Lemon Butter Lobster Risotto Recipe
This Lemon Butter Lobster Risotto is a luxurious and creamy dish combining succulent lobster meat infused with garlic and lemon, tender Arborio rice cooked to a perfect creamy consistency, and finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs. The risotto strikes a beautiful balance between buttery richness and bright, citrusy notes, making it a perfect elegant meal for seafood lovers.
- Author: Ruby
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
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)
- Prepare the Lobster: If using fresh lobster tails, bring a pot of salted water to a gentle boil and cook the lobster for 5-7 minutes until the shells turn bright red. Remove and let them cool slightly before removing the meat from the shells. Chop the lobster meat into bite-sized pieces. In a small pan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic, then lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the chopped lobster and sauté for 2-3 minutes until lightly golden and infused with flavor. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Start the Risotto Base: In a large skillet or heavy-bottomed pan, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook another 30 seconds. Add Arborio rice and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until the grains are lightly toasted.
- Add the Liquids Gradually: Pour in the white wine (or substitute broth) and stir until mostly absorbed to enhance flavor. Begin adding the warm broth ½ cup at a time, stirring frequently and allowing each addition to be absorbed before adding more. Continue this process for about 20 minutes until the rice is creamy and tender but slightly al dente.
- Finish the Risotto: Remove the pan from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese, remaining butter, lemon zest, and the sautéed lobster meat. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, black pepper, or lemon juice as desired for brightness.
- Serve and Enjoy: Spoon the risotto onto plates or bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley, extra lemon zest, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve immediately to enjoy the creamy, buttery, and citrusy flavors of this elegant Lemon Butter Lobster Risotto.
Notes
- Use seafood broth for a more intense seafood flavor, or chicken broth as a mild alternative.
- If you prefer no alcohol, omit the white wine and replace with an equal amount of broth without loss of flavor.
- Be sure to stir the risotto frequently to release the starch for a creamy consistency.
- Fresh lobster tails can be replaced with pre-cooked lobster meat to save time.
- Adjust salt and lemon juice to taste at the end for perfect balancing of flavors.
Keywords: Lemon Butter Lobster Risotto, Lobster Risotto, Creamy Risotto, Seafood Risotto, Italian Seafood Recipe, Butter Lobster, Arborio Rice, Lemon Risotto