Best 8 Lobster Tails Thermidor Recipes

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Lobster tails thermidor is a classic French dish that is perfect for a special occasion. It is made with lobster tails that are poached in butter and then stuffed with a rich and creamy sauce made with egg yolks, butter, cream, and cheese. The lobster tails are then baked until the sauce is bubbly and the lobster is cooked through.

This recipe includes two different ways to make lobster tails thermidor. The first method is the traditional way, which uses a béchamel sauce. The second method uses a velouté sauce, which is a lighter and more delicate sauce. Both methods are delicious, so you can choose the one that you prefer.

In addition to the two main recipes, this article also includes a recipe for a lobster Thermidor sauce. This sauce can be used to serve with lobster tails, or it can be used as a dipping sauce for other seafood dishes.

No matter how you choose to make it, lobster tails thermidor is a surefire way to impress your guests. It is a delicious and elegant dish that is perfect for any special occasion.

Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!

LOBSTER THERMIDOR



Lobster Thermidor image

This stunning lobster dish is surprisingly simple to make. Lobster shells are stuffed with cooked lobster in a creamy white wine sauce, then topped with Parmesan cheese and broiled until golden.

Provided by EXCELUK

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     French

Time 40m

Yield 2

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 medium (1 1/2 pound) cooked lobster
2 tablespoons butter
1 shallot, finely chopped
1 ⅜ cups fresh fish stock
¼ cup white wine
¼ cup double cream
½ teaspoon hot English mustard
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Cut the lobster in half lengthwise, and remove the meat from the claws and tail. Leave to one side. Remove any meat from the head and set aside. Cut the meat up into pieces and place back into the shell.
  • Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shallot; cook and stir until tender. Mix in the fish stock, white wine and double cream. Bring to a boil, and cook until reduced by half. Mix in the mustard, lemon juice, parsley, salt and pepper.
  • Preheat your oven's broiler.
  • Place the lobster halves on a broiling pan or baking sheet, and spoon the sauce over the lobster meat in the shell. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top.
  • Broil for 3 to 4 minutes, just until golden brown. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 653 calories, Carbohydrate 13.5 g, Cholesterol 322.9 mg, Fat 28 g, Fiber 0.4 g, Protein 76.7 g, SaturatedFat 16 g, Sodium 2059.6 mg, Sugar 3.7 g

LOBSTER THERMIDOR



Lobster Thermidor image

There are at least two schools of thought when it comes to lobster thermidor. One insists on a béchamel base; the other employs an egg-yolk sauce, a loose savory custard of sorts. I think béchamel is wonderful in dishes like lasagna. In lobster thermidor, though, I like a lighter, more flavorful sauce that complements rather than overwhelms the shellfish. Note that you could use brandy or cognac instead of sherry, if you like.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 50m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 cooked lobsters (1 1/2 pounds each)
3/4 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder
1/4 teaspoon paprika
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons off-dry sherry, such as amontillado or oloroso
2 large egg yolks
1/2 teaspoon finely chopped fresh tarragon
1/2 cup grated Gruyere (about 1 1/4 ounces)

Steps:

  • Set the lobsters back-side up on a cutting board. Remove the claws, then cut each lobster in half beginning at the top of the head and cutting all the way to the tail. Remove the tail meat gently and clear and discard the innards from the head, taking care to keep the head and legs intact. Crack each claw and remove the meat. Cut the reserved lobster meat into 1/2-inch pieces.
  • Heat the cream in a small saucepan over low heat until warm; keep warm.
  • Position an oven rack 6 inches from the broiler and preheat the broiler.
  • Heat the butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat until the butter melts and any foam disappears. Add the lobster pieces, mustard powder, paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper and reduce the heat to low. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add 1 tablespoon of the sherry and 1/4 cup of the warm cream and simmer until the cream is reduced by about half, about 5 minutes.
  • Whisk together the egg yolks and remaining tablespoon of sherry in a small bowl. Slowly whisk in the remaining 1/2 cup warm cream to the bowl with the yolk mixture, then transfer the mixture to the same saucepan that held the cream. Cook over very low heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly like loose pudding and coats the back of a spoon, 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 minutes. Stir in the tarragon, then add this mixture to the lobster mixture. Stir to combine.
  • Arrange the lobster shells with their cut sides up on a baking sheet. Spoon the lobster mixture into the shells. Top with the Gruyere. Broil the lobsters until the filling is golden brown, about 5 minutes. Serve with any extra sauce on the side.

