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French Lobster Thermidor Recipe

4.4 from 52 reviews

French Lobster Thermidor is a classic French dish featuring tender lobster meat cooked in a rich, creamy sauce with shallots, mushrooms, white wine, and Parmesan cheese, finished under the broiler for a golden, bubbly top. This elegant recipe delivers a luxurious seafood experience perfect for special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Seafood

  • 2 live lobsters (1.5 pounds each)

Sauce

  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 shallots, finely chopped
  • 1 cup cremini mushrooms, sliced
  • ½ cup dry white wine
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Lobsters: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the live lobsters and cook for 8-10 minutes until the shells turn bright red. Remove the lobsters and allow them to cool slightly before cracking open the shells.
  2. Prepare the Sauce Base: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the finely chopped shallots and sauté until translucent, about 2 minutes. Then add the sliced cremini mushrooms and cook until tender.
  3. Deglaze and Simmer: Pour the dry white wine into the skillet and simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to reduce by half. Stir in the heavy cream and cook for approximately 3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
  4. Combine Lobster Meat: Remove the lobster meat from the shells and chop into bite-sized pieces. Fold the lobster meat into the creamy sauce along with the paprika and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Broil the Lobster Thermidor: Preheat your broiler. Clean the lobster shells thoroughly and fill them with the lobster mixture. Top with the remaining Parmesan cheese. Place under the broiler for 3-5 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Notes

  • Make sure to handle the live lobsters carefully when cooking and shelling.
  • You can use other types of mushrooms such as button if cremini are unavailable.
  • Serve immediately to enjoy the dish while the cheese topping is warm and bubbly.
  • Fresh parsley adds a nice color and fresh flavor; feel free to garnish extra on the finished dish.
  • If you prefer a less rich dish, reduce the amount of cream or substitute with half-and-half.

Keywords: Lobster Thermidor, French seafood recipe, creamy lobster dish, broiled lobster, gourmet lobster recipe