Lobster is the ultimate seafood indulgence, perfect for special occasions or when you want to elevate your dinner. From classic preparations to creative twists, these lobster recipes showcase the sweet, tender meat in a variety of mouthwatering ways. Whether grilled, steamed, or turned into a creamy dish, lobster never disappoints. Here are 20 of the best lobster meals to try at home.
1. Butter Poached Lobster Tails
This luxurious dish features lobster tails gently poached in melted butter for ultimate tenderness and flavor.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- 4 lobster tails (6-8 oz each)
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
- Using kitchen shears, cut the top of the lobster shell down the center and gently pull the meat out, resting it on top of the shell.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over low heat. Add garlic and lemon juice.
- Add the lobster tails, meat side down, and poach gently for 8-10 minutes, basting frequently, until the meat is opaque and cooked through.
- Season with salt and pepper, garnish with parsley, and serve immediately with extra butter sauce.
2. Grilled Lobster Tails with Garlic Parmesan Butter
Grilling adds a smoky flavor to the sweet lobster, enhanced with a rich garlic parmesan butter.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- 4 lobster tails
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges
Instructions:
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Split the lobster tails in half lengthwise.
- Mix melted butter, garlic, Parmesan, and parsley.
- Brush the lobster meat generously with the butter mixture.
- Grill flesh side down for 5 minutes, then flip and grill shell side for another 4-5 minutes, basting often.
- Serve with lemon wedges.
3. Classic Lobster Bisque
A rich, creamy soup made from lobster shells and meat for deep flavor.
Ingredients (Serves 6):
- 2 lobsters (1.5 lbs each), cooked and meat removed
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1/2 cup sherry
- 4 cups seafood stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Thyme sprigs
Instructions:
- Crush lobster shells and sauté in butter with vegetables until fragrant.
- Add tomato paste, cook 2 minutes, then deglaze with sherry.
- Add stock and thyme, simmer 45 minutes.
- Strain, blend smooth, return to pot, add cream and chopped lobster meat.
- Simmer gently, season, and serve hot.
4. New England Lobster Roll
The iconic chilled lobster salad in a toasted bun – simple and perfect.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- 1 lb cooked lobster meat, chopped
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper
- 4 split-top hot dog buns
- Butter for toasting
Instructions:
- Mix lobster, mayo, celery, lemon juice, salt, and pepper gently.
- Butter and toast buns until golden.
- Fill buns generously with lobster mixture.
- Serve with chips or fries.
5. Herb Grilled Whole Lobster
Whole lobsters grilled with fresh herbs for a smoky, aromatic feast.
Ingredients (Serves 2):
- 2 live lobsters (1.5 lbs each)
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic
- Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, rosemary)
- Lemon zest and juice
Instructions:
- Humanely dispatch lobsters and split in half lengthwise.
- Mix oil, garlic, herbs, lemon.
- Brush liberally on lobster.
- Grill cut side down 5 minutes, flip and grill 5-7 more.
- Baste throughout and serve hot.
6. Creamy Lobster Linguine
Pasta tossed with lobster in a rich cream sauce – pure comfort.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- 1 lb linguine
- 2 lobster tails, meat removed and chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 4 cloves garlic
- Parmesan cheese
- Parsley
Instructions:
- Cook pasta al dente.
- Sauté garlic in butter, add wine and reduce.
- Add cream, simmer, then lobster meat.
- Toss with pasta, top with Parmesan and parsley.
7. Lobster Thermidor
A French classic: lobster in creamy sauce, topped with cheese and broiled.
Ingredients (Serves 2):
- 2 cooked lobsters
- 1 cup béchamel sauce
- 1/4 cup mustard
- Grated Gruyere cheese
- Brandy or sherry
Instructions:
- Remove lobster meat, chop.
- Mix with sauce, mustard, brandy.
- Stuff back into shells, top with cheese.
- Broil until golden and bubbly.
8. Steamed Whole Lobster
The simplest and purest way to enjoy lobster's natural flavor.
Ingredients (Serves 2):
- 2 live lobsters
- Sea salt
- Melted butter
- Lemon wedges
Instructions:
- Bring 2 inches of salted water to boil in a large pot.
- Add lobsters, cover tightly.
- Steam 12-15 minutes for 1.5 lb lobsters.
- Serve with butter and lemon.
