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French Lobster Thermidor

Gourmet French Lobster Thermidor for Special Occasions

Discover the luxurious French Lobster Thermidor, a rich and creamy seafood dish perfect for special occasions.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: French
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

For the Lobster Filling
  • 4 lobsters Live Lobsters The star of the dish; fresher is always better.
  • 4 tablespoons Butter Use unsalted to control the seasoning.
  • 2 medium Shallots Finely chopped; can be swapped for onions.
  • 1 cup Mushrooms Opt for cremini or button mushrooms.
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup White Wine A dry white wine adds essential acidity.
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Key to achieving that rich, velvety sauce.
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika Imparts warmth and depth.
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese Offers a deliciously nutty flavor.
  • Salt Adjust to taste.
  • Pepper Adjust to taste.
Optional Ingredients
  • 1 bunch Fresh Herbs e.g., tarragon or chives for flavor enhancement.
  • 1 loaf Crusty Bread Perfect for serving alongside.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • skillet
  • baking sheet
  • tongs

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the live lobsters and cook them for 8-10 minutes until their shells turn bright red. Once cooked, use tongs to transfer them to a bowl of ice water to cool. After a few minutes, crack open the lobster shells and extract the meat, setting it aside.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt four tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add finely chopped shallots and sauté for about 2 minutes until translucent. Stir in sliced mushrooms and continue cooking for 3-4 minutes until tender.
  3. Pour in one cup of dry white wine and let it simmer for around 3-4 minutes. After reduction, lower the heat and stir in one cup of heavy cream, mixing well until the sauce thickens slightly in approximately 3 minutes.
  4. Chop the cooled lobster meat into bite-sized pieces and fold it into the creamy sauce. Sprinkle in one teaspoon of paprika and half of the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring to combine thoroughly. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
  5. Preheat your broiler on high. Spoon the lobster filling back into the cleaned lobster shells, dividing the mixture evenly. Top each filled shell with the remaining grated Parmesan cheese. Place them on a baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes, watching closely until the cheese is golden brown.
  6. Let your French Lobster Thermidor Delight cool for a minute before serving. Arrange the lobster-filled shells on a platter and pair with a light Caesar salad or crusty bread to complement the richness of the dish.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 30gFat: 50gSaturated Fat: 25gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 350mgSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Always choose live lobsters for the richest flavor. Adjust seasoning to your taste preferences.

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