Lobster Thermidor
Description
Lobster Thermidor is the epitome of elegant comfort food. This classic French dish transforms succulent lobster meat into a luxurious experience by combining it with a velvety sauce made from reduced sherry, Dijon mustard, and cream. The mixture is stuffed back into the lobster shells and finished under the broiler with a layer of sharp Gruyre or Parmesan cheese, creating a irresistible crispy, golden crust. It pairs beautifully with the earthy depth of sauted mushrooms. Perfect for romantic dinners, special anniversaries, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with sophisticated flavors and textures. While it requires a bit of careful preparation, the result is a restaurant-quality centerpiece that feels both indulgent and timeless.Ingredients
Directions
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Boil the lobsters until cooked through, then remove the meat from the shells, keeping the shells clean and reserved for serving.
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Chop the lobster meat into bite-sized pieces and dice the fresh mushrooms.
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Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
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Saut the lobster meat and sliced mushrooms in the butter for about 5 minutes until mushrooms are tender.
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Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
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Pour in the sherry and allow it to braise and reduce for 2 minutes.
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Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir constantly to blend it in, cooking for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
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Slowly stir in the milk or cream, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
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Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the diced Cheddar cheese until melted.
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Temper the egg yolks by slowly stirring a small amount of the hot sauce into them, then blend the yolk mixture back into the main sauce.
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Spoon the creamy lobster mixture back into the reserved lobster shells.
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Sprinkle the top of each shell with Parmesan cheese and a dash of paprika.
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Place the filled shells under a preheated broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching closely, until the tops are golden brown and bubbly.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 2
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 104.5kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 6.6g11%
- Saturated Fat 3.9g20%
- Cholesterol 62.1mg21%
- Sodium 199.6mg9%
- Total Carbohydrate 0.9g1%
- Dietary Fiber 0.3g2%
- Sugars 0.6g
- Protein 10.4g21%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
For best results, use fresh lobster if possible, but high-quality frozen lobster meat can be substituted for convenience.
If you prefer a richer sauce, substitute half-and-half or heavy cream for the milk.
Dijon mustard is a traditional ingredient in Thermidor sauce; consider adding 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the sauce for an authentic flavor profile.
Be careful when broiling to prevent the cheese from burning. Keep a close eye on the dish as broilers vary in intensity.
Serve immediately with a side of asparagus, green beans, or a light salad to balance the richness of the dish.
If preparing ahead, you can assemble the dish and refrigerate it before broiling, but add an extra minute or two to the broiling time to ensure it is heated through.
