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Lobster Thermidor – Classic French Seafood Dish

Lobster Thermidor served in shells with a golden cheesy crust.

This Lobster Thermidor recipe features tender lobster meat in a rich, creamy mustard sauce with Parmesan and Gruyère, baked to golden perfection inside the shell. A gourmet French classic perfect for special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Lobster:

  • 2 whole lobsters (1 ½ to 2 pounds each)
  • Water and salt (for boiling or steaming)

Thermidor Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 small shallot, finely minced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup dry white wine
  • ¼ cup brandy or cognac
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • ½ cup Gruyère cheese, grated

Final Topping:

  • ¼ cup breadcrumbs (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the Lobster:

    • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
    • Submerge the lobsters and cook for 8-10 minutes until bright red.
    • Transfer to an ice bath, then remove meat from the claws, tail, and knuckles. Reserve shells for stuffing.
  2. Prepare the Thermidor Sauce:

    • Melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Sauté shallots and garlic until soft.
    • Add white wine and brandy, then simmer until reduced by half.
    • Stir in heavy cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
    • In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks. Gradually add a spoonful of the warm sauce to temper, then mix back into the pan.
    • Cook until thickened, then stir in chopped lobster meat.
  3. Assemble the Lobster:

    • Preheat the broiler to high.
    • Fill the reserved shells with the lobster Thermidor mixture.
    • Sprinkle Parmesan and Gruyère cheese on top. Add breadcrumbs for crispiness (optional).
  4. Broil to Perfection:

    • Place the stuffed lobsters on a baking sheet.
    • Broil for 3-5 minutes until golden and bubbly.
    • Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Pro Tip: Steaming instead of boiling the lobster enhances its natural sweetness.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
  • Reheating: Warm in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 10 minutes; avoid the microwave to prevent rubbery lobster.

 

  • Common Mistakes to Avoid: Overcooking the lobster, curdling the sauce by adding egg yolks too quickly, and using too much cheese, which can overpower the delicate seafood flavor.
  • Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on ingredients used, portion sizes, and cooking methods.

Nutrition

Keywords: lobster thermidor, classic lobster recipe, French lobster dish, creamy lobster, seafood dinner, gourmet lobster recipe