flavors.
- Always add warm broth slowly to maintain consistent cooking temperature and flavor absorption.
- Use a dry white wine that you enjoy drinking, as its flavor concentrates in the dish.
- A little squeeze of fresh lemon and extra thyme before serving brightens the dish beautifully.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian