Butter lobster risotto is perfect as a romantic meal for two, or when you’ve got guests over for dinner. It’s not every day that we have lobster for dinner (as much as I would love to!). So whenever we do get this delicious ingredient, I want to make it count. I’ve previously shared how to perfectly cook lobster, and I also love making things like lobster rolls, lobster bisque, lobster pasta, or even just steamed lobster with a side of butter, because why not? When it comes to lobster, it’s a one man (crustacean?) show, and you don’t need much else for a spectacular meal. Having said that, you can usually find a good price for lobster (especially lobster tail), during certain times of the year like Valentine’s day (which is just around the corner), or Christmas. And when an occasion like that comes calling, the one dish that I love to make is Butter Lobster Risotto! Simple, elegant, flavorful and impressive, lobster risotto is perfect for a romantic meal for two, or even when you’ve got guests over for dinner. This is one dish where the delicious lobster flavor is fully utilized, and it’s studded with buttery lobster chunks that have been poached in butter (because who can say no to extra flavor?). Plus, it’s a super comforting dish, especially in winter. Risotto usually gets a bad rap for being difficult to make. Yes, it’s a bit time consuming, but it’s actually really easy to make, and absolutely worth your time. Plus, I love using leftovers to make arancini, or serve it for breakfast with a poached egg on top.
Why this butter lobster risotto is just so flavorful!
Instead of making risotto with chicken stock, I added the lobster tail shells into the stock and simmered it for about an hour to add more flavor. This way, you’re getting the most out of your lobster tails (or whole lobster), and not throwing out anything. An easier option however is to mix 1/2 chicken stock, along with 1/2 lobster stock (or clam stock) that you can buy in some supermarkets. The lobster tail (or even whole lobster) is poached in butter, and then chopped into large chunks, before being folded into the risotto. An easier option is to steam the lobster until fully cooked, chop the lobster meat into large chunks and then toss them in some butter instead. I also love adding some cognac to the risotto too! You can substitute with brandy or a dry white wine instead as well. Or just leave it out and add some extra stock, if you prefer to not use alcohol. I serve this lobster dinner dish with a drizzle of brown butter, which I mix with a little butter from the lobster poached butter, so that you get a double dose of lobster flavor, along with the nutty, toasty flavor of brown butter! Perfectly complements the creamy, cheesy risotto!
You can make this lobster risotto ahead of time. However, when you’re ready to reheat it, add a little extra liquid to the risotto so that it doesn’t dry out while being reheated. And if you can, keep the lobster separate, and fold it into the risotto just before serving. This way, you prevent the lobster from over-cooking when you’re reheating the risotto.
Side dish options for this butter lobster risotto
You don’t really need any side dishes for this lobster dinner, because it’s very filling, but if you do have some deep gullets to fill in your family, I would recommend,
Steamed asparagus tossed in a little butter and lemon juice, A simple side salad with a simple vinaigrette, Cherry tomatoes cut in half and tossed in a simple vinaigrette.
Since the lobster risotto is quite a decadent meal, keep the side dishes light and fresh. But, I’d never say no to a delicious cocktail or drink to go with this dish though!
Drinks that pair well with butter lobster risotto
I shared a comprehensive post about preparing lobster a couple of weeks ago, and there I talked about beverages that pair well with lobster. Those drink options apply to this lobster risotto as well.
A buttery chardonnay with fruity notes, A dry white wine like a sauvignon blanc, with fruity notes, A fruity sparkling wine (white or rose), A fresh cocktail with citrus (not super sweet cocktails), like a classic old fashioned, margarita, mojito, gin and tonic, etc.
I guarantee you’re going to love this special occasion lobster dinner dish! Yes, it takes a little bit of time to prepare, but this lobster risotto is the star and the whole show, and you don’t really need to worry about any side dishes to go with it. Plus, you’re using the lobster meat as well as the shells to add flavor to the risotto, so you’re making good use of every part of this lobster tail for this recipe. More bang for your buck, and a memorable meal for the memorable people in your life! 🙂 If you liked this butter lobster risotto recipe, don’t forget to subscribe for new (and free) recipes by entering your email address in the subscription box below the recipe card (and get all these recipes delivered straight to your inbox), so you don’t miss out on a thing. You can find me on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, PINTEREST, YOU TUBE and GOOGLE-PLUS too.
Other recipes you may like,
How to cook Lobster perfectly Salt & Pepper Shrimps Garlic Lime Shrimp Rice Noodle Bowls
EQUIPMENT & TOOLS I USED FOR THIS RECIPE
Heavy duty scissors & Lobster crackers – This set is great for cooking and disassembling lobster for the flesh Silicone spatula to stir the risotto