LOBSTER THERMIDOR



Lobster Thermidor image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 6h45m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 44

2 pounds unsalted butter
4 (1 1/2-pound) poached Maine lobsters, tail and claw meat removed (reserve bodies for Thermidor Sauce)
4 (6-ounce) filet mignons
1/2 cup olive oil, divided
4 teaspoons cracked black pepper
4 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
Kosher salt
4 teaspoons chopped garlic
4 cups blanched baby spinach, all liquid squeezed out
4 Potato Cakes, recipe follows
8 ounces Thermidor Sauce, recipe follows
Spaetzle, recipe follows
4 Yukon gold potatoes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
1 stick butter
1 white onion, chopped into 1/4-inch dice
Olive oil, for sauteing
3 lobster bodies, cleaned of gills
1 onion, cut into medium dice
1 carrot, cut into medium dice
1 celery stalk, cut into medium dice
1/2 cup medium-diced shallots
8 garlic cloves, lightly smashed
1/2 stick butter, plus 1 stick, cut into tablespoons for sauce
2 cups brandy
6 cups white wine
2 sprigs fresh tarragon
2 bay leaves
1/4 bunch fresh parsley
2 sprigs fresh thyme
1/8 bunch fresh basil
4 cups chicken stock
1/2 cup tomato paste
1 cup heavy cream
1 egg
3 egg yolks
3/4 cup milk
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg
1 tablespoon each kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup melted butter
1 teaspoon olive oil

Steps:

  • Place a medium saucepan on a burner and add 2 cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and slowly whisk in all of the butter. Hold warm until ready to heat lobsters.
  • Marinate filets in 1/4 cup olive oil, cracked black pepper, and thyme for 1 hour at room temperature.
  • Preheat a grill. Season filets with kosher salt and grill to desired temperature. Remove from grill and allow to rest for 4 minutes before serving.
  • While meat is coking, reheat the melted butter if needed. While meat is resting, place the lobster tails and claws in the butter and heat until warmed all the way through, about 3 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, heat remaining 1/4 cup olive oil in a saute pan over medium heat. Add chopped garlic and blanched baby spinach and saute until heated through.
  • For each dish, place a potato cake in the center of a plate, top with sauteed spinach, and a lobster tail. Thinly slice the filet into 6 slices and fan the filet out in front of the potato and spinach. Top with the lobster claw and pour sauce around the plate. Serve spaetzle as a side dish.
  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  • In a baking dish, toss the whole potatoes with the olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast until mostly cooked through. Remove from oven and cool. Peel potatoes and grate. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
  • Melt the butter in a saute pan over medium heat. Saute the onion until tender. Add the cooked onion to the grated potato mixture. Form into 4 patties, place on a cookie sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator.
  • Heat about 1/4 cup of olive oil in a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Add potato cakes and saute until golden brown on both sides and heated through, about 2 minutes on each side. Drain on paper towels.
  • Preheat oven to 500 degrees F. Place lobster heads on a sheet tray and roast until slightly browned, approximately 15 to 20 minutes. In the meantime, sweat onion, carrot, celery, shallots, and garlic in 1/2 stick of butter in a large saucepan. Add brandy and reduce until almost dry. Add white wine and reduce. Add tarragon, bay leaves, parsley, thyme, basil, chicken stock, tomato paste, and roasted lobster heads. Bring to a boil and simmer for 2 hours, skimming periodically. Strain through a chinois, return to the pan, and reduce by half until the sauce starts to thicken, approximately 30 minutes. In the meantime, reduce heavy cream by half in a small saucepan. Whisk in the heavy cream and finish sauce by slowly adding the remaining 1/2 stick of butter, 1 tablespoon at time. Keep warm until ready to serve.
  • Beat egg, yolks, and milk in bowl and set aside. Measure all dry ingredients and place in bowl. Add egg mixture to flour mixture and blend with hand, then add the melted butter. Let batter rest for 30 minutes.
  • Bring a large pot of boiling, salted water to a boil. Place a perforated hotel pan over the boiling water. Pour the batter into the perforated pan and press it through into the water. Cook until spaetzle rises to the top. Drain and shock in ice water. Drain again and toss with the oil. Serve as a side with the lobster.

LOBSTER THERMIDOR



Lobster Thermidor image

The basis for Thermidor sauce is a traditional French bechamel, which is composed of a light roux with milk added to make a creamy sauce. This one is thicker than usual as it is used to make a filling. We suggest you make additional room for the Thermidor stuffing by pulling the crawlers or front legs from the head region of the lobster shells. Make sure you keep the tail and head portions of the shell intact while removing the meat, as the large half shells make an impressive presentation when stuffed.

Provided by Food Network

Categories     appetizer

Time 57m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 21

2 lemons, halved
1 onion, quartered
1 Bouquet Garni, recipe follows*
2 (1 1/2 to 1 3/4-pound) live Maine lobsters
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons minced shallots
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons cognac or brandy
3/4 cup milk
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 teaspoon salt, plus 1/8 teaspoon
1/8 teaspoon ground white pepper
1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan, plus 2 tablespoons
1 tablespoon dry mustard powder
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh tarragon leaves
2 teaspoons finely chopped parsley, plus additional for garnish
1 bay leaf
1 small sprig fresh thyme
3 sprigs fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and set aside.
  • Bring a pot of salted water containing the lemons, quartered onion, and bouquet garni to a boil. Add the lobsters and cook until red and firm, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer the lobsters to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
  • When the lobsters are cool enough to handle, cut in half lengthwise with a heavy sharp knife and carefully extract the tail meat. Remove the large claws from the body and gently crack with the back of a heavy knife to extract the meat. Gently pull the front legs from the shell and discard. Dice the tail meat and claw meat and set aside.
  • Place the halved lobster shells on a baking sheet, cut sides down, and roast until dry, 5 to 6 minutes. Let cool on the baking sheet.
  • Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the shallots and garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the flour and whisk to combine. Cook, stirring constantly with a heavy wooden spoon to make a light roux, about 2 minutes. Add the cognac and cook, stirring, for 10 seconds. Add the milk slowly, stirring constantly to incorporate. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, 2 to 3 minutes. Slowly add the cream, stirring constantly, until all is incorporated. Cook, stirring, over medium heat for 1 minute. (The mixture will be very thick.) Add the salt and pepper and stir well.
  • Remove from the heat and stir in 1/2 cup of the cheese, the mustard, tarragon, and parsley. Fold in the lobster meat. Divide the mixture among the lobster shells and place stuffed side up on a clean baking sheet. Sprinkle the top of each lobster with a portion of the remaining cheese and broil until the top is golden brown, 5 minutes.
  • Place 1 lobster half on each of 4 large plates, garnish with additional parsley, and serve immediately.
  • Place the bay leaf, thyme, parsley sprigs, and peppercorns in the center of a 6-inch square piece of cheesecloth or a large paper coffee filter. Draw up the sides to form a pouch and tie with kitchen twine or unflavored dental floss.

LOBSTER THERMIDOR



Lobster Thermidor image

Provided by Marc Murphy

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

1/2 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup whole yellow or brown mustard seeds
Kosher salt
Four 1 1/2-pound whole Maine lobsters
1 bunch leeks, trimmed and halved lengthwise
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Steps:

  • For the pickled mustard seeds: In a small pot over high heat, bring the white vinegar to a boil. Add the mustard seeds, then immediately remove from the heat and let rest for about 30 minutes. Strain seeds, reserving vinegar for another use. Set aside.
  • For the lobster: Bring a very large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Place the lobsters head first into the water and cook at a rapid boil until bright red, 5 to 6 minutes. Remove the lobsters from the water and set them aside to cool.
  • For the leek stuffing: Slice the leeks into 1-inch pieces and place in a large mixing bowl. Fill the bowl with cold water and, with your hands, agitate the water to dislodge any dirt and grit from the leeks. Let the grit settle to the bottom of the bowl, then use a spider or slotted spoon to gently lift the leeks out of the water and place in a colander set in the sink to drain.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large saute pan over medium heat. Add the butter, leeks, a pinch of salt and a few grinds of pepper. Cook, stirring often, until the leeks are tender, 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in the mustard and red wine vinegar. Remove from the heat and set aside.
  • For the assembly: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
  • Once the lobsters have cooled, cut them in half and take the tail and claw meat out. Cut the meat into bite-size pieces. Set aside.
  • Clean out the entire inside of the lobster shells, discarding the innards and the claw shells. Divide the leeks among the empty lobster shells, then top with the lobster meat. Brush the lobster with the melted butter and finish with some pickled mustard seeds. Bake until heated through, approximately 10 minutes.

CHEF JOHN'S LOBSTER THERMIDOR



Chef John's Lobster Thermidor image

I used a nice light sauce on this iconic special occasion dish--lobster thermidor--rather than the thick, cheesy sauce popular in the '80s. Lobster is sweet and rich tasting on its own, so the lighter sauce makes so much sense. And what's even better, you can prep these ahead of time and just pop them in the oven when your guests arrive!

Provided by Chef John

Categories     Seafood     Shellfish     Lobster

Time 1h

Yield 2

Number Of Ingredients 14

4 (4 ounce) lobster tails
3 tablespoons butter, divided
2 tablespoons minced shallots
Salt, to taste
1 ½ cups diced mushrooms
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons cognac or brandy
½ cup whole milk
2 tablespoons creme fraiche or heavy cream
1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon
Cayenne pepper, to taste
2 teaspoons fine dried bread crumbs
2 teaspoons freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
2 teaspoons melted butter

Steps:

  • Cut bottom shell of lobster tails using kitchen shears along each side where it meets the top shell; do not remove the shell at this point.
  • Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place lobster tails cut side down in the butter. Cook, covered, about 3 minutes. Turn lobster tails over (they are curved so will lean to 1 side); cover and cook 1 minute. Lean them to the other side; cover and cook 1 minute more.
  • Remove from heat. Transfer lobster tails to a bowl. Remove any shell pieces from the skillet.
  • Place 1 tablespoon butter in the skillet over medium heat; add shallots and pinch of salt. Cook and stir until pan starts to deglaze and shallots soften, 3 to 4 minutes. Add mushrooms; cook stir until golden brown, 5 to 6 minutes. Add flour; stir until mushrooms are coated and cook for 2 minutes. Pour in cognac; use a kitchen torch to flame cognac to burn off alcohol. This will take just a few seconds. Add milk; cook and stir until pan is completely deglazed and milk begins to thicken and turn bubbly, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in creme fraiche. Let cool.
  • Remove lobster meat from the shell, leaving top shell intact. Remove any bits of bottom shell from the meat.
  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Line a baking pan with crinkled up foil. Make 4 channel-like indentations in the foil to hold and stabilize the lobster tails as they bake.
  • Slice lobster meat down the middle and check for and remove any dark veins. Chop into 1/2-inch pieces. Transfer meat to a mixing bowl. Add cooled sauce, tarragon, pinch of salt, and cayenne pepper. Stir gently until well blended.
  • Divide mixture among the lobster tail shells; place in prepared foil-lined pan. Sprinkle each lobster tail with about 1/2 teaspoon bread crumbs and 1/2 teaspoon grated cheese. Drizzle melted butter on the stuffed shells.
  • Bake in preheated oven until nicely browned and heated through, about 10 minutes. If you like, you can turn on the broiler and broil 1 minute until tops are golden and crispy.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 590.3 calories, Carbohydrate 13.8 g, Cholesterol 220.2 mg, Fat 35.3 g, Fiber 0.8 g, Protein 41.4 g, SaturatedFat 21.5 g, Sodium 1007.8 mg, Sugar 4.6 g

LOBSTER TAILS THERMIDOR



Lobster Tails Thermidor image

Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

4 (6 to 8-ounce) packaged lobster tails, shell jumbo shrimp or prawns can be substituted
4 tablespoons butter, divided
1 small white onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Splash dry white wine or dry sherry
1/2 cup milk, eyeball it
1/3 cup grated white cheddar
1/2 teaspoon paprika or crab boil seasoning, recommended: Old Bay
2 tablespoons Parmesan
2 tablespoons bread crumbs
Handful parsley leaves mixed with 2 cups baby greens, for plate garnish
Lemon wedges, for garnish

Steps:

