Lobster may historically have been considered a working-class fisherman’s food, but these days the rich crustacean symbolizes the height of luxury. “If you want to make a meal that shows visitors that you really pulled out all the stops, lobster is the way to go,” said Maine Lobster Now. Even better, lobster is pretty easy to cook and mild in flavor, so it pairs well with a wide variety of accompaniments. These five show-stopping recipes make use of lobster’s versatility and are so delicious that your guests won’t be able to stop eating.
Butter Poached Lobster Tails
The most traditional way to serve lobster is to simply boil it and serve it with a side of melted butter. This method is alright, but it’s even better if you actually cook the lobster in butter instead of just adding butter at the end. Cooking lobster slowly in pure melted butter lets it soak up as much flavor as possible. Finish with a handful of fresh herbs to add some freshness.
Lobster Stew with a Pastry Lid
This recipe tastes like the fanciest pot pie you’ve ever had. Lobster is combined with cooked vegetables and crème fraiche to make a luscious filling, and then topped with a crust of butter, egg and flour. The contrast between crunchy topping and soft filling makes this dish sing.
Lobster Macaroni and Cheese
Although combining shellfish and cheese is traditionally a no-no in haute cuisine, this pairing of comfort food and fancy ingredients makes it work beautifully. The addition of shallots and tomato paste to the cheese sauce helps meld its flavor with chunks of lightly cooked lobster.
Lobster Newburg
Newburg is one of America’s oldest lobster preparations. Diners eating at the best restaurants in the country 150 years ago could reliably expect to see this rich casserole of lobster chunks, cream, brandy and eggs on the menu. This recipe from Martha Stewart updates the classic Newburg by adding leeks, tarragon, and tomato paste to bring some fresh acidity to a dish that can sometimes be too rich for modern palates.
Lobster and Chorizo Paella
Paella, the classic Spanish dish of rice, vegetables and protein cooked together in a shallow pan, is a great way to showcase the flavor of any kind of fresh seafood. In this version, spicy, fatty chorizo sausage balances the light sweetness of lobster and adds tasty fat. Make sure to give every guest a piece of the socarrat, the crispy layer of browned rice that forms on the bottom of the pan while the paella is cooking.
