Grains

Creamy Lobster Risotto

by:
March 19, 2010
4
1 Ratings
Creamy Lobster Risotto
  • Makes 2 main or 4 side servings
Author Notes

Though lobster is often best enjoyed simply boiled, there is something sumptuous about a creamy lobster risotto. That's because chewy Arborio rice is cooked to perfection in flavorful broth, dry white wine, and savory San Marzano tomatoes. Silky butter and aromatic fresh parsley only enhance the flavor of the succulent lobster meat. —Food Blogga

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • 1 1 1/4 pound live lobster
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons butter
  • 1 large shallot, finely diced
  • 3/4 cup Arborio rice
  • 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth, or as much as needed
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 1 (14-oz) can diced tomatoes with juices, preferably San Marzano tomatoes
  • 2-3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh flat-leaf Italian parsley
  • 1 tablespoon butter for finishing
  • salt, to taste
  • 2-3 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
Directions
  1. Heat broth in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Once it's hot, lower to a simmer.
  2. Bring a large pot (big enough to submerge the lobster completely) of salted water to a boil. To kill the lobster, hold a butcher knife over its head, about an inch behind its eyes; puncture and slice forward in one motion. Plunge the lobster head first into the boiling water for 7-8 minutes. The shell should be bright red, though the meat will finish cooking in the risotto. Remove the lobster from the pot, rinse, and allow to cool.
  3. To remove the meat, twist off the claws; crack them open with nut crackers, and extract the meat. Bend the lobster's body back from the tail until it cracks; remove it. Then push the tail meat out. Crack the lobster body open and break off the legs; use a skewer to push the meat out of the legs.
  4. For the risotto, saute the shallots in olive oil and butter. Add the Arborio rice; toast for 1 minute. Cook the risotto at a slow simmer, adding heated broth ½ cupful at a time. Most cookbooks will tell to stir continuously; I don’t, and you don't have to either. You can stir occasionally; just make sure the risotto absorbs the liquid before adding more. It will become tender and creamy as it cooks. Season will some salt about halfway through so it blends well, and add the white wine. Add the tomatoes with their juices. 4 cups of broth works for this recipe, but use more or less as desired. I prefer a soupier risotto for this recipe since it makes the lobster that much more tender. Add the lobster meat to the risotto, and cook 4-5 minutes.
  5. It takes about 20 minutes total for the risotto to become completely cooked. Taste it -- it should be wonderfully creamy and thick. It’s best al dente, which means it should still retain some firmness when you chew it. Season with salt and pepper. Remove risotto from heat, and add 1 tablespoon butter for added creaminess. Add fresh parsley, and stir well.
  6. Plate your risotto. Top it with a sprinkling of fresh parsley and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and serve immediately.
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10 Reviews

Laurie M.
Laurie M. January 1, 2018
I used homemade lobster stock from some frozen shells and the shells from the 4 tails that I used for this recipe. Also, cubed up the raw lobster tails, coated with olive oil, chopped garlic and salt, then sautéed separately, very quickly on high heat. Added to the risotto and the very end with last bit of butter. The dish was a hit for our NYE dinner! Will certainly be making again.
 
Laurie M.
Laurie M. January 3, 2018
Also used chives instead of parsley
 
Lisa
Lisa February 12, 2017
Was surprised how well the tomatoes complemented the lobster... very tasty! Only thing I changed was using half the amount of tomatoes because it was a lot of liquid for this dish. Otherwise, delicious!!!
 
Abby T.
Abby T. August 11, 2016
Just had this for dinner - amazing. My only subs were chicken broth for veggie broth, and I left out the tomatoes - and added shaved smoked truffle gouda. Heavenly!
 
TheWimpyVegetarian
TheWimpyVegetarian March 20, 2010
This looks fantastic! I'll admit I was always a bit squeamish in school about killing the lobster, but the technique you describe was taught to us as being the quickest and best.
 
Food B.
Food B. March 20, 2010
I started doing it this way after reading a good article about how it's a humane way to kill a lobster. It really is fast and easy.
 
lastnightsdinner
lastnightsdinner March 20, 2010
Now *that's* how you do risotto. Gorgeous.
 
Food B.
Food B. March 20, 2010
Oh, thanks!
 
mrslarkin
mrslarkin March 19, 2010
Love it! Two of my favorite meals rolled into one!
 
Food B.
Food B. March 20, 2010
I hear you! Thanks!