9. Fresh Lobster Salad
Light and refreshing, perfect for summer meals.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- 1 lb lobster meat
- Mixed greens
- Avocado, tomatoes, cucumber
- Lemon vinaigrette
Instructions:
- Chop lobster meat.
- Toss greens and veggies.
- Top with lobster, drizzle dressing.
- Serve chilled.
10. Broiled Buttery Lobster Tails
Quick and elegant with a crispy top from broiling.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- 4 lobster tails
- 1/2 cup butter
- Paprika, garlic powder
Instructions:
- Butterfly tails.
- Brush with seasoned butter.
- Broil 8-10 minutes until done.
11. Lobster Mac and Cheese
Decadent comfort food with chunks of lobster in creamy, cheesy pasta.
Ingredients (Serves 6):
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 1 lb cooked lobster meat, chopped
- 4 cups shredded cheddar and Gruyere
- 3 cups milk
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup flour
- Breadcrumbs for topping
Instructions:
- Cook pasta al dente.
- Make béchamel with butter, flour, milk; add cheese.
- Fold in lobster and pasta.
- Top with breadcrumbs, bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
12. Lobster Ravioli in Cream Sauce
Tender ravioli filled with lobster, served in a luxurious sauce.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- Store-bought or homemade lobster ravioli
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- Butter, garlic, parmesan
- Fresh basil
Instructions:
- Boil ravioli according to package.
- Sauté garlic in butter, add cream and tomato, simmer.
- Toss ravioli in sauce, top with parmesan and basil.
13. Lobster Tacos
Fresh and fun twist with lobster in soft tortillas.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- 1 lb lobster meat, chopped
- 8 corn tortillas
- Avocado, cabbage slaw, lime crema
- Cilantro, lime
Instructions:
- Warm tortillas.
- Mix lobster with lime juice and seasoning.
- Fill tortillas with lobster, slaw, avocado, crema.
- Garnish with cilantro.
14. Creamy Lobster Risotto
Rich, creamy rice dish infused with lobster flavor.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- 1 lb lobster meat
- 1.5 cups Arborio rice
- 5 cups lobster or seafood stock
- White wine, onion, parmesan
Instructions:
- Sauté onion, add rice, toast.
- Add wine, then ladle hot stock gradually, stirring.
- Fold in lobster and parmesan at end.
15. Lobster Newburg
Classic creamy dish with lobster in sherry-spiked sauce.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- 1 lb lobster meat
- Heavy cream, egg yolks, sherry
- Butter, paprika
Instructions:
- Sauté lobster in butter.
- Add sherry, reduce.
- Stir in cream and tempered yolks, thicken.
- Serve over toast.
16. Lobster Eggs Benedict
Luxurious brunch with poached eggs and lobster on English muffins.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- 4 English muffins
- 1 lb lobster meat
- 8 poached eggs
- Hollandaise sauce
Instructions:
- Toast muffins.
- Top with warmed lobster.
- Add poached eggs, drizzle hollandaise.
17. Lobster Curry
Exotic spiced curry with tender lobster pieces.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- 2 lobsters, meat removed
- Coconut milk, curry paste
- Onion, garlic, ginger, tomatoes
Instructions:
- Sauté aromatics and curry paste.
- Add coconut milk, simmer.
- Add lobster, cook briefly.
- Serve with rice.
18. Baked Stuffed Lobster
Whole lobster stuffed with seafood mixture and baked.
Ingredients (Serves 2):
- 2 whole lobsters
- Crabmeat, shrimp, breadcrumbs
- Butter, herbs
Instructions:
- Split lobsters, remove meat partially.
- Mix stuffing with seafood and binders.
- Stuff and bake at 400°F for 20 minutes.
19. Lobster Sushi Roll
Fusion roll with lobster, avocado, and spicy mayo.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- Cooked lobster meat
- Sushi rice, nori
- Avocado, cucumber
- Spicy mayo
Instructions:
- Spread rice on nori.
- Add lobster and veggies.
- Roll tightly, slice.
- Drizzle with sauce.
20. Lobster Chowder
Hearty soup with potatoes, corn, and lobster chunks.
Ingredients (Serves 6):
- 1 lb lobster meat
- Potatoes, corn, bacon
- Cream, stock
- Onion, celery
Instructions:
- Cook bacon, sauté veggies.
- Add potatoes and stock, simmer.
- Add cream, corn, lobster.
- Season and serve.
These 20 lobster recipes offer a range of flavors and preparations to suit any taste. Enjoy cooking and savoring these luxurious seafood dishes!