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Lemon Butter Lobster Risotto Recipe

Lemon Butter Lobster Risotto Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 24 reviews

Lemon Butter Lobster Risotto is an elegant and comforting dish that combines tender, buttery lobster with creamy Arborio rice, brightened by fresh lemon juice, zest, and Parmesan cheese. This luxurious meal offers a perfect balance of richness, texture, and zing, making it ideal for special occasions or a decadent date night. The key to its signature creamy texture is slowly adding warm broth to the rice while stirring continuously, allowing for the release of starch to create a velvety consistency. The lobster is infused with lemon butter and garlic to complement the dish’s richness with a sweet, citrusy contrast.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Lobster:

  • 2 lobster tails (about 6 ounces each), cooked and chopped
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Risotto:

  • 1 ½ cups Arborio rice
  • 4 cups seafood or chicken broth, warmed
  • ½ cup dry white wine (optional, can substitute with broth)
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (plus more for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Lobster: If using fresh lobster tails, bring a pot of salted water to a gentle boil and cook the lobsters for 5-7 minutes until the shells turn bright red. Remove and let cool slightly, then extract the meat and chop into bite-sized pieces. In a small pan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter, add minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper, and stir for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add lobster meat and sauté for 2-3 minutes until lightly golden and infused with flavor. Remove from heat and set aside.
  2. Start the Risotto Base: In a large skillet or heavy-bottomed pan, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Stir in Arborio rice and toast the grains for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until lightly toasted.
  3. Add the Liquids Gradually: Pour in the white wine or broth and stir until it is mostly absorbed, which adds depth of flavor. Begin adding the warm broth in ½ cup increments, stirring frequently and allowing each addition to be absorbed before adding the next. Continue this process for about 20 minutes until the rice is creamy and tender, but still slightly al dente.
  4. Finish the Risotto: Remove the pan from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese, remaining butter, lemon zest, and the sautéed lobster meat. Taste the risotto and adjust seasoning with additional salt, black pepper, or lemon juice as needed for balance.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Spoon the risotto onto individual plates or bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, extra lemon zest, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve immediately to enjoy the creamy, buttery, and citrusy flavors at their best.

Notes

  • Use warmed broth to maintain an even cooking temperature and prevent the risotto from becoming gummy.
  • If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it entirely with broth without affecting the creamy texture.
  • For best flavor, use fresh lemon zest and juice rather than bottled.
  • Maintain a gentle simmer when cooking lobster tails to avoid overcooking and tough meat.
  • Stir the risotto constantly but gently to encourage creamy starch release while preventing rice from sticking to the pan.
  • Adjust seasonings to taste at the end, as Parmesan cheese adds saltiness to the dish.
  • This recipe yields 4 servings, making it perfect for a small dinner party or family meal.

Nutrition

Keywords: Lemon Butter Lobster Risotto, lobster risotto, creamy risotto recipe, seafood risotto, lemon risotto, Arborio rice dish, gourmet risotto, easy risotto recipe

Find it online: https://thehungrymason.com/lemon-butter-lobster-risotto-recipe/