  • Bring a pot of water to a boil, 3 or 4 inches deep. Add lobster tails to the water and boil 7 to 8 minutes. Drain and shock under cold water to cool. Use kitchen scissors to cut away soft underside of tails. Remove meat and save the shells, arranging them in a shallow casserole dish. Chop the cooked meat on an angle into chunks.
  • Preheat your broiler to high.
  • Heat a medium skillet and a small saucepot over medium heat. To the small saucepot, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add finely chopped onion and cook 3 to 5 minutes until very soft. To the skillet, add remaining 2 tablespoons butter. When the butter melts, add chopped lobster meat and saute.
  • Add flour to sauce pot with onions and cook together another 1 to 2 minutes. Whisk in wine or sherry, then milk. Remove sauce from heat and stir in cheddar cheese and paprika or crab boil. Season sauce with salt and pepper. Pour sauce over lobster meat and stir to combine. Pour lobster into and over the shells in a casserole dish and top with Parmesan and bread crumbs. Broil on high until golden, 2 or 3 minutes. Serve each tail, spilling over with lobster bits in sauce, on a bed of mixed baby greens and parsley with wedges of lemon along side.
  • To make this dish with jumbo shrimp, cut up peeled, deveined raw shrimp. Saute the shrimp in butter, as with cooked lobster. Cook until pink and firm and proceed with method. Place the shrimp and sauce into a small casserole, then spoon completed shrimp Thermidor over bed of greens and parsley leaves.

LOBSTER THERMIDOR



Lobster Thermidor image

Categories     Milk/Cream     Egg     Mushroom     Broil     Lobster     Boil     Gourmet

Yield Makes 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 (1 1/2-lb) live lobsters
1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
1/4 lb mushrooms, trimmed and thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons medium-dry Sherry
1 cup heavy cream, scalded
2 large egg yolks

Steps:

  • Plunge lobsters headfirst into an 8-quart pot of boiling salted water*. Loosely cover pot and cook lobsters over moderately high heat 9 minutes from time they enter water, then transfer with tongs to sink to cool.
  • When lobsters are cool enough to handle, twist off claws and crack them, then remove meat. Halve lobsters lengthwise with kitchen shears, beginning from tail end, then remove tail meat, reserving shells. Cut all lobster meat into 1/4-inch pieces. Discard any remaining lobster innards, then rinse and dry shells.
  • Heat butter in a 2-quart heavy saucepan over moderate heat until foam subsides, then cook mushrooms, stirring, until liquid that mushrooms give off is evaporated and they begin to brown, about 5 minutes. Add lobster meat, paprika, salt, and pepper and reduce heat to low. Cook, shaking pan gently, 1 minute. Add 1 tablespoon Sherry and 1/2 cup hot cream and simmer 5 minutes.
  • Whisk together yolks and remaining tablespoon Sherry in a small bowl. Slowly pour remaining 1/2 cup hot cream into yolks, whisking constantly, and transfer to a small heavy saucepan. Cook custard over very low heat, whisking constantly, until it is slightly thickened and registers 160°F on an instant-read thermometer. Add custard to lobster mixture, stirring gently.
  • Preheat broiler.
  • Arrange lobster shells, cut sides up, in a shallow baking pan and spoon lobster with some of sauce into shells. Broil lobsters 6 inches from heat until golden brown, 4 to 5 minutes. Serve remaining sauce on the side.
  • When salting water for cooking, use 1 tablespoon salt for every 4 quarts water.

Tips:

  • Select high-quality lobster tails: Choose fresh or frozen lobster tails that are firm and have a vibrant, reddish-brown color. Avoid tails that are discolored or have a slimy texture.
  • Thaw lobster tails properly: If using frozen lobster tails, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water for about 30 minutes. Never thaw lobster tails at room temperature, as this can promote bacterial growth.
  • Remove the lobster meat from the shell: Use kitchen shears to cut through the top of the lobster shell and remove the meat in one piece. Be careful not to cut yourself on the sharp edges of the shell.
  • Cook the lobster tails perfectly: The ideal internal temperature for cooked lobster meat is 145 degrees Fahrenheit (63 degrees Celsius). Overcooked lobster becomes tough and chewy, so be careful not to overcook it.
  • Make the Thermidor sauce: The Thermidor sauce is a classic French sauce made with a base of butter, flour, and white wine. It is typically enriched with cream, egg yolks, and a variety of seasonings, such as shallots, garlic, and paprika.
  • Serve the lobster tails immediately: Lobster tails are best served immediately after cooking, while they are still hot and juicy. You can garnish them with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, and serve them with a side of your favorite vegetables or rice.

Conclusion:

Lobster tails Thermidor is a luxurious and delicious dish that is perfect for special occasions. With its tender, succulent lobster meat and rich, creamy sauce, this dish is sure to impress your guests. By following the tips and instructions provided in this recipe, you can easily create a restaurant-quality lobster tails Thermidor at home. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in a culinary masterpiece!

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