Indulge in a rich and elegant risotto that masterfully blends the sweetness of lobster with the brightness of lemon, all nestled within a creamy, buttery Arborio rice. Perfect for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself or someone you love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Restaurant-style indulgence at home: With creamy texture and luscious flavors, this dish impresses without the fuss.
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Bright, fresh citrus twist: Lemon zest and juice add a clean, zesty contrast to the richness.
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Ultimate comfort food: Luxuriously creamy, buttery, and satisfying—true comfort in every spoonful.
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Balanced meal: Arborio rice and tender lobster combine protein and carbs in one elegant dish.
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Customizable richness: You can adjust the cream and lobster quantities to suit your preference.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Main Ingredients:
● 2 lobster tails, cooked & chopped
● 1½ cups Arborio rice
● 4 cups warm chicken or seafood broth
● ½ cup dry white wine
● ½ onion, finely chopped
● 3 cloves garlic, minced
● 2 tbsp butter
● 1 tbsp olive oil
● ¼ cup grated Parmesan
● Zest & juice of 1 lemon
● ¼ cup heavy cream (optional but enhances creaminess)
● Salt & pepper, to taste
● Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
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Cook the Lobster:
Boil or steam the lobster tails for 6–8 minutes until fully cooked. Remove the meat, roughly chop into bite-sized pieces, and reserve. -
Sauté the Base:
In a deep sauté pan, melt the butter together with olive oil over medium heat.
Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant. -
Toast the Rice:
Add the Arborio rice and stir for 1–2 minutes, until the edges become translucent.
Pour in the white wine, stirring until fully absorbed. -
Add Broth Gradually:
Start adding the warm broth one ladle at a time. Stir continuously, allowing each addition to absorb before adding the next.
Continue this process for approximately 18–20 minutes, until the rice is creamy and al dente. -
Finish it Off:
Reduce heat to low. Stir in grated Parmesan, lemon zest, lemon juice, diced lobster, and heavy cream (if using).
Warm through gently for 2–3 minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper. -
Serve & Shine:
Spoon the risotto into warm shallow bowls.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan or lemon zest if desired.
Serve immediately and enjoy the luxurious symphony of flavors.
Servings and timing
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Yield: Serves 4 generous portions
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Preparation time: 10 minutes
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Cook time: 25 minutes
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Total time: Approximately 35 minutes
Variations
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Shrimp or crab variation: Replace or supplement lobster with cooked shrimp or crab meat.
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Mushroom medley: Sauté finely chopped mushrooms with onions for added depth.
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Herb-infused: Stir in chopped thyme or chives for herbal brightness.
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Vegetarian twist: Substitute lobster with roasted vegetables and use vegetable broth.
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Cheese upgrade: Mix in mascarpone or ricotta in place of Parmesan for extra creaminess.
Storage/reheating
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Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
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Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess. Avoid microwaving to preserve texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen lobster tails?
Yes. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then proceed with cooking and chopping.
2. Can I substitute Arborio rice?
Arborio gives the best creaminess. You can use Carnaroli or Vialone Nano, but other rice varieties will change texture.
3. Is the wine necessary?
Wine adds depth and acidity, but you may substitute with additional warm broth if preferred.
4. How can I make this gluten-free?
Ensure your broth and Parmesan are certified gluten-free. Arborio rice itself is naturally gluten-free.
5. Can I skip adding cream?
Yes—omit the cream for a lighter risotto. It will still be rich from butter and cheese.
6. What sides complement this dish?
Serve with a crisp green salad, lemon-garlic asparagus, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
7. Can I prepare broth ahead of time?
Yes. Keep it warm on the stove or gently reheat before using during cooking.
8. How do I prevent it from becoming gummy?
Stir gently and begin tasting at 18 minutes to avoid overcooking the rice.
9. What if I run out of broth before risotto is done?
You may finish with warm water, but broth gives the best flavor.
10. Can I make this ahead and finish later?
Yes. Cook until just underdone, cool quickly, then chill. Reheat gently, stirring in broth or cream to return to creamy consistency.
Conclusion
This Lemon Butter Lobster Risotto brings the elegance of fine dining to your home kitchen. With succulent lobster, vibrant lemon, and luxuriously creamy rice, it’s a dish that impresses both on taste and presentation. Perfect for a special evening in—enjoy every rich, zesty spoonful.
[tasty-recipe id=”19340″]