1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Lobster Butter Risotto

Rich Lobster Rice Dish

Featured in Dinner Solutions You'll Love.

Take your meal to the next level with juicy lobster gently bathed in butter, matched with smooth parmesan risotto. A fancy yet achievable option for unforgettable dining.

Pin it Share it Send it Print it Jump To Recipe
Hannah Author
Updated on Sat, 29 Mar 2025 10:25:15 GMT
Close-up of tender lobster tails on creamy parmesan risotto, topped with parsley bits. Pin it
Close-up of tender lobster tails on creamy parmesan risotto, topped with parsley bits. | recipesbyhannah.com

Decadent Lobster and Risotto

I came up with this fancy meal during a Valentine's Day cooking session at home. The trick is slowly cooking tender lobster chunks in melted butter before putting them on top of smooth, homemade risotto. Each bite feels absolutely heavenly.

Time Well Spent

An Italian chef taught me this method during my trip to Venice. The butter makes the lobster taste amazing while the risotto sucks up all the yummy sauces. I love seeing the look on people's faces when they try this impressive dish for the first time.

Shopping List

  • Lobster tails: 8 thawed fresh works best though frozen is fine too.
  • Butter: 1 cup plus 2 tbsp treat yourself to European style if you can.
  • Arborio rice: 1 cup don't try using other types.
  • Chicken broth: 4 cups making your own really boosts the taste.
  • Parmesan cheese: ½ cup grate it fresh for best results.
  • Onion and garlic: 1 small onion 3 cloves garlic to build flavor.
  • Smoked paprika: Just a pinch my special addition.
  • Lemon: 1 fresh to add some zing.
  • Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp gives it that final burst of color.

Cooking Time

Start the Risotto:
Have your broth warm and ready. Melt butter cook onion garlic until they're soft and fragrant.
Rice Magic:
Brown the rice then take your time. Gradually pour broth keep stirring for about 25 minutes until it's creamy. Mix in parmesan at the end.
Lobster Love:
Boil briefly then cool in ice water to keep it soft. Heat butter add paprika then gently cook those gorgeous tails just right.
Bring it Together:
Put the creamy risotto in warm bowls top with buttery lobster pour some of that golden butter over everything.
Final Touch:
Sprinkle fresh parsley squeeze lemon on top.
A close-up of two grilled lobster tails garnished with parsley, resting on a bed of creamy risotto. Pin it
A close-up of two grilled lobster tails garnished with parsley, resting on a bed of creamy risotto. | recipesbyhannah.com

My Inside Tricks

Using homemade stock really makes this dish special. Don't overcook the lobster while it's in the butter or it'll get rubbery. Try sipping some cold Chablis while you're stirring the risotto it makes the process more fun.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How can I tell if lobster is perfectly poached?

The meat will feel firm, look opaque, and spring back a little when pressed. Be careful not to cook it beyond 1.5 minutes, or it gets chewy.

→ Can I prep risotto ahead?

It’s best fresh, but you can half-cook it earlier and finish it when ready to eat. Add hot broth during reheat to keep it smooth.

→ Any tricks for flawless risotto?

Use warm broth, add it gradually, and stir often. Aim for a creamy mixture, but ensure the rice has a slight firmness left.

→ Which wine works best with this meal?

Pick a sharp white like Chablis or Chardonnay. The buttery flavors pair beautifully with lobster and risotto.

→ Is it okay to swap the lobster out?

Lobster’s the highlight here, but feel free to use large shrimp or even scallops instead. Just reduce their cooking time to avoid overcooking.

Lobster Butter Risotto

Delicate lobster cooked in buttery goodness, paired with rich and creamy parmesan risotto. A refined choice for special meals.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Difficult

Cuisine: French

Yield: 4 Servings (1 dish)

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 8 lobster tails.
02 1 small onion, diced.
03 ½ cup Parmesan cheese.
04 2 tbsp parsley, chopped.
05 1 cup butter.
06 Sea salt.
07 Black pepper.
08 1 lemon.
09 4 cups chicken broth.
10 3 garlic cloves, minced.
11 1 cup Arborio rice.
12 Smoked paprika.
13 2 tbsp butter.

Instructions

Step 01

In a pot, warm the broth on the stove.

Step 02

Cook garlic and onion in butter until softened.

Step 03

Toss the rice into the pan and let it brown for 2-3 minutes.

Step 04

Pour in small amounts of hot broth and stir continuously till absorbed. Cook for about 20-25 minutes for a creamy texture.

Step 05

Add the Parmesan and mix well.

Step 06

Cook lobster in boiling water for 7 minutes. Cool in ice water, then remove shells.

Step 07

Combine butter with spices and let it melt.

Step 08

Poach lobster in the spiced butter for 1-1.5 minutes.

Step 09

Spoon risotto onto a plate, place lobster on top, drizzle the butter sauce, and garnish with lemon.

Notes

  1. Making your own broth boosts the flavor.
  2. Slowly poaching the lobster keeps it soft and juicy.

Tools You'll Need

  • Big pot for boiling.
  • Pan for risotto.
  • Smaller pot for butter poaching.
  • Ladle for scooping broth.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Shellfish.
  • Dairy.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 890
  • Total Fat: 58 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 42 g
  • Protein: 48